Horsemen Asked to Sign Letter to Citizens of Biddeford
Bill MacDonald, Webmaster
October 6, 2010
Representatives from Biddeford Downs are asking horsemen to sign a letter that will be sent to the Citizens of Biddeford asking them for support on election day to approve Biddeford Downs.  The letter is below and instructions for signing the letter follow.

As horsemen and women who have long raced and earned our living in Maine, we welcome the opportunity to partner with and join the hardworking people of the city of Biddeford to help foster economic development and create good paying jobs.

500 new jobs will be created once Biddeford Downs is up and running but harness racing’s ability to spark economic development reaches much farther than that alone. Every horse needs a driver, trainer, blacksmith, veterinarian and groom. Every horse needs to be fed and cared for which provides farmers the opportunity to grow and supply hay and grain. Every horse needs a place to be born and raised, thereby ensuring the continuation and survival of local family farms.

Horses help ensure the retention of open space in our local communities. They foster development of green space and green space related businesses – And they will spur economic development in the city of Biddeford.

The proposed Biddeford Downs Racino and Hotel project is certain to become a world class destination which will draw and expose tourists to all the superb offerings that currently exist in your great city. We pledge to do our part by providing world class harness racing at Biddeford Downs - A state of the art facility which could well become one of the brightest harness racing venues in all of North America.

Maine has always played a prominent role on the national stage of harness racing. We boast a proud history of developing outstanding drivers and trainers and sending them out to compete under the bright lights of the major raceways. With the creation of Biddeford Downs, not only will we continue to foster great homegrown harness racing talent, but the bright lights under which they compete will shine right here in the city of Biddeford.

Working together, Biddeford and harness racing will accomplish great things.


To sign the letter there are two options. You can e-mail Susan Higgins at shiggins@scarboroughdowns.com with your name, email and phone number giving her permission to sign your name on the letter. You may also contact Will McClaran at (207) 841-3628 and give him the same information.

This letter will be released on Monday, October 11 in various formats so that everyone in Biddeford is aware of our support of the project. The more signatures on the letter will reinforce our commitment to growth in our industry at Biddeford Downs.