Scarborough, Maine – Violent and fast moving thunderstorms forced the mid-program cancellation of the Friday (July 18) evening harness racing card at Scarborough Downs as both fans and horsemen alike were sent home early -- the result of wide-spread power outages in the southern Maine area.
“The skies began to darken just as the fifth race field crossed the wire” said track announcer Mike Sweeney.
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Jerry Watson
heeds the
direction of the
Presiding Judge
to clear the
raceway as he
steers Mighty
Dragon toward
the menacing
thunderhead and
back to the
paddock – photo
by EJS
Photography. |
“The fans on the apron were pointing to the sky and began scurrying for the safety of the grandstand. The view to the northeast resembled a scene from ‘Close Encounters’ with the dark menacing clouds bearing down like billowing smoke, nearly concealing the rapid strikes of lightning – I couldn’t get off the roof quick enough!”
The front passed following a half-hour delay but as racing was set to resume a massive power outage struck the area just as the sixth race field began their post parade, leaving track officials with no choice but to cancel the remainder of the card.
“One leg of the Hank Fenno Memorial Trotting Series will be carried over to the Saturday (July 19) card and run as a non-betting event following race ten” said track official Susan Higgins. “We wanted to contest this race as a non-bettor yesterday – the track was fit despite the storm – but a representative of the Maine Harness Racing Commission refused our request. Unfortunately for the horsemen affected, they’ll have to bring their horses back to the track today.”
Racing is set to resume at Scarborough Downs on Saturday with first post slated for 4:15 pm (EDT).
Three division of the Maine Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes for two-year-old pacing colts will be contested for nearly $28,000 in purses along with the $7500 Open pace which features the return of Rupert Rupert who last week equaled the fourth fastest mile (1:54.2) ever recorded at the Downs.
Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 4:15 pm (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees feature a 1:30 pm post time.
