Scarborough Downs and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association present Maine Harness Racing Gives Back, a day of racing exciting and giving, to be held at The Downs on Sunday, October 30, 2011. The event will benefit three Maine charities. Post time is 12:05 pm.

The day will feature 3 charity races on the day’s program: a Brother’s Race, which will feature harness racing driving brothers Heath and Drew Campbell, Steve Nason and Andrew Harrington, Owen and Ivan Davies, and Ron and Mike Cushing, competing out on the track.

“Because Maine harness racing is a sport that sees a lot of families involved, generations even, we thought it would be exciting for fans to see a challenge race where brothers compete against each other,” said track announcer and Publicity Director, Mike Sweeney.

Drivers traditionally earn 5% of a race’s purse, which will be donated to the charity they’re representing. Driver purse money for this race will benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters of York County.

The Mildred Williams International Driving Series for Women Drivers also returns to The Downs as part of this event. The series, named for harness racing pioneer, Mildred Williams, Canada’s first licensed woman harness racing driver, is comprised of all-female drivers, and supports a woman’s charity. Female drivers participating include Sherry Cushing, Stacy Lord, Alison Hynes, Debbie Freeman and Melissa Rico of Maine, Kelly Case of Pompano, Florida, and Ann Curran and Ann Larsen of the Canadian racing circuit. The women drivers’ purse money for this challenge is going to Maine Cancer Foundation’s Tri for a Cure.

An Amateur Driver’s Race is also being assembled with driver’s purse money going to The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals.

The day will also include a driver autograph session, a 50/50 cash raffle, and event T-shirts will be sold for $10 each, with 100% of the proceeds to be split among the three charities. Additionally, there will be a raffle for a two night’s stay at the Samoset Resort on the Ocean in Rockport, Maine. Prize package includes two rounds of golf on the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, a breakfast buffet for two, and dinner for two at their new LaBella Vita Ristorante. Chances are $5 each with100% of the proceeds being split among all three charities.

Whinney the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board mascot will be in attendance greeting the fans.

Admission is free. Doors open at 11 am.

For more information, contact Susan Higgins at 207-883-4331 x1002 or via email shiggins@scarboroughdowns.com