Suffolk Downs in East Boston will hold three live horse racing events this summer.

Two-day racing cards will be presented July 9-10, Aug. 6-7, and Sept. 3-4, the track announced Thursday. Suffolk Downs also said live racing would be held in 2017, and an agreement with the New England horsemen’s association includes an option for racing in 2018.

Suffolk Downs closed as a full-time live racing venue in 2014. It remains open for simulcasting and did hold some live racing in 2015.

“We are very appreciative of the support we received from local horsemen and the local horse racing fans,’’ Suffolk CEO Chip Tuttle said.

“We are looking forward to building on that momentum this year and we are happy we are able to help preserve racing here while we continue to explore our options for developing the property.’’

Suffolk Downs will simulcast the Kentucky Derby on Saturday and will begin accepting wagers on it Friday.

Follow Matt Pepin on Twitter at @mattpep15.