Winter Storm hits Skowhegan State Fair

Skowhegan, Maine – “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a bit” is a classic Maine colloquialism and the hardy folk along the Pine Tree circuit are generally well prepared to handle just about anything that Mother Nature might throw their way. But who could have predicted that a Winter Storm would hit the Skowhegan State Fair right in the middle of their late-summer harness racing meeting?

This rare climatic event comes courtesy of driver/trainer Winter Asher-Stalbaum, who for the second year in a row has moved his Winter Storm Racing Stable into residency along the state of Maine fairground circuit, where in 2021, the now 18-year-old pilot earned his stripes as a QF (qualifying-fair) driver.

Despite racing under moonlit skies, the storm was fierce on Tuesday night (August 16) as Asher-Stalbaum roared gate-to-wire behind Empire Earl N (Earl). The 14-year-old trotter raced game on the engine, digging down deeply to repel determined challenges while posting a 3/4-length margin timed in a seasonal best 1:59.

Winter Storm warnings have once again been posted for Thursday night at Skowhegan as Asher-Stalbaum sends Gussy’s Dragon to post in the evening’s tenth race coming off a strong runner-up effort last week at the Topsham Fair. The fans have now been forewarned – the storm might well be ferocious again.

Live harness racing continues on Thursday evening at Skowhegan with post time slated for 7:00 p.m. before returning to 1:00 afternoon cards on Friday and Saturday.

For complete race results, click here.

by Mike Sweeney, for the Skowhegan State Fair