Chris T.: A Firsthand Perspective on Horse Racing, Economic Growth, and the Future of Farming
Chris T. is no stranger to hard work and dedication. As a Harvard graduate, Cornell MBA, and CPA, he has built a career in finance while remaining deeply involved in his lifelong passion—horse racing. With over 20 years as a certified horse owner, Chris is more than just a spectator; he is hands-on in the stables, on the track, and on the farm, fully immersed in the sport and the community that surrounds it.
For Chris, The Fairgrounds project is more than just a racetrack—it’s an economic lifeline.
Revitalizing Forgotten Areas
Chris strongly believes that The Fairgrounds will bring jobs and economic stability to ex-urban areas that have been overlooked for too long. “It will give economic opportunity to the ex-urban areas that have been forgotten,” he explains. In a world where automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly replacing traditional jobs, farms remain one of the few places where human labor is irreplaceable.
“Jobs today are being taken over by AI and robots,” Chris says. “Farming and horse care give job opportunities to people—these jobs can never be replaced by a robot or AI. That’s why I support this project. It’s about job security and keeping opportunities available for hardworking individuals.”
A Sport Built on Passion and Integrity
Chris is not just an advocate for the economic benefits of horse racing—he lives and breathes the sport. After spending two decades in the industry, he has firsthand experience of the level of dedication, care, and respect that goes into horse racing.
“In 20 years, I have never seen anyone mistreat a horse or participate in anything unethical,” he says. “I have only seen hardworking, dedicated, caring, and emotionally invested people. Every day, I witnessed how well the horses were treated.”
He understands that those who have never set foot in a stable might assume otherwise, but he assures them that their assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. “This sport is filled with people who truly love and respect their horses. It’s not just a job—it’s a way of life.”
A Man Who Kept His Word
Chris also remembers Richard Fields from the Suffolk Downs days, where he saw firsthand the effort Fields put into keeping Massachusetts’ racing industry alive. “I remember him well. He tried his hardest to keep Suffolk Downs going.”
Unlike many in the business world, Fields had a reputation for honesty and follow-through. “When he promised something, he delivered. What he said he would do, he did.” Chris recalls that Fields was a reliable leader who created jobs, never overpromised, and always followed through on his commitments.
The Future of Horse Racing in Massachusetts
Chris knows that The Fairgrounds project isn’t just about bringing horse racing back—it’s about securing jobs, supporting farming, and revitalizing communities. With decades of experience in the industry, he has seen firsthand the positive impact that racing has on local economies.
For him, the message is clear: Horse racing is a sport of passion, economic opportunity, and integrity. And with the right leadership and support, it can continue to uplift communities, create jobs, and keep a rich agricultural tradition alive.
