by Susan Higgins, director of marketing, Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The Scarborough Downs staff is busy putting the final touches on the racing facility for opening weekend, which starts Friday, April 10, with post time at 4:15 p.m.

The 2009 season resumes with live racing Fridays and Saturdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Thursdays will be added to the calendar on April 23 (4:15 p.m.).

It’s been three months since the end of the popular January meet and horses and horsemen alike are anxious to get the action back on the track. Over 170 horses have qualified to race and are fit and sound to participate on the opening weekend and the track is in excellent shape. Weather conditions promise to be seasonal.

“We’re all abuzz here at the track,” says General Manager Martina Mitchell. “The excitement is palpable. It’s been a long winter. Despite what’s going on with the economy, we’ve heard from countless people that nothing will keep them from coming out. People always want to see the horses.”

Fridays at the track this season will also feature two happy hours: The Winner’s Circle Lounge will feature the popular $1 Dogs and $1 Drafts from 5:00-7:00 p.m., and the Lower Club Bar will reprise its free munchies and drink specials, also from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

The Downs Club will also introduce a new format this year, opening on the “big” race days (i.e., Kentucky Derby, the Triple Crown Races, the $50,000 Joseph Ricci Memorial Trot) featuring an all-you-can-eat buffet on each of these days catered by Personal Touch Catering of Buxton. Reservations are already flooding in for May 2nd’s Kentucky Derby, the track’s biggest event.

This is also the third season that racing fans will enjoy free admission.

The 129-day live meet runs through December 27.

For a complete list of the events planned for 2009, log onto www.ScarboroughDowns.com or call Susan Higgins, Director of Marketing at (207) 883-4331, ex: 1002 for more information.