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| This Month's Member Profile:
Scarborough Downs has been in business since 1950. The original founder, Robert Verrier purchased 500 acres of land for $500 from the town of Scarborough. In 72 days a premier thoroughbred race track was built; up and running, the first season opened July of 1950. But it had stiff competition. Harness racing is a deep rooted Maine tradition dating back nearly 200 years. Known as the common mans sport it unites communities and continues to do so today. What once began as a mere horse and buggy race home from church among neighbors, became an exciting attraction at the agricultural fairs, and advanced to formal competition at commercial tracks. For harness racing enthusiasts and families connected to the sport, nothing is more thrilling than following the season, placing your bets, and watching your choice horse win. The sport is expensive, and a true labor of love. By 1973, Scarborough Downs switched to strictly harness racing, and is recognized today as the fastest half mile track in New England, and Maine’s largest commercial race track featuring live racing March – December, and simulcast racing from around the world 363 days a year. These days, competition is of a different nature. As our population ages, gambling has become more popular with expanded options, betting on the horses has declined. As a result, successful harness race tracks around the country have become racinos: racing facilities that offer slots. This addition to tracks across the US and Canada has meant increased purses for horsemen, and higher payouts for bettors. Harness racing is being revived and this is good news for families, farms, and fairs – slot revenues make harness racing more affordable, and are preserving Maine’s farmland. Scarborough Downs remains hopeful that a racino will be welcome in their home town. For now, they focus on their mission: We are dedicated to the sport of harness racing. We strive to entertain the public, provide a livelihood for the equine industry so that we may provide for our employees, community, and state of Maine agricultural fairs.
Scarborough Downs 90 Payne Road, Scarborough, ME. 04074 883-4331 or visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com
Karen Vachon works in public relations for Scarborough Downs and is a member of the Scarborough Community Chamber board of directors.
Prior Member Profiles
Chiropractic Family Wellness Center
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