Scarborough Downs horsemen lend a helping
hand in wake of tragic Ohio barn fire

Scarborough, Maine – Even though it’s over a thousand miles away from Maine, the tragic barn fire that claimed the life of 2 horse trainers and 43 Standardbred race horses at Lebanon Raceway in Ohio this past Saturday, hits close to home. News of the tragedy spread quickly across the industry, and horse men and women from around the US and Canada immediately began digging deep to support the victims of the fire with offers of cash, equipment, and horses. This weekend, December 12th and 13th, Scarborough Downs patrons, horse men and women will be among them.

The track sent out an email to horsemen detailing the fundraising events to be held this weekend, and asking them to give what they can, including donations for the silent auction on Sunday: autographed pictures, equipment -- anything that would potentially fetch bids from customers. The responses were immediate.

 

“Thank you for doing this,” wrote horseman Marc Reynolds of Hermon, in a reply email. “I think it is great that people from the Maine racing community are pitching in as this was a terrible tragedy,”

 

New England’s top driver Drew Campbell will donate a set of his driving colors.

 

Owner/trainer Butch Eaton is donating a breeding of his standing stallion, Armbro Republican.

 

Horse owner Kevin Gee of Falmouth also responded immediately, “who should I make the check out to?”

We sent out an email asking for donations for the silent auction scheduled for Sunday in the Grandstand.  I got a call from Trainer Tim Griffith of Rhode Island telling me that horse owners Judy and Donald Couture of Harrisville, Rhode Island, have donated a 2010 breeding to stallion Futile Qwest, who is standing for the first time this year, in Massachusetts. Futile Qwest I guess is a great horse and well known around New England with $172k in lifetime earnings. His best time is 1:55.1 and has raced at Plainridge and Meadowlands. The stud fee is valued at $4000; starting bid will be $500.

Butch Eaton and Laura Searway have also donated a 2010 breeding to stallion Armbro Republican who will be standing in South Portland. Valued at $1000; starting bid will be $100.

Despite the fact that the harness racing industry in Maine is struggling, it’s still very much a bonded community. “Whenever the industry calls,” said Publicity Director Mike Sweeney, “Maine horsemen respond. I’ve always been so proud to see how selflessly everyone steps up the plate, especially in the wake of a tragedy like this. It’s a true testament to the solidarity within the industry and the real people behind it.”

 

Donated T-shirts from Scarborough Downs and the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board will be given to customers who donate $5 or more to the cause as a thank you.

 

Susan Wilson, vice president of simulcasting at Lebanon Raceway, told the Oxford (Ohio) Press. “We’re going to do all we can to help [the victims] because they’re a part of our family. It’s an absolute nightmare. It could have been anyone’s barn. It’s absolutely devastating.”

 

Greg Grismore, a native Ohioan who races at Yonkers Raceway, called on all drivers to donate their driving fees earned in races on Dec. 8 to the fund. Maine-native Jason Bartlett, who is one of the top drivers in the industry and now races at Yonkers, was among them.

 

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association has established a victims’ fund, the “Lebanon Horsemen’s Disaster Relief Fund.” Anyone wishing to make a contribution may make a check payable and mail to: Lebanon Horsemen’s Relief Fund – Acct. #987395070, National City Bank, Attn: Larry Elovitz, Branch Manager, 763 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. For further information, contact OHHA General Manager Jerry Knappenberger at (800) 353-6442 or (614) 221-3650.

 

Scarborough Downs live racing post time is 12:05 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 27th.

 

For more information, contact Susan Higgins at 207-883-4331 or via email at Shiggins@scarboroughdowns.com