by Michael Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — Saturday (March 25) heralded the start of the 2017 racing season in Maine and despite the persistent overcast conditions, it was a great day to be at the track.

A huge opening day crowd gathered to watch and wager and cheer their favorites home as the horses and drivers strutted out onto the raceway to put on the big show in what was the 67th consecutive opening day at the venerable southern Maine racing venue.

Always as good as money in the bank, top-rated driver Eddie Davis, Jr. claimed victory in the first dash of the season, sending a pacer from his own stable roster, Checkisinthemail, to a sterling gate- to-wire victory with the majority of fans cashing tickets on the 1-2 favorite. It was driver Jimmy Whittemore, however, who held the hottest hand on Saturday, as the Maine native grabbed top honors in three of the eight races programmed.

Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing on a Saturday and Sunday schedule with first post time slated for 1:30 p.m..

For more information, visit www.ScarboroughDowns.com or visit our Facebook page.