Scarborough Downs
Scarborough Downs is a horse-racing track located in Scarborough, Maine, United States. It is Maine's largest race track. It is home to The Downs Club restaurant as well as a grandstand for race viewing, and includes 2 track-side lounges as well as a newly constructed VIP Room.
Scarborough Downs History
Scarborough Downs was constructed in 1949 as a racetrack for thoroughbred horse races and was completed in 1950. It was the only one of its kind in the state. However, harness racing was introduced in the 1960s and for a while the track hosted both types of horse racing. However, in September 1972 the track became solely a harness racing track. In the 2000s, owner Joseph Ricci introduced simulcast wagering and the track began to offer simulcast races from premier thoroughbred and harness tracks from around North America.
Nestled in the tall pines on 500 acres in the heart of Southern Maine in the town of Scarborough, Scarborough Downs is the home of New England's fastest half-mile track. The track, designed by Charles Coon and Sons, has drawn rave reviews by horsemen and women throughout its fast-paced history.
The track was once a popular Thoroughbred track when it opened in the 50s until the 70s, then became a harness track. The sign out front read, "Scarboro Downs" for many years until the sign was updated in 2008.
On October 1, 1980, a pre-dawn fire at Scarborough Downs, ignited as the result of an overloaded electrical box in a tack room, destroyed a 240-foot barn, killing eleven horses.
The track's unique setting draws thousands every racing season from all parts of the United States, Canada and beyond.
In addition to the live harness racing schedule, Scarborough Downs offers simulcasting of both thoroughbred and harness races from premier tracks from across the US and Canada - 363 days a year, noon to midnight.
Close to the beaches and only 8 miles from downtown Portland, Maine's largest city, Scarborough Downs is one of the top entertainment destinations in the state - Scarborough Downs was voted the area's top Recreation Destination four years in a row. Scarborough Downs is also host to a series of exciting and educational events all year long, from Family Fun Day to The Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Stakes races and championship finals. In 2013, the track is once again holding the 2-year-old Stakes Finals in September and the 3-year-old Stakes Finals in October. Plus there's a whole lot of fun planned all season long. Whether you are new to harness racing or are a seasoned fan, you'll enjoy the thrill of a visit to the track. So make sure you stop in for a visit on your next trip to Maine, and enjoy your day at the races!
Scarborough Downs Live Horse Racing Schedule
April - December
Post Time at Scarborough Downs
4:00pm Friday and Saturday
1:05pm Sunday
12:05pm Friday - Sunday, October to December
Scarborough Downs Track Code
Scarborough Downs Wagering
Takeout
WPS: 17%
Current Weather Conditions at Scarborough Downs
Scarborough Downs Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Scarborough Downs
90 Payne Road
PO Box 468
Scarborough, ME 04074
Website: www.scarboroughdowns.com
