Windsor, ME — Emotions rose to the surface at the Windsor Fair on Tuesday (Aug. 26) as a pair of accomplished pacing veterans dazzled in front of the fairground stands.
Following Rockaholic’s (1:58.2, $9.20) gate-to-wire win, owner/trainer/driver Andy Harrington was eager to sing his pacer’s praises:
“He’s such a fun horse, and even at 15, he still loves his job,” Harrington explained. “And this is our hometown fair. The whole family is here to celebrate with us. It’s a good time, especially for him. He deserves it.”
“’Rock’ has so much to smile about tonight,” Harrington’s wife, Sarah, later added. “It’s so bittersweet marking off another fair with a win as he says goodbye on his farewell tour.”
Rockaholic is a 15-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover who has now amassed 46 career wins and lifetime earnings of $379,393.
Under Maine Harness Racing Commission rules, 15-year-olds are allowed to compete at agricultural fair meets and in amateur driving races.
Pembroke Scorpio (2:01.2, $15.80) continued the geriatric theme, securing a determined gate-to-wire score with driver David Ingraham.
The 14-year-old son of Camluck out of the Abercrombie mare Stylish Smile elevated his lifetime bankroll to $225,479 while winning for the 53rd time in his career, with all but his maiden breaking-score at Woodbine coming in Maine.
“Sometimes I’m at a loss for words,” mused owner/trainer Patty Sumner. “I still get nervous when he races, but David takes good care of him. He’s such a special horse who has always had a special home — first with Valerie Grondin, who made sure that I bought him when it was time for him to find his next home. And here he’ll stay because he’s such a big part of the family.”
Windsor’s nine-day race meet continues on Thursday (Aug. 28) with a 3 p.m. post time and will continue on a daily basis through Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1). Weekend post times will be at 1 p.m. (EDT) while the weekday cards will commence at 3 p.m.
Windsor’s marquee events, the $15,000 Windsor Fair Invitational Pace and the $10,000 T.R. Dillon Logging Open Trot, will be held on Saturday (Aug. 30) and Monday (Sept. 1), respectively.
For those not able to come to the track, wagering on the Windsor Fair will be available on most major wagering platforms, including Hollywood Races and all Maine off-track betting parlors.
The video for Windsor’s races will be live-streamed on the Windsor Fair’s Facebook page under the “Featured” tab, and live audio of Windsor’s cards will be available via the online radio network of Mix Maine Media at The Mix 107.9 FM, True Country 93.5 FM, THE Score 1160 AM and online.