by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, Maine — Donald Richards and Select Timber both made triumphant returns to the raceway on Tuesday (May 8) as the veteran driver and colt pacer won their first starts of the season at Scarborough Downs.

Richards left smartly with his charge to secure a two hole trip behind the front running Armbro Dice, but soon found himself with an inherited lead as the pacesetter broke stride and took back. From that moment on, the man in the familiar orange and black colors dictated the terms and directed the action, steering the field around the seaside oval through perfectly rated panels.

Richards held his charge in-hand as they crossed the finish line with a lifetime equaling mark of 2:00.3. He then entered the Scarborough Downs winner’s circle to a smattering of applause as the local fans welcomed the Dandy One back to the track.

A long-time fan favorite, Richards has now amassed 4,154 lifetime victories during his storied career — most of those top tallies witnessed by his local-loyal-legions in Maine.

The 74-year-old teamster is a multiple state driving champion and a member of the prestigious Maine Sports Hall of Fame. At the behest of the New England chapter of the United States Harness Writers, Richards’ name will be considered this year for nomination to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y.

Downs Doings: Heath Campbell held the hot hand at Scarborough Downs on Tuesday, scoring three wins on the afternoon program including two from the Allie Hiscock Stable.

Kevin Switzer also engineered three trips to victory lane, featuring the victory lap in the $6,000 Open Distaff Pace with Lorna Cohen’s Shady Sabrina. The Cam’s Dignity mare stopped the teletimer in a blistering 1:56.1 — fastest clocking of the young race-meet at The Downs.

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.