East Boston, MA (My Sportsbook) - Suffolk Downs Racecourse has once again decided not to conduct its premier stakes race, the $500,000 Massachusetts Handicap (MassCap). Track officials announced Friday that the current economic downturn has necessitated the cancellation.

Last year's edition was captured by odds-on favorite Commentator by 14-lengths and was part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" program.

"It's a difficult decision because it means so much to the loyal racing fans of New England and to everyone at the track," said Suffolk Downs principal shareholder Richard Fields, "but our partnership does not think we can responsibly incur the expense of the MassCap when we are fighting to save jobs and maintain current purse levels for the horsemen who are here every day.

"Like so many businesses and families in the Boston area and throughout the country that are tightening their belts to weather the current economic storm, we have also been forced to make some difficult choices. We hope this is a temporary setback and that the local fans will continue to support our efforts to enhance racing in Massachusetts."

The 1 1/8 mile MassCap was given Grade III status for this year by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

"We are disappointed that there will be no MassCap this year," said Al Balestra, president of the New England Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association," but Suffolk Downs ownership raised purse levels in 2007 and has been working hard to maintain them and to support our horsemen and local farms despite tough economic conditions."

Most recently, the MassCap was not run in 2005 and 2006. Brass Hat took the 2007 renewal. It was also suspended in 2003.