Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, Bangor, will be making an ongoing contribution to the newly-established Standardbred Welfare Support Fund. Hollywood Casino plans to contribute $1 per starter each racing season, starting this year. In 2012, Hollywood Casino saw 3,900 starters at Bangor Raceway.

The Standardbred Welfare Support Fund was established by the Maine Harness Racing Industry and is being implemented this year. The goal is to provide temporary financial support to registered Standardbreds that have been seized or surrendered to an animal welfare enforcement, or governmental agency. This could include Standardbreds that have been abandoned, seized, or abused. The fund will assist in the rehabilitation and placement of the horse in a secure and healthy environment. The commitment from Hollywood Casino represents the only ongoing contribution in the country by a harness racing track toward equine welfare that is tied to racing and the number of starters.

"The Standardbreds that race around the track are such an important part of this operation," said John Osborne, General Manager of Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, Bangor. "They are beautiful, talented animals. Unfortunately, sometimes these animals need help finding a safe, healthy home. This fund helps with that process, and we are more than happy to be contributing to it."

The Standardbred Welfare Support Fund will give a donation of between $500 - $1,000 per horse under the auspices of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources Animal Welfare Department. Horses receiving support can be hosted by a variety of organizations such as local humane societies and approved horse rescue groups and farms. According to organizers, the end goal is simply to help a Standardbred in need.

In addition to Hollywood Casino's contribution, the Maine Harness Horseman's Association is giving $5,000 to start the fund.

Live harness racing returns to Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway for the 2013 season on Saturday, May 4 at 2:30.