In what has become one of the most anticipated days in state of Maine harness racing, the eighth annual Standardbred Retirement Ceremony took place at Scarborough Downs on Saturday.
Six tried and true veteran racehorses took their final bows in front of their adoring fans with custom embroidered coolers and ample bunches of carrots replacing the traditional gold watches of the human retiree set.
By rule, all standardbred racehorses must hang up their bridles at the conclusion of their 14-year-old seasons and Scarborough Downs in cooperation with the Maine Harness Horsemen's Association and the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association remain committed to sending them off to their new careers in style.
Included in this year's ceremony were: Bolero Loupet (1:51), Freedom Of Speech (1:52.4), Pacific Sonata (1:54.3), Red Bullet (1:52.4), Redstone Ruckus (1:49.4) and Sammys Honor (1:57.3).
In a unique twist on the celebration, the classy Red Bullet made the 440th and final start of his career in the race just prior to the retirement ceremony. Owned by Douglas Gray of Lewiston, Maine, the gritty son of Life Sign-Lady Largo dug out a game third-place showing in his swan song appearance, the 13th time the veteran warhorse has finished in the show spot this season.
The 2014 meeting at Scarborough Downs has now entered deep stretch with just one performance remaining on the calendar. The seasonal curtain comes down on Sunday with a nine-race program scheduled to get under way at 12:05 p.m. (EST).
(Scarborough Downs)