Town enjoys a place in the winner’s circle

Jockey Orlando Bocachica rode three winners on Saturday’s nine-race card at Suffolk Downs as the track celebrated Winthrop Day, the fifth of eight Commitment to Community days honoring individuals and organizations that make a positive difference in eight area cities and towns.

Bocachica began his triple in the third race with a front-running victory aboard favored Bold Ballado ($3.80). In the sixth race, he guided Jackie Lad ($6.20) to a 13 3/4 length score and followed that up with an 8 1/4 length win aboard Email ($6.60) in the seventh. He currently tops the jockey standings with 45 wins. It was his second consecutive three-win day. Prior to the day’s first race, 9-year-old Winthrop resident McKayla Norris sang the national anthem. She will be entering the fourth grade at the Cummings School.

The following Winthrop organizations were recognized in the track’s Community Winner’s Circle: Viking Pride Foundation, Winthrop Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Winthrop Council on Aging, Winthrop CASA, WINARC and Winthrop Community Access Television.

The Community Winner’s Circle was established last year by Suffolk Downs in a continuation of the track’s long-standing community outreach program. Each Community Winner’s Circle honoree is recognized by the track in a post-race winner’s circle ceremony and with a contribution to their cause.

Winthrop resident Anthony Atkins was recognized as Suffolk Downs Employee of the Month for May. Atkins is a member of the AlliedBarton security team at the track. He joined the security staff as an officer two years ago and quickly earned a promotion to supervisor. A dedicated and disciplined employee, Atkins is an accomplished supervisor who is respected by patrons, his colleagues, and the entire Suffolk Downs community.

The Winthrop Jam Band delighted the crowd with a wide assortment of classic rock hits. Founded in March 2008 by Director Rob Mahoney, the Jam Band is composed entirely of children from Winthrop. Band members include lead singer Meg Dolan, guitarists Jacob Lloyd, Sean Egan and Brian Manning, drummer Gerry Driscoll, electronic pianists Forrest Eimold and Abby Lloyd, bass guitarist and drummer Dan Manning, and saxophonist and percussionist Charlie Gosselin. Michael Mahoney and Walter Egan are the sound engineers.

On Aug. 22, East Boston Day will be capped off by a performance by renowned R&B artist Kool & The Gang. Tickets for the concert are $10 each with all sales to benefit local organizations. Tickets may be purchased directly from any of the six Winthrop Day Community Winner’s Circle honorees. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.