by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Tears of joy were shed in the Scarborough Downs winner’s circle on Monday (August 27) as Snap Dancer, the sentimental local choice, raced to victory in the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot.

The 7-year-old Maine-bred, who is raced under lease and trained by Frederick Ward, Jr. of Brunswick, Maine, narrowly avoided confusion in the first turn as Pembroke Spice broke stride and was taken inside the pylons.

But the skill of driver David Ingraham negotiated the close quarters to land in the three hole as the field straightened toward the quarter marker.

“It’s a tribute to the coolness of David Ingraham,” said a jubilant Fred Ward. “He never panicked as they bunched up in the first turn. He put my mare where she needed to be to have a shot at the win.”

First to move as they approached the half, Snap Dancer engaged a front-running Kerogen around the clubhouse turn as the tempo picked up in a thrilling third panel. Racing in lock-step, Snap Dancer dictated the terms to the bettor’s choice Kerogen with mare and stallion matching each other, step for step up the backstretch, as they disappeared from view behind the infield toteboard.

A collective gasp — a mixture of astonishment and ecstasy — echoed forth from the crowded grandstand as the duo emerged from behind the board with Snap Dancer clearly a nose in front of Kerogen.

Under the careful rein of top driver Ingraham, Snap Dancer seemingly floated down the storied stretch at Scarborough to claim victory by 4-1/2 lengths over Kerogen and Abby C as she froze the teletimer at 2:00 flat.

“I’d driven her once before at Rockingham last year and knew what kind of a grinder she was,” said David Ingraham. “Everything worked out so that I could put her in a position to do what she does best and she responded when I called on her. She’s a nice mare to drive and Freddy obviously has her in top condition.”

Joined in the winner’s circle by a host of family and friends, Freddy Ward was visibly overcome by the moment.

“I feel like I just won the Hambletonian,” Ward told the crowd. “This is the biggest race in Maine and what a thrill it is to stand here today.

“For some reason, Snap Dancer is at a lifetime peak right now — maybe Mr. Ricci is up there championing the little guy once again today,” continued Ward, commenting on the late Joe Ricci’s reputation as a friend of the underdog. “He would have loved this story and this race; I’m sure he’s with us in spirit here today.”

The $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot — the richest Invitational Trot in state of Maine history — headlined the Monday afternoon card at the Downs along with two divisions of the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes for 2-year-old pacers.

A total of $99,288 in purse money was awarded.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness action every Monday, Tuesday and Saturday afternoon with first post scheduled for 3:45 p.m. (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees get underway at 12:05 p.m.