Scarborough Downs

Scarborough Downs is a horse-racing track located in Scarborough, Maine, United States. It is Maine's largest race track. It is home to The Downs Club restaurant as well as a grandstand for race viewing, and includes 2 track-side lounges as well as a newly constructed VIP Room.[1]

Scarborough Downs was constructed in 1949 as a racetrack for thoroughbred horse races and was completed in 1950.[2] It was the only one of its kind in the state.[3] However, harness racing was introduced in the 1960s and for a while the track hosted both types of horse racing. However, in September 1972 the track became solely a harness racing track.[4] In the 2000s, owner Joseph Ricci introduced simulcast wagering and the track began to offer simulcast races from premier thoroughbred and harness tracks from around North America.

On October 1, 1980, a pre-dawn fire at Scarborough Downs, ignited as the result of an overloaded electrical box in a tack room, destroyed a 240-foot barn, killing eleven horses. [5]

References
  1. Scarborough Downs official website
  2. Portland Press Herald - September 10, 2000
  3. The Day (New London, Connecticut) - March 8, 1971
  4. Boston Globe - November 16, 1989
  5. The Palm Beach Post - October 1, 1980


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