Scarborough, Maine : Scarborough Downs and the Western Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association of Oxford, present The Professional Harness Drivers’ Challenge on Sunday, September 7th, an event which will bring North America’s top harness racing drivers to Maine to compete on one track, on one spectacular day. Festivities get underway, rain or shine, at 12:30 pm; Sunday live racing post time is 1:30 pm.
Confirmed drivers to compete are:
The drivers, who hail from all the top harness tracks of NY and NJ and the New England racing circuit, as well as the two premier tracks in Canada, are the superstars in their field and have over 25,000 wins combined. Driver purse money is being generously donated to The Child Health Center of Oxford, ME (http://childhealthcenter.org), helping children with disabilities through equine assistance.
“We see these drivers every day via simulcasts from Yonkers, Freehold, Monticello and Chester,” said Publicity Director, Mike Sweeney, “but Sunday will be a prime chance for the local fans to personally watch some of North America’s top driving talent right here on the home track.”
Scarborough Downs has a history of showcasing national driving talent dating all the way back to the Mr. 2000 Driving Championships that were organized by Bob and Jean Ferland back in the 1980s but this will be the first such gathering here in over 10 years.
“It is extremely generous of these drivers to give up their day off and travel all the way to Maine and to donate all their driver’s fees to charity on Sunday,” said WMHHA spokesman, Allison MacDonald. “And it is absolutely gracious of Scarborough’s local drivers to step down for this one special day as the industry comes together for this noble cause.”
The drivers will hold a “meet and greet” session prior to competing, where fans can get autographs and take pictures. The event was also made possible by a series of sponsors; some of the larger sponsors include H&R Block of Oxford, the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association; MSBOA President, Michael Andrew; Longhorn Feed & Supply of Buxton, Hollywood Slots & Raceway in Bangor, to name a few. The list of other donors tops over 20.
Admission to the event is free. Lunch in The Downs Club begins at 12:30 pm on Sunday, and features a buffet for $19.99 per person (+ tax and tip). For reservations call 207-883-3022.
For more information, contact Susan Higgins at 207-883-4331 x1002 or email shiggins@scarboroughdowns.com.
Scarborough Downs live harness racing meet takes a break after 9/7 for the fairs and returns for the fall meet on Friday, October 10th with a 12:30 post time.
