from the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association

Augusta, ME — The Maine Harness racing industry and the Portland Sea Dogs (Double A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) hosted the second annual Harness at Hadlock event to a crowd of more than 6,000 spectators on Wednesday (May 20).

The event was a collaboration of efforts from the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board, Scarborough Downs, Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway, Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine.

Double Tee Photography

Out in front of Hadlock Field were (left to right) W. Drew Campbell, Northern Regent, Steven Wilson, Kelly Case, David Ingraham, Nick Nehila, Aaron Hall, Mitchell Cushing, Eric Davis, and Charlene Cushing.

The first pitch was scheduled for 6 p.m. and the doors opened at 4:30 p.m., where fans entering the ball park were greeted by current racehorses Zoe Blue Chip and Northern Regent from the Mike and Charlene Cushing Stable of Farmington.

Fans young and old alike were able to interact with all members from this classy stable by petting the horses and feeding them carrots. There was also a stationary sulky set up for anyone who wanted a chance to “get in the bike.”

Festivities were then brought to the field where retired racehorse and current pleasure horse show champion CC Bag A Luck, owned by Katie Flaherty of Standish, led an on-field parade of Maine drivers in their racing colors out front of the cheering fans.

“CC Bag A Luck, Katie, and her husband Kevin can come back to the ball park at any time; they have an open invite,” said John Kameisha, Senior Vice President of the Sea Dogs.

A short three-minute video production, created by H. Jay Burns, was shown on the stadium jumbotron to the captive audience where Jay asked some drivers on a qualifying day at Scarborough Downs, “How do you keep your colors clean?” The video can be seen here.

Winny, the Promotion Board Mascot, entered the field on an ATV with the Sea Dogs Mascot, Slugger. Winny mingled with the crowd, handed out promotional items, and took pictures with excited fans.

Members of the Maine driving colony stayed on the field to participate in the first pitch opening ceremony, where each driver had the opportunity to throw a pitch from the mound to home plate.

Drivers Eric Davis, W. Drew Campbell, Charlene Cushing, Aaron Hall, Mitchell Cushing, David Ingraham and Kelly Case took to the concourse to meet and greet fans, conduct fan giveaways, and autograph driver cards.

“With another successful Harness at Hadlock under our belts, we will surely be back to Hadlock Field next year,” said Dr. Timothy Powers, President of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association.