by Tom LaMarra, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondent

Washington, PA — Mickey Burke recalled being one of the first to get a horsemen’s license in Pennsylvania — his badge number was 122. That was in advance of the opening of The Meadows in 1963.

Burke was there for opening day, June 28 of that year, and also June 28 of this year to celebrate 50 years at the racetrack north of Washington, Pa.

“This has been a way to keep me happy,” Burke said of training horses and operating a large stable. “The worst two days of my life will be the day they tell me I can’t drive, and the day they tell me I can’t drive a car.”

Roger Huston led the group in the winner’s circle in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, as it is now called, flashed back to opening day 1963 with a nine-race card that began at 8:20 p.m. Before the races began, the track held a 40-minute ceremony in the winner’s circle to commemorate the anniversary and honor those who have been involved with the facility for all or most of its history.

“The Meadows has been blessed with 50 years of support from the state, county, local community, fans, employees and horsemen,” said Mike Jeannot, president of The Meadows racing division.

Retired Pennsylvania Sen. J. Barry Stout, whose father helped facilitate the licensing of a racetrack in Washington County, recalled being involved in the referendum, which passed by about 1,000 votes. Stout then was elected to legislature himself in 1970, and before he left in 2010 played in role in votes authorizing slot machines, and later table games, at racetracks in Pennsylvania.

“The Meadows Racetrack & Casino is a real asset to Washington County,” Stout said. “It has made Washington County a destination point for entertainment.”

The nine races June 28 were each named for the winners of the nine races held June 28, 1963. The first race, named for Wee Crusader, was appropriately won by the mare Do Me Honor, who is owned and trained by longtime Meadows owner and trainer William Bercury and was driven by Aaron Merriman.

USTA/Mark Hall photos

Heather Wilder of the MSOA ran the association’s promotional tent.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association partnered with the racetrack on the 50th anniversary and manned a promotional tent on the apron June 26-28. MSOA executive director Kim Hankins said the organization this year approved an increase in its marketing and promotions budget to help grow interest in harness racing.

Among those who came out for the celebration was Digger Fauth, who began working at The Meadows in 1964 in the mutuels department. He said he was a fan of the late Delvin Miller, who founded the track.

“He was a really good guy,” Fauth said. “This track employed a lot of people who needed jobs. It was just a great environment. We actually started a system for mutuels that is still used at 13 racetracks. The Meadows was an innovator.”