Bangor, ME — Harness racing returns to Maine’s northern circuit when Bangor Raceway swings back into action on Wednesday afternoon (May 3). Post time is slated for 3:15 p.m. (EDT) at Bangor’s historic Bass Park, which has continuously hosted harness racing since 1893.

Bangor’s new race secretary, Jean Thayer, crafted a 12-race program and was pleased with the inaugural entry box of the new season.

“The horsemen responded enthusiastically for the opening day card,” Thayer remarked. “Both the numbers and the quality of the horses entered bode well for a successful meet this year at Bangor, and we can’t wait to get racing again.”

Trainer Jeffrey Deslandes will send 14 horses to post over the 12-race program.

“We currently have 22 horses stabled on the grounds at Bangor, so naturally we are trying to race as many as possible at the home track,” explained Deslandes, “It will be a busy day for sure, but we’ve got a solid team behind us. Hopefully it will be a successful day.”

Jeffrey’s son, 2022 Bangor driving champion Dan Deslandes, is part of a stellar driving colony this season at the Queen City oval. Among those joining him are Bruce Ranger, currently 12 wins shy of 10,000; Walter Case Jr., who boasts over 11,000 lifetime scores; and a host of Maine regulars including Gary Mosher, Nick Graffam, Drew and Heath Campbell, Kevin Switzer Jr., Wallace Watson and Shawn Thayer.

Bangor Raceway will present live racing throughout its 2023 spring-summer meeting on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. and Sundays at 12:15 p.m.