Suffolk Downs (Images of Sports Series) »

Christian Teja is the director of public and media relations at Suffolk Downs and president of the New England Turf Writers Association. He is a graduate of Boston College.

Since opening on July 10, 1935, Suffolk Downs has played host to some of Thoroughbred racing's greatest champions, including Triple Crown winners War Admiral, Whirlaway, and Assault, as well as other greats such as Seabiscuit, John Henry, and Cigar. In addition to these legendary horses, hall of fame jockeys George Woolf, Johnny Longden, Eddie Arcaro, Chris McCarron, Angel Cordero, and Jerry Bailey have all competed at the East Boston oval. The signature race at Suffolk Downs, the Massachusetts Handicap, maintains a prominent date on the Boston sports calendar. The list of heralded visitors to Suffolk Downs is in no way limited to the racing world. Entertainer Bing Crosby and television star Rin Tin Tin have made appearances, and the Beatles performed their final Boston show at Suffolk Downs in 1966. Through nearly two hundred images, Suffolk Downs revisits these monumental racehorses, personalities, and events.