2009 Archived News
- Quarter #3 - July to September
9/30 - Three year old trotters took to the track
Wednesday at Cumberland Fair and three new track
records were etched in the books. First, CURRENT
CLOSER set a new standard for three year old
colts, trotting in 2:01.1 for driver Mark Athearn, trainer Donnie Richards and owners Tom
Dillon & Walter Hight.
CURRENT CLOSER's nemesis, BAD BOY BILLY took to the track later in the day and set a new mark for three year old geldings in 2:02.0 for reinsman Leigh Fitch, trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew.
THEBANDFROMBOSTON got her third win in her last four starts, setting a new mark for three year old fillies in 2:01.1 with trainer Gary Mosher sitting in the sulky. She is owned by the East Pond Stable and Mr. Mosher.
Post Time for Cumberland Fair on Saturday is at 1:30 pm. We had the wrong post time listed earlier.
Cumberland Fair will be holding a retirement party for Ival "Bud" Cianchette on Saturday, October 3. Bud will be the grand marshall of the annual parade held on the racetrack at 10:30 am, followed by a dinner in the clubhouse from Noon to 2 pm. A $10 fee covers the dinner for anyone attending. Then at 2 pm their will be a non-betting harness race with 8 local drivers with all purse earnings going towards Bud's favorite charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please plan to attend and celebrate with Bud.
9/28 - Penn National names new general manager - Bangor Daily News
9/27 - Richard Bartlett, Sr. was released from the hospital today after undergoing surgery. He will spend the next week or so building his strength back to the level where he will be able to once again entertain visitors. Dick would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes over the past week and is anxious to get back to his daily routine.
Thanks to Charlene Cushing for being guest columnist for week in review this week!
9/26 - Cumberland Fair starts on Sunday and there will be some extra events going on in the barn area for the horsemen. On Tuesday, there will be a cribbage tournament, sign up at the Athearn Barn. On Saturday there will be Karoke on Saturday. Karoke requests can be e-mailed to robbinsspirit@msn.com!
9/23 - Four days into the Farmington Fair meet and seven new track records have been set. The first one was on Sunday as TAPAS BAR set the mark for four year old trotting colts in 2:03.1 with Gary Mosher in the sulky for trainer Joe Nelson and owner Scott Dillon.
LAST ECLIPSE, a newcomer to the Sidney Training Center paced her first start under the new ownership of Christensen, Cayouette, Mosher and Loiko in 2:00.1 with trainer/ driver Gary Mosher, for the new track record for two year old pacing fillies.
On Tuesday, DEADLYSATISFACTION set the new standard for pacing fillies and mares in 1:57.2 for owners Gary Mosher and East Pond Stable. Mr. Mosher did the driving and training.
Wednesday was a big day as four records fell. JC LOU BENJAMIN set a new record for three year old pacing colts in 1:56.4 with Robert Dinning in the bike. Randy Bickmore trains for owner Kevin Gee.
THEBANDFROMBOSTON set a new mark of 2:01.3 for three year old trotting fillies in stakes action. Gary Mosher drives, trains, and owns with East Pond Stable.
BAD BOY BILLY set another track record during his stakes campaign with a 2:01.4 clocking for three year old trotting geldings. Leigh Fitch held the reins for trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew
Tom Dillon and Walter Hight's CURRENT CA CHING took the record for three year old trotting colts in 2:02.0 for driver/trainer Donald Richards.
Congratulations for all record connections!
9/20 - Thanks go to Shawn Gray for being this week's guest columnist for week in review, which has been posted.
9/19 - Track records were falling during the last two days at the Oxford Fair. The first one to fall was for four year old trotting mares. Fresh out of the Pine Tree Sale, BLUERIDGE SAPRISA trotted in 2:06.0 for driver Paul Battis, trainer Ramona Smith and owner Phyllis Day. Later in the day, PEMBROKE PRAYER set a new mark for aged trotting mares in 2:00.0 for driver Heath Campbell, trainer Valerie Grondin and owner Bill Varney.
PEMBROKE SPICE took the top trotting class on Friday in a new all age track record of 1:58.3 for the Campbell, Grondin, & Varney stable.
Those connections would also tie the two year old pacing colt mark with PEMBROKE NICK IN 2:00.4 . DREAM WELL took the last record as he took the Open field in 1:55.3 with Drew Campbell driving for trainer Joe Nelson and owner Scott Dillon.
State Vet Donald Hoenig, VMD, has issued another EEE update.
9/18 - Jon Johnson leaving Hollywood Slots - Bangor Daily News
A Breakfast Conversation - by Stan Gutkowski
14 horses dead of EEE; CDC urges precautions - Bangor Daily News
9/16 - The Maine Sire Stakes are in Oxford this week, and the three year old colt trotters did what they have been doing all year long - setting track records. First it was CURRENT CLOSER who went in 2:00.4 for driver Mark Athearn, trainer Donald Richards and owners Tom Dillon and Walter Hight, setting the mark for three year old colts. Two races later, Michael Andrew's BAD BOY BILLY bested the record for three year old geldings in 2:00 flat for driver Leigh Fitch and trainer Gordon Corey. Congrats to all!
9/14 - Week in Review will have guest columnists for the next few weeks starting this week as Heath Campbell did the honors for us this previous week. You'll have to come back next Monday to see who is our guest for next week!
9/11 - Racing at the Cornish Fair - by Stan Gutkowski
9/10 - Here is an update on the EEE virus from State Vet Donald Hoenig, VMD.
9/6 - Dream Season Continues for Neutral Court
9/5 - Season of Speed Continues at Scarborough Downs
9/4 - The Claiming Game - by Stan Gutkowski
9/3 - Jason Bartlett will be returning to the Windsor Fair on Sunday to drive and he is bringing a friend - JORDAN STRATTON! The 2nd leading driver at Yonkers Raceway , Jordan in currently 12th nationally in driving wins with 308 and 16th in earnings. Last year, he was ranked 5th nationally in wins and was the youngest driver to capture the driving title at Monticello Raceway. It should be a fun day of racing at Windsor on Sunday.
9/2 - If you would like to race at the Blue Hill Fair on Saturday or Monday, or have any questions or concerns, please contact Tom Perkins at 902-2262 or 843-5360. A good time is had by all!!
9/1 - A third horse dies of EEE - from the Bangor Daily News
8/30 - NEUTRAL COURT became the fastest three year old pacer in the state of Maine today as he toured the Windsor Fair oval in 1:55.0, erasing the mark set last year by MAINEIAC MATT. Michael Graffam is the trainer and driver for Pineholm Farm and the Fox Ridge Stable.
8/28 - Congratulations to Jason Bartlett who got his 3,000th win tonight at Yonkers Raceway aboard LIGHT HEADED.
Visiting the Davies Stable - by Stan Gutkowski
8/27 - Freshman Trotters Featured at Scarborough Downs.
8/24 - Stan Gutkowski is writing a new article that is appearing in various newspapers around the state. We will be posting them here when they are available. Around The Oval is the column title and we have posted the first four columns. They can be accessed from this link or in the right hand column of our index page.
8/23 - Union Fair has cancelled racing for today, Sunday, August 23 due to major rain. The Maine Sire Stakes races scheduled for today will run tomorrow, Monday, August 24 as non betting events to be run after the 2nd and 4th race during the card.
8/22 - RODEO DU RUISSEAU won the Walter Hight Memorial Invitational Pace Saturday at the Skowhegan State Fair. The feature race of
the
Skowhegan Meet was won in the time of 1:54.4
with Shawn Gray driving and training for owner
William Hartt. Also on Saturday, PEMBROKE SPICE
broke the all age trotting track record in
1:58.2 with Heath Campbell driving for owner
William Varney and trainer Valerie Grondin.
8/21 - Track Record for Jennys Jammies - Grand Slam for Dinning
8/20 - CURRENT CHIP erased a 16 year old track record for two year old trotting fillies tonight, going the mile in 2:04.3 at the Skowhegan State Fair. Wallace Watson held the reins for trainer Donald Richards and owners Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight.
8/19 - BAD BOY BILLY set an all age trotting track record at the Skowhegan State Fair in 1:58.3. It is the second all age track record in two weeks for the Michael Andrew owned three year old gelding. Again, he was driven by Leigh Fitch, with Gordon Corey training.
8/16 - MHHA officials are stating that they have come to an agreement with Scarborough Downs concerning the Release and Indemnity Agreement. Follow this link to see a copy of the waiver.
8/15 -BatalJ Launcher vaults to victory in Ricci Memorial.
8/14 - Field set for the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot
8/13 - The Last Ruler gains first win.
The MHHA is reporting that they have not finalized their talks with Scarborough Downs concerning the Release and Indemnity Agreement that was recently circulated, and due to some time constraints, do not expect a decision to be made this week. We will keep you posted.
8/12 - Congratulations to Joey Mosher, who captured
his 1,000 career driving victory today
at the Topsham Fair. KENTUCKY BAY was the
victorious horse in a time of 1:59.3.
Congratulations to Adam Hanley, who won his first pari mutual race today at Topsham Fair. Adam drove KATAHDIN COUNTRY to a new lifetime mark of 1:58.4.
Congratulations to BAD BOY BILLY, who set a new all age trotting track record at Topsham Fair today, trotting the oval in 2:00.2 with Leigh Fitch handling the reins for trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew.
Congratulations to A CAPPELLA BELLA, who set a new track record for three year old filly trotters today in 2:01.4. Ivan Davies handles the driving and training for owner Michael Andrew.
CURRENT CA CHING also established a track record for three year old trotting colts today in 2:04.0, for driver/trainer Don Richards and owners Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight. It is the first instance since we've been keeping records, that a three year old trotting colt has won at Topsham Fair.
Breakfast TV in Atlantic Canada recently visited Scarborough Downs and did a short segment and interview, which can be seen at this link.
8/9 - Trainers of 3 Year Old Filly Trotters in to go at Topsham Fair on Wednesday please be aware that one division of the sire stake races is scheduled to be run as a non-betting event with a post time of 2:45 pm. The entries on the USTA site may be confusing.
8/5 - Scarborough Downs has circulated a Release and Indemnity Agreement for all horsemen that use Scarborough Downs to sign. This waiver has not been given final endorsement by the MHHA. The MHHA was not supplied a copy prior to its distribution. The MHHA is advising horsemen NOT to sign the waiver at this time. The MHHA and Scarborough Downs will meet next week to discuss the content of the waiver. We will post anything that comes out of that meeting as soon as possible.
Wednesday afternoon at the Northern Maine Fair saw three new track records established. CURRENT CLOSER with Mark Athearn driving for the Donald Richard Stable set a new track record for three year old colt pacers in 2:01.1. He is owned by Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight. QUINN QUICKLY, trained and driven by Ivan Davies set a new track record for three year old gelding trotters in 2:02.1. He is owned by Douglass Hutchins and Paul Kinnear. TRIPLE THREE, trained and driven by Gary Mosher set a new track record for aged trotting mares in 2:01.0. She is owned by James Christensen and Michael Cayouette.
8/3 - IT'S ON!!! The annual horsemen's banquet at the Northern Maine Fair, which was originally not going to be held this year, is now going to happen. It will occur Wednesday, August 5, after the races at Spruce Haven. Tickets can be bought at the door.
8/2 -Jason Bartlett has won the 2009 Driving Challenge at Tioga Downs. Jason has two wins, one second, one third, one fourth, one fifth and a ninth during the competition. Second was Ron Peirce and Andy Miller was third. Congratulation Jason!
Hometown Girls Reign Supreme in Mildred Williams Competition
Topsham Fair will hold The Endurance Series, a $3,000 Claiming Series during it's fair week. The first leg will be Sunday, August 9 for $2,200, second leg will be Wednesday, August 12 for $2,200, with the final on Saturday, August 15 for $4,000. Claiming will only be available during the final. There will be no nominating or starting fees.
Topsham Fair will also have award $100 to the leading driver and trainer during their week of fair racing.
8/01 - The Maine Sire Stakes hit Northern Maine Fair on Saturday and a couple of track records were set during the two year old colt divisions. PEMBROKE NICK, from the Bill Varney Stable paced to a new track record of 2:02.0 for two year old colts. He was driven by Heath Campbell and trained by Valerie Grondin. Two races later, he was outdone by KATAHDIN BOY, who paced the mile in 2:00.1 for owners Linwood Higgins and Thomas Perkins. David Crochere is the trainer, Gary Mosher controlled the reins.
Kevin Switzer, Jr. dominates at Scarborough Downs
7/30 - Pembroke Whittney extends Maine Sire Stakes Streak
7/26 - The biggest crowd of the season was on
hand
to watch ON A TEAR lead from gate to wire, with
fractions of :27.3, :56.2, 1:24.2 and a final
time of 1:53.0 to capture the 2009 Paul Bunyan
Invitational at Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway.
ON A TEAR is owned by Scott Dillon and Green
Racing, Inc., trained by Joseph Nelson and was
driven by Jason Bartlett. The mile was a new
state of Maine track record for aged stallions,
erasing the mark set by LORRYLAND BUTLER in
1995. It was also the third fastest mile ever
recorded in the state of Maine.
MSBOA Scholarships handed out at annual Summer Meeting.
7//25 - Katahdin Boy wins at first asking in Maine Stakes at Scarborough Downs
7/23 - The field is set for the 15th Annual Paul Bunyan Invitational at Bangor Raceway - click here for a preview. It should be an excellent card of racing with an undercard that includes a $10,000 trot that could see KEROGEN go after the state trotting mark after last week's lifetime mark of 1:55.1 at Rockingham. There is also two divisions of the 3 Year Old Colt & Gelding Pacing Sire Stakes and winners over division for the boys and the girls! Let hope the weather holds out!
Don Richards Stable Doubles Up in Stakes Action at Scarborough Downs.
7/21 - Some friends from West Virginia are coming to Scarborough Downs Weds night and all day Thursday to buy horses. They are not Amish. I have have had dealings with them and they are a great young couple who pay cash for horses to ride and rack race under saddle in Virginia They are looking for 10 horses and do pay CASH and good prices. Anyone can contact me at 207-458-2369 with any questions but they are looking for these type of horses - (1) 10 years and younger (2) geldings but will take mares, (3)15 and half hands and smaller (4) pacers, better with flash or white (5) they are looking for a couple of trotters this time - Butch Eaton
7/20 - The judges at Scarborough Downs remind trainers that they are responsible for drivers on their horses. This had become a problem with the Maine Amateur Driving Club, where the first choice driver has not been available. We have posted the members of the Maine Amateur Driving Club here on the website so trainers can use it as a tool to choose their Amateur Driver in those events. It can be accessed by clicking here or on the link in the above section
7/19 - GRACIE GRACIE set a new state track record for mares of all ages on Sunday at Scarborough Downs, tripping the teletimer in 1:55.0. Congratulations to Fred Ward, Sharon Proctor and driver Kevin Switzer. Read the Scarborough Downs press release here.
7/18 - Five is the lucky number for Shawn Gray and Blaster Hanover at Scarborough Downs
7/17 - There will be a memorial service for Roosevelt Susi, who passed away earlier this year. It will be held July29, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Shorey-Nicols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Avenue in Pittsfield, Maine
7/16 - Bad Boy Billy Back on Top
7/12 - A Weekend for the Record Books at Scarborough Downs
7/11 - ON A TEAR captures $25,000 Mid Summer Classic at Scarborough Downs
7/10 - $25,000 Mid Summer Classic on Tap at Scarborough Downs
7/8 - Elizabeth and Kevin Switzer, Jr. welcomed
their baby boy, Garrett Patrick into the world
this morning at 8:37 am. He is 7 lbs, 11 oz and
20" tall. Proud grandparents are Butch & Laurie MacKenzie, Kevin Switzer & Denise McNitt, and
Patricia Switzer & Pete Brandstatter.
Congratulations!!
7/7 - Remembering DAYLON TROOPER
7/3 - Stakes Fillies Featured at Scarborough Downs
7/2 - Maine Sire Stakes to mark 35th anniversary at Scarborough Downs
7/1 - The agenda for the July Board of Directors meeting for the MHHA is posted here.
CURRENT CLOSER's nemesis, BAD BOY BILLY took to the track later in the day and set a new mark for three year old geldings in 2:02.0 for reinsman Leigh Fitch, trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew.
THEBANDFROMBOSTON got her third win in her last four starts, setting a new mark for three year old fillies in 2:01.1 with trainer Gary Mosher sitting in the sulky. She is owned by the East Pond Stable and Mr. Mosher.
Post Time for Cumberland Fair on Saturday is at 1:30 pm. We had the wrong post time listed earlier.
Cumberland Fair will be holding a retirement party for Ival "Bud" Cianchette on Saturday, October 3. Bud will be the grand marshall of the annual parade held on the racetrack at 10:30 am, followed by a dinner in the clubhouse from Noon to 2 pm. A $10 fee covers the dinner for anyone attending. Then at 2 pm their will be a non-betting harness race with 8 local drivers with all purse earnings going towards Bud's favorite charity, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please plan to attend and celebrate with Bud.
9/28 - Penn National names new general manager - Bangor Daily News
9/27 - Richard Bartlett, Sr. was released from the hospital today after undergoing surgery. He will spend the next week or so building his strength back to the level where he will be able to once again entertain visitors. Dick would like to thank everyone for their support and well wishes over the past week and is anxious to get back to his daily routine.
Thanks to Charlene Cushing for being guest columnist for week in review this week!
9/26 - Cumberland Fair starts on Sunday and there will be some extra events going on in the barn area for the horsemen. On Tuesday, there will be a cribbage tournament, sign up at the Athearn Barn. On Saturday there will be Karoke on Saturday. Karoke requests can be e-mailed to robbinsspirit@msn.com!
9/23 - Four days into the Farmington Fair meet and seven new track records have been set. The first one was on Sunday as TAPAS BAR set the mark for four year old trotting colts in 2:03.1 with Gary Mosher in the sulky for trainer Joe Nelson and owner Scott Dillon.
LAST ECLIPSE, a newcomer to the Sidney Training Center paced her first start under the new ownership of Christensen, Cayouette, Mosher and Loiko in 2:00.1 with trainer/ driver Gary Mosher, for the new track record for two year old pacing fillies.
On Tuesday, DEADLYSATISFACTION set the new standard for pacing fillies and mares in 1:57.2 for owners Gary Mosher and East Pond Stable. Mr. Mosher did the driving and training.
Wednesday was a big day as four records fell. JC LOU BENJAMIN set a new record for three year old pacing colts in 1:56.4 with Robert Dinning in the bike. Randy Bickmore trains for owner Kevin Gee.
THEBANDFROMBOSTON set a new mark of 2:01.3 for three year old trotting fillies in stakes action. Gary Mosher drives, trains, and owns with East Pond Stable.
BAD BOY BILLY set another track record during his stakes campaign with a 2:01.4 clocking for three year old trotting geldings. Leigh Fitch held the reins for trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew
Tom Dillon and Walter Hight's CURRENT CA CHING took the record for three year old trotting colts in 2:02.0 for driver/trainer Donald Richards.
Congratulations for all record connections!
9/20 - Thanks go to Shawn Gray for being this week's guest columnist for week in review, which has been posted.
9/19 - Track records were falling during the last two days at the Oxford Fair. The first one to fall was for four year old trotting mares. Fresh out of the Pine Tree Sale, BLUERIDGE SAPRISA trotted in 2:06.0 for driver Paul Battis, trainer Ramona Smith and owner Phyllis Day. Later in the day, PEMBROKE PRAYER set a new mark for aged trotting mares in 2:00.0 for driver Heath Campbell, trainer Valerie Grondin and owner Bill Varney.
PEMBROKE SPICE took the top trotting class on Friday in a new all age track record of 1:58.3 for the Campbell, Grondin, & Varney stable.
Those connections would also tie the two year old pacing colt mark with PEMBROKE NICK IN 2:00.4 . DREAM WELL took the last record as he took the Open field in 1:55.3 with Drew Campbell driving for trainer Joe Nelson and owner Scott Dillon.
State Vet Donald Hoenig, VMD, has issued another EEE update.
9/18 - Jon Johnson leaving Hollywood Slots - Bangor Daily News
A Breakfast Conversation - by Stan Gutkowski
14 horses dead of EEE; CDC urges precautions - Bangor Daily News
9/16 - The Maine Sire Stakes are in Oxford this week, and the three year old colt trotters did what they have been doing all year long - setting track records. First it was CURRENT CLOSER who went in 2:00.4 for driver Mark Athearn, trainer Donald Richards and owners Tom Dillon and Walter Hight, setting the mark for three year old colts. Two races later, Michael Andrew's BAD BOY BILLY bested the record for three year old geldings in 2:00 flat for driver Leigh Fitch and trainer Gordon Corey. Congrats to all!
9/14 - Week in Review will have guest columnists for the next few weeks starting this week as Heath Campbell did the honors for us this previous week. You'll have to come back next Monday to see who is our guest for next week!
9/11 - Racing at the Cornish Fair - by Stan Gutkowski
9/10 - Here is an update on the EEE virus from State Vet Donald Hoenig, VMD.
9/6 - Dream Season Continues for Neutral Court
9/5 - Season of Speed Continues at Scarborough Downs
9/4 - The Claiming Game - by Stan Gutkowski
9/3 - Jason Bartlett will be returning to the Windsor Fair on Sunday to drive and he is bringing a friend - JORDAN STRATTON! The 2nd leading driver at Yonkers Raceway , Jordan in currently 12th nationally in driving wins with 308 and 16th in earnings. Last year, he was ranked 5th nationally in wins and was the youngest driver to capture the driving title at Monticello Raceway. It should be a fun day of racing at Windsor on Sunday.
9/2 - If you would like to race at the Blue Hill Fair on Saturday or Monday, or have any questions or concerns, please contact Tom Perkins at 902-2262 or 843-5360. A good time is had by all!!
Tim Wing won the drawing on Sunday to represent the Maine Amateur Driving Club in the Tim Fouts Memorial Race at the Delaware, Ohio County Fair on September 20. There will drivers from 10 clubs from around the country. Each year the Promotion Board has given a donation to make this trip possible. This year club members Rick Cushing, Joe Burke, Fred Ward and Randy Bickmore also contributed to fund this trip.
The Agenda for the Sept. 8th meeting of the MHHA Board of Directors Meeting has been posted. UPDATED - This meeting has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.9/1 - A third horse dies of EEE - from the Bangor Daily News
8/30 - NEUTRAL COURT became the fastest three year old pacer in the state of Maine today as he toured the Windsor Fair oval in 1:55.0, erasing the mark set last year by MAINEIAC MATT. Michael Graffam is the trainer and driver for Pineholm Farm and the Fox Ridge Stable.
8/28 - Congratulations to Jason Bartlett who got his 3,000th win tonight at Yonkers Raceway aboard LIGHT HEADED.
Visiting the Davies Stable - by Stan Gutkowski
8/27 - Freshman Trotters Featured at Scarborough Downs.
8/24 - Stan Gutkowski is writing a new article that is appearing in various newspapers around the state. We will be posting them here when they are available. Around The Oval is the column title and we have posted the first four columns. They can be accessed from this link or in the right hand column of our index page.
8/23 - Union Fair has cancelled racing for today, Sunday, August 23 due to major rain. The Maine Sire Stakes races scheduled for today will run tomorrow, Monday, August 24 as non betting events to be run after the 2nd and 4th race during the card.
8/22 - RODEO DU RUISSEAU won the Walter Hight Memorial Invitational Pace Saturday at the Skowhegan State Fair. The feature race of
the
Skowhegan Meet was won in the time of 1:54.4
with Shawn Gray driving and training for owner
William Hartt. Also on Saturday, PEMBROKE SPICE
broke the all age trotting track record in
1:58.2 with Heath Campbell driving for owner
William Varney and trainer Valerie Grondin.8/21 - Track Record for Jennys Jammies - Grand Slam for Dinning
8/20 - CURRENT CHIP erased a 16 year old track record for two year old trotting fillies tonight, going the mile in 2:04.3 at the Skowhegan State Fair. Wallace Watson held the reins for trainer Donald Richards and owners Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight.
8/19 - BAD BOY BILLY set an all age trotting track record at the Skowhegan State Fair in 1:58.3. It is the second all age track record in two weeks for the Michael Andrew owned three year old gelding. Again, he was driven by Leigh Fitch, with Gordon Corey training.
8/16 - MHHA officials are stating that they have come to an agreement with Scarborough Downs concerning the Release and Indemnity Agreement. Follow this link to see a copy of the waiver.
8/15 -BatalJ Launcher vaults to victory in Ricci Memorial.
8/14 - Field set for the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot
8/13 - The Last Ruler gains first win.
The MHHA is reporting that they have not finalized their talks with Scarborough Downs concerning the Release and Indemnity Agreement that was recently circulated, and due to some time constraints, do not expect a decision to be made this week. We will keep you posted.
8/12 - Congratulations to Joey Mosher, who captured
his 1,000 career driving victory today
at the Topsham Fair. KENTUCKY BAY was the
victorious horse in a time of 1:59.3.Congratulations to Adam Hanley, who won his first pari mutual race today at Topsham Fair. Adam drove KATAHDIN COUNTRY to a new lifetime mark of 1:58.4.
Congratulations to BAD BOY BILLY, who set a new all age trotting track record at Topsham Fair today, trotting the oval in 2:00.2 with Leigh Fitch handling the reins for trainer Gordon Corey and owner Michael Andrew.
Congratulations to A CAPPELLA BELLA, who set a new track record for three year old filly trotters today in 2:01.4. Ivan Davies handles the driving and training for owner Michael Andrew.
CURRENT CA CHING also established a track record for three year old trotting colts today in 2:04.0, for driver/trainer Don Richards and owners Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight. It is the first instance since we've been keeping records, that a three year old trotting colt has won at Topsham Fair.
Breakfast TV in Atlantic Canada recently visited Scarborough Downs and did a short segment and interview, which can be seen at this link.
8/9 - Trainers of 3 Year Old Filly Trotters in to go at Topsham Fair on Wednesday please be aware that one division of the sire stake races is scheduled to be run as a non-betting event with a post time of 2:45 pm. The entries on the USTA site may be confusing.
8/5 - Scarborough Downs has circulated a Release and Indemnity Agreement for all horsemen that use Scarborough Downs to sign. This waiver has not been given final endorsement by the MHHA. The MHHA was not supplied a copy prior to its distribution. The MHHA is advising horsemen NOT to sign the waiver at this time. The MHHA and Scarborough Downs will meet next week to discuss the content of the waiver. We will post anything that comes out of that meeting as soon as possible.
Wednesday afternoon at the Northern Maine Fair saw three new track records established. CURRENT CLOSER with Mark Athearn driving for the Donald Richard Stable set a new track record for three year old colt pacers in 2:01.1. He is owned by Thomas Dillon and Walter Hight. QUINN QUICKLY, trained and driven by Ivan Davies set a new track record for three year old gelding trotters in 2:02.1. He is owned by Douglass Hutchins and Paul Kinnear. TRIPLE THREE, trained and driven by Gary Mosher set a new track record for aged trotting mares in 2:01.0. She is owned by James Christensen and Michael Cayouette.
8/3 - IT'S ON!!! The annual horsemen's banquet at the Northern Maine Fair, which was originally not going to be held this year, is now going to happen. It will occur Wednesday, August 5, after the races at Spruce Haven. Tickets can be bought at the door.
8/2 -Jason Bartlett has won the 2009 Driving Challenge at Tioga Downs. Jason has two wins, one second, one third, one fourth, one fifth and a ninth during the competition. Second was Ron Peirce and Andy Miller was third. Congratulation Jason!
Hometown Girls Reign Supreme in Mildred Williams Competition
Topsham Fair will hold The Endurance Series, a $3,000 Claiming Series during it's fair week. The first leg will be Sunday, August 9 for $2,200, second leg will be Wednesday, August 12 for $2,200, with the final on Saturday, August 15 for $4,000. Claiming will only be available during the final. There will be no nominating or starting fees.
Topsham Fair will also have award $100 to the leading driver and trainer during their week of fair racing.
8/01 - The Maine Sire Stakes hit Northern Maine Fair on Saturday and a couple of track records were set during the two year old colt divisions. PEMBROKE NICK, from the Bill Varney Stable paced to a new track record of 2:02.0 for two year old colts. He was driven by Heath Campbell and trained by Valerie Grondin. Two races later, he was outdone by KATAHDIN BOY, who paced the mile in 2:00.1 for owners Linwood Higgins and Thomas Perkins. David Crochere is the trainer, Gary Mosher controlled the reins.
Kevin Switzer, Jr. dominates at Scarborough Downs
7/30 - Pembroke Whittney extends Maine Sire Stakes Streak
7/26 - The biggest crowd of the season was on
hand
to watch ON A TEAR lead from gate to wire, with
fractions of :27.3, :56.2, 1:24.2 and a final
time of 1:53.0 to capture the 2009 Paul Bunyan
Invitational at Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway.
ON A TEAR is owned by Scott Dillon and Green
Racing, Inc., trained by Joseph Nelson and was
driven by Jason Bartlett. The mile was a new
state of Maine track record for aged stallions,
erasing the mark set by LORRYLAND BUTLER in
1995. It was also the third fastest mile ever
recorded in the state of Maine.MSBOA Scholarships handed out at annual Summer Meeting.
7//25 - Katahdin Boy wins at first asking in Maine Stakes at Scarborough Downs
7/23 - The field is set for the 15th Annual Paul Bunyan Invitational at Bangor Raceway - click here for a preview. It should be an excellent card of racing with an undercard that includes a $10,000 trot that could see KEROGEN go after the state trotting mark after last week's lifetime mark of 1:55.1 at Rockingham. There is also two divisions of the 3 Year Old Colt & Gelding Pacing Sire Stakes and winners over division for the boys and the girls! Let hope the weather holds out!
Don Richards Stable Doubles Up in Stakes Action at Scarborough Downs.
7/21 - Some friends from West Virginia are coming to Scarborough Downs Weds night and all day Thursday to buy horses. They are not Amish. I have have had dealings with them and they are a great young couple who pay cash for horses to ride and rack race under saddle in Virginia They are looking for 10 horses and do pay CASH and good prices. Anyone can contact me at 207-458-2369 with any questions but they are looking for these type of horses - (1) 10 years and younger (2) geldings but will take mares, (3)15 and half hands and smaller (4) pacers, better with flash or white (5) they are looking for a couple of trotters this time - Butch Eaton
7/20 - The judges at Scarborough Downs remind trainers that they are responsible for drivers on their horses. This had become a problem with the Maine Amateur Driving Club, where the first choice driver has not been available. We have posted the members of the Maine Amateur Driving Club here on the website so trainers can use it as a tool to choose their Amateur Driver in those events. It can be accessed by clicking here or on the link in the above section
7/19 - GRACIE GRACIE set a new state track record for mares of all ages on Sunday at Scarborough Downs, tripping the teletimer in 1:55.0. Congratulations to Fred Ward, Sharon Proctor and driver Kevin Switzer. Read the Scarborough Downs press release here.
7/18 - Five is the lucky number for Shawn Gray and Blaster Hanover at Scarborough Downs
7/17 - There will be a memorial service for Roosevelt Susi, who passed away earlier this year. It will be held July29, 2009 at 3:00pm at the Shorey-Nicols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Avenue in Pittsfield, Maine
7/16 - Bad Boy Billy Back on Top
7/12 - A Weekend for the Record Books at Scarborough Downs
7/11 - ON A TEAR captures $25,000 Mid Summer Classic at Scarborough Downs
7/10 - $25,000 Mid Summer Classic on Tap at Scarborough Downs
7/8 - Elizabeth and Kevin Switzer, Jr. welcomed
their baby boy, Garrett Patrick into the world
this morning at 8:37 am. He is 7 lbs, 11 oz and
20" tall. Proud grandparents are Butch & Laurie MacKenzie, Kevin Switzer & Denise McNitt, and
Patricia Switzer & Pete Brandstatter.
Congratulations!!7/7 - Remembering DAYLON TROOPER
7/6 - It's that time of year again where the
Amateurs are out to have some summer fun
here in New England. The first stop will be
at Bangor Raceway on July 10th, followed by
Rockingham Park on the 11th and closing out
the series at Scarborough Downs on the
12th. The legs at Bangor are specified on
the current condition sheet and we are
looking for at least 2 fields as we have 10
drivers ready to head to North. Rockingham
will have 12 drivers available and
Scarborough will also have 12. Any
horsemen/women interested in supporting the
CKG Billings Amateurs should contact
the Race Office .
You may also reach Todd Whitney at 671-8513
or Lori at 831-9646 in the daytime or in the
evening at 782-7811.
7/4 - Dansan Ted stars
in Sire Stakes Role at Scarborough Downs7/5 - The Northern Maine Fair is just around the corner. If you will be needing stalls on the fairgrounds please contact Joy Duncan at 227-9147 IN ADVANCE for availability. Hope to see you there!!
7/3 - Stakes Fillies Featured at Scarborough Downs
7/2 - Maine Sire Stakes to mark 35th anniversary at Scarborough Downs
7/1 - The agenda for the July Board of Directors meeting for the MHHA is posted here.
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