The track sat on land just west of the Ten Mile River which Roger Williams traveled down after being banished from Massachusetts in 1636.
Fair Knightess, who had gained notoriety for her Massachusetts Handicap battle with Seabiscuit, won the race in 1937 and was soon purchased by Charles S. Howard.
From 1941 to 1948 the added money event was held at this distance and drew top handicap horses, owners, trainers and jockeys to the track.
He proceeded to win four big races of the Midwest, set a new world record for the mile (1:34), and was named Handicap Horse of the Year.
Red Head Stable's Blue Dare, with Paul Bohenko up, won the race by a length and a half in the mud at 8−1 on the tote board.