The New York State town of Yaphank, with a population of just under 6,000, is located in Suffolk County and was the home of the Long Island Parr Meadows Racecourse which was also known in a period of its history as Suffolk Meadows. The track was originally named Suffolk Meadows, but when financial problems occurred in the development stage, the track had to be bailed out by Ron Parr, and his Parr Organization, and he rightly expected the track to be named in his honour. The 5 furlong oval quarter horse track, complete with 402 metre chute, on a 65 acre site, held its inaugural meeting on 19th May 1977 and boasted a massive capacity of 25,000 in its grandstand, with the facilities to stable 800 horses. It was reported that a crowd approaching 15,000 were present on launch day. It was a sufficient distance of 50 away from its more illustrious neighbour, Belmont Park, to make it a viable proposition. In total it ran for an unbroken 113 ay period before struggling financially. Racing at the track ceased for a good while before returning, as Suffolk Meadows, in May 1986 and raced for a further 86 days prior to the final meeting on 18th October 1986. The track buildings have now been demolished, although the site remains to be developed. |
