Challenged by Weather & horse population

Scarborough, Maine (Friday, March 27, 2015) – Opening weekend of the 2015 harness racing season is set to occur exactly as scheduled at Scarborough Downs with 10 race programs in place for Saturday (3/28) and Sunday (3/29). Saturday's card will go to post at 4:00 p.m. (EDT) while Sunday's matinee kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

We all know how brutal the past winter has been in Maine and how difficult it has been for the local horsemen to properly train down the equine athletes who put on the show. While the current horse population is marginally adequate to accommodate two days of racing at the Downs (142 horses were entered to race this week), it cannot realistically be stretched to fill three cards at this time as at least another 40 to 50 horses would be needed to fill three 8-race cards.

Regretfully, in consultation with the Maine Harness Racing Commission and the Maine Harness Horsemen's Association, the decision has been made not to attempt to race on Friday (4/3) as scheduled but rather to stick with the current Saturday and Sunday offering to allow the horse population to build.

Qualifying races will be scheduled for Sunday (3/29) at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday (4/1) at 10:00 a.m., and Sunday (4/5) at 4:30 p.m.

Weather will also play a role on future post times as projected rain, snow and gradual thawing will impact track conditions at the Downs. While post times will remain as published for Opening Weekend, beginning on Saturday April 4th Post Time will be at 1:00 p.m. daily until further notice.

We anticipate these changes to be short lived and appreciate everyone's understanding as we launch into the 2015 meet. With open communication and just a little bit of cooperation from Mother Nature, we'll all be back on schedule soon.

For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or our Facebook page.

By Michael Sweeney for Scarborough Downs