This weekend features the last running of thoroughbred horse racing at Suffolk Downs as live racing ends there on Sunday.
"This is our last time racing live here, but the facility will remain open and we are looking into hopefully revitalizing horse racing in Great Barrington and refurbishing the fairgrounds there," said Jessica Paquette of Suffolk Downs.
Tammi Piermarini rode her first race at Suffolk Downs back in 1985. She has been all over the country but says Suffolk is special because it's home.
"It's sad, it really really is sad," she said. "I wish it was open. I wish we found a way to have races here in Mass."
Suffolk Downs has had an 84-year run with a history of famous horses and people coming through the track.
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The Beatles played their last North American show at the track, while some of the greatest horses in history ran there – including Seabiscuit, Whirl Away, and Cigar.
On this final weekend, long time spectators like Peabody resident Steve DeMarco are saying their goodbyes.
"It's a sad day. This place has been here a long time," he said.
"I've run into people I saw 20 to 25 years ago, which is great."
One family wanted to be at Suffolk Downs as a tribute to their dad, who used to spend a lot of time there.
"We are here to remember him," said Debra Strandberg of East Boston.
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