The excitement of harness racing will be at its normal pulsing pitch on Saturday (October 19) but the focus of the horsemen and fans alike will be centered around raising funds for charity as the third annual ‘Maine Harness Racing Gives Back Day’ is held at Scarborough Downs.
Sponsored in tandem by the Maine Harness Horsemen's Association, the Maine Amateur Drivers Club and Scarborough Downs, the altruistic event will this year benefit the Maine Society for the Protection of Animals, Camp Sunshine and the Wounded Warrior Project. Proceeds from these sponsors will guarantee a minimum donation of $1,000 per charitable cause.
Four races featuring the members of the Maine Amateur Drivers Club (MADC) will be contested on Saturday with all commissions directed toward these worthy organizations and leading amateur pilot, Bo Sowers, will be competing in all four.
"I've been listed to drive some pretty decent horses on Saturday," Sowers said, "and, of course, I'll be trying my best to win. The real winners though will be the charities that we're racing for; that's what this day will be all about."
The MADC is comprised of both aspiring young drivers and veterans teamsters. While they are not the everyday stars of the sport, they are all accomplished horsemen and women who enjoy coming together for weekly competition. Prohibited from accepting monetary consideration in order to maintain their amateur status, the 5 per cent commission normally paid to drivers is held in account for charitable purposes.
Featured during the program will be a 50/50 raffle as well as a raffle offering a two-night golf and stay package for two at the Samoset Resort in Rockland, Maine with proceeds directed toward the charities.
First post for Saturday's Maine Harness Racing Gives Back card is slated for 12:05 p.m. (EDT).
(Scarborough Downs)