by Michael M. Sweeney, for Scarborough Downs

Scarborough, ME — The Scarborough Downs staff is busy putting the finishing touches on the racing facility as opening weekend approaches with new race days and post times for the remainder of the 2008 season.

The continuation of the 129-day live meet resumes on Friday, April 11 (4:15 p.m. post time) and runs through December 28. Scarborough Downs new racing schedule will be Fridays and Saturdays at 4:15 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Thursday racing (4:15 p.m.) will be added on May 1.

In addition to a season of top harness racing, the track is pleased to promote a series of exciting additions and special events that fans can enjoy, beginning with opening day.

On Friday, we’re giving away a free Scarborough Downs can cooler with the purchase of a live racing program (while supplies last), and Player Rewards Card holders will earn three points for every dollar wagered on Scarborough Downs’ live races.

Customers will see a new Information Booth upon entering the Grandstand, which will be home to a “How-To-Wager” station, complete with a TV monitor showing a USTA Fan Education video, as well as wagering guides and brochures.

Customers will also now be greeted by a Hospitality Relations Specialist, which is a newly-created position at the track which was filled by longtime harness horse owner Renee Robertson, who will provide patrons with information during the race day on wagering, racing, and where they can locate different activities that are happening around the facility.

I’m confident our fans will love having Renee as a “go-to” person.” Many patrons who’ve never been to the track don’t even know we have a dining room. She’ll be in-the-know, so if anyone has any questions, she can direct them. We’re thrilled to have someone who will be a hands-on informational resource.

In addition, racing fans will be able to meet the Scarborough Downs mascot, Henry, a miniature horse who is owned by Renee’s daughter, Samantha. Kid-loving Henry will be in a pen in the Grandstand most live race days.

This is also the second season that racing fans will enjoy free admission. And as always, parking is free.

It’s been over two months since the end of the very-popular January meet and horses and horsemen are anxious to get the action back on the track with their equine athletes. Over 170 horses have qualified to race for the season thus far, with another 35 scheduled to qualify on Wednesday. Weather conditions for opening day, Friday, promise to be mild — perfect for racing — with temperatures in the 50s.

Fridays at the track will feature two new happy hours. The Winner’s Circle Lounge (Grandstand building) will feature Budweiser giveaways drawn after each race, and happy hour in the Lower Club Bar (Clubhouse building) will have free munchies and drink specials.

June will begin Dollar Days at the Downs where patrons will enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 drafts in the Grandstand from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

The Downs Club will open for dinner on Friday, April 18, with 2-for-1 dining specials for $26 as well as new menu items. The Downs Club opens one hour before post time on most race days. Call (207) 883-3022 for reservations.

For a complete list of the events planned for 2008, log on to www.ScarboroughDowns.com or call Susan Higgins, Director of Marketing at (207) 883-4331 for more information.