The summer Grand National racing season starts in earnest this weekend when the series visits Springfield, Illinois, for the Memorial Day doubleheader weekend. In honor of the race, here’s a three-year-old photo from Springfield. It shows Steve Murray (No. 51) leading a tightly-packed group of riders that includes Jared Mees (No. 21), Jason Tyer (No. 12) and Bugs Pearson (27). The Springfield Mile traditionally features some of the closest racing of the Grand National season and the Memorial Day weekend event marks the start of the event-rich summer racing season.

Steve Murray (No. 51) leading a tightly-packed group of riders that includes Jared Mees (No. 21), Jason Tyer (No. 12) and Bugs Pearson (27) on the Springfield Mile in 2008. The Memorial Day weekend Springfield Doubleheader takes place this weekend. (Larry Lawrence photo)