by Susan Higgins, director of marketing, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Scarborough Downs President and owner, Sharon Terry, was the recipient of the 2010 Sheridan Smith Distinguished Service Award at the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association annual awards banquet at The Calumet Club in Augusta on Jan. 22.

Shelley Gilpatrick photo

Sheridan Smith presents Sharon Terry with the 2010 Distinguished Service Award at the annual MHHA banquet.

The award, which has been presented every year since 1971 by the MHHA, honors an individual or individuals who display exemplary service and dedication to the harness racing industry.

“It was an easy choice,” said Dr. Tim Powers, President of the MHHA. “(Director) Mike Graffam nominated Sharon, and the rest of the Board unanimously agreed.”

Smith presented Mrs. Terry with the award, saying, “Scarborough Downs has been such an asset to the harness racing industry. Mrs. Terry has kept racing going, worked hard to secure our future with Biddeford…..Everything she does, she does for us (the horsemen).”

Mrs. Terry received a standing ovation from the nearly 250 guests at the banquet, which included representatives from the Maine Harness Racing Commission, the agricultural fairs, commercial tracks, and horsemen and horsewomen who represent harness racing in the state of Maine.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized for this award,” said Mrs. Terry. “The prior recipients of this award are outstanding individuals in this industry and I’m honored to be named among them.”