by Barbara Dresser

David Arnold, longtime Maine horseman, trackman and starter, died Jan. 15, 2015, following a brief illness. As a memorial to him, a fundraising event was organized and monetary donations and auction items were collected.

On Friday (Feb. 6), Maine horsemen and women, along with Mr. Arnold’s family and friends, took advantage of a rare, snow-free evening to gather in the Winner’s Circle bar at Scarborough Downs for a potluck dinner and fundraising auction.

Mr. Arnold’s longtime friend, David Sawyer, solicited auction bids from the standing room only crowd for items ranging from themed baskets of goods to gift certificates for credits donated by a dozen of Maine’s top drivers toward their driving fees at Maine fairs.

Mr. Arnold was well respected by his peers, as was evidenced by the overwhelming turnout. The event was a happy occasion and included many touching and humorous anecdotes.

The more than $6,000 raised by the event will be given to Mr. Arnold’s family to assist them with the cost of funeral expenses.

Mr. Arnold is survived by his sons, Joseph “Jody” (Amanda) and their children, Zachary, McKayla and McKenzie, and Ken and his son, Cameron, daughter, Jamie Switzer, and her daughters, Hannah and Brooke; and a sister, Gloria Starks.

A memorial service will be held in the spring.