by Lynne Snierson, publicity director, Rockingham Park

Salem, NH — Rickie, a talented trotter with over $400,000 in career earnings, will attempt to carry his early speed to victory in the $50,000 final of the Joseph Carney Memorial Trot at Rockingham Park on Sunday, September 2.

Installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite in the field of eight, the 7-year-old gelding with an affinity for racing on the lead will be partnered with driver Sean Bier. Last out in the $15,000 eliminations for the Carney here last Sunday, Rickie was beaten only half a length by Armbro Barrister, the 7-2 second choice for Sunday. Rickie, who is trained by Sean Campbell, has won two of his three starts by a combined 12-1/2 lengths at Rockingham this summer.

The field in post position order with driver and odds is: Earl’s Charm K, Jonathan Roberts, 5-1; Rickie, Sean Bier, 5-2; Foreign Authority, Ralph Anderson, 12-1; Kiwi Demand, Ron Cushing, 15-1; Mister Lucky Vec, David Ingraham, 10-1; Slim Down, James Hardy, 9-2; Armbro Barrister, Michael Eaton, 7-2; and Budlightning, Bruce Ranger, 8-1.

Although Budlightning is 8-1 in the early line, he should get plenty of backing from the fans because Ranger will be handling the reigns. The Carney will be the first time that Ranger, who holds all of the Rockingham driving records and was the back-to-back champion here in 2003-04, has raced here this season. Trainer Diane Hellen gave Ranger the call on the 6-year-old gelding, who finished a strong second in his $15,000 Carney elimination on last Sunday’s card.

The race is named in honor of Rockingham’s late President Joe Carney, who passed away in 2003.

On Saturday, everyone 21 or older may enter to win four Red Sox tickets as part of the season’s last Miller Lite Summer Fun Day, and there will be a special Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. On Monday, Labor Day, fans may register to win an Ipod from Coca-Cola as the track wraps up the 2007 live racing season.

Post time throughout the holiday weekend is 1:05 p.m. each day, and full card Thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound simulcasting is offered every day from 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight.