Spirit of Massachusetts set to return to Plainridge Park with record purses
- July 17, 2026
- by Connor Donahue
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The Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and Clara Barton Distaff Pace return to Plainridge Park Casino this Sunday, July 19, with the first race’s post time set for 2 p.m. As always, a team from the MGC Racing Division will be on-site to oversee licensing, testing, and race-day compliance for the Commonwealth’s only Standardbred track.
This year brings the richest purses in the event’s history: the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot has been bumped from $250,000 to $300,000, and the Clara Barton Pace jumps from $100,000 to $150,000. These increases can be credited to a healthy purse account and a new agreement with the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England.
“With the purse increases this year, we’re seeing an even deeper and more competitive field come to Plainridge,” said MGC Racing Division Director and Chief Veterinarian Alex Lightbown. “It’s a great day for racing, and it means a lot of work behind the scenes for our team to make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Wednesday’s draw set seven trotters for the Trot, including defending champion Up Your Deo, who is returning after pulling off a stunning upset in last year’s race. Six mares drew into the Clara Barton, headlined by recently anointed Dan Patch Older Pacing Mare of the Year Twin B Joe Fresh, who’s won her last two starts and is closing in on $3 million in career earnings.
Sunday’s card has the Clara Barton going as race seven with an estimated 4 p.m. post, followed by the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot in race eight at approximately 4:20 p.m.
For more information on Sunday’s events, please visit Plainridge Park Casino’s website.