The horses and drivers who are normally the stars took a back seat to the fans on Kentucky Derby Day (5/4), as the Scarborough Downs’ faithful responded to the call for donations to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy. In an effort spearheaded by the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) every part of the harness racing industry, including the fans, pulled together cooperatively, raising a total of $2,671 for the One Fund Boston.

The amateurs donated their 5% drivers’ commissions and while their brothers were toiling on the raceway, Scarborough’s professional drivers scoured the grandstand, which was teeming with Derby Day patrons, soliciting donations from the wagering public with their helmets in hand.

“The fans are unbelievably generous today,” said driver Michael Kravchak, whose helmet was overflowing with dollars. “I’m glad I can do my part today but it’s really the fans who have stepped up to chip in for this great cause.”

Driver Bo Sowers played the leading role on the raceway Saturday, winning two of the three divisions of the Maine Amateur Drivers Club competition; these races all named the Boston Strong Pace.

Other organizations who stepped up to contribute were Scarborough Downs, the Race For ME PAC, New England Harness Writers Association, Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, and the Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association. One donation in kind that will bear future revenue for the One Fund Boston is a generous donation by Jim Carr of a breeding to World Champion, Big Jim, a stallion who stands at Seelster Farms in Ontario, Canada. Details will be made available shortly concerning how this breeding will be auctioned.

Live racing is featured every Friday and Saturday at 4 pm and Sunday at 1:05 pm.