Opening Day for the 2017 harness racing meet at Scarborough Downs remains on-track for Friday (March 25), although the preliminary round of qualifying races have been rescheduled to Tuesday (March 21) and Wednesday (March 22) at 10:30 a.m. (EDT).

The prep races were originally set to be held on Saturday (March 18) morning, but close to two feet of drifting snow from winter storm Stella necessitated the schedule change in order to complete a thorough job of track preparation, and thus ensure the safety of the horses and horsemen who will be competing.

Not only Scarborough Downs, but racetracks up and down the east coast have been struggling to deal with the aftermath of this week’s powerful storm. Monticello Raceway lost three programs of racing, while Pocono Downs was forced to postpone their opening day card from Saturday (March 18) to Tuesday (March 21).

Realizing the anticipation that both the fans and horsemen hold for the start of the 2017 Maine harness racing season, the Downs is pleased to be able to remain on track for its originally scheduled opening day.

Beginning on Saturday (March 25), Scarborough Downs will feature live harness racing on a Saturday and Sunday schedule with post time slated for 1:30 p.m. (EDT).

(with files from Scarborough)