Maine Harness Racing

Sorry for the delay in posting

2008-11-02T19:12:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. I owe you all some posts about what I have been up to where I have been. I had someone ask if I was at the sire stakes, I can assure you I was and it was exciting. Watching Allie Hiscock kiss his horse was the highlight of the weekend along with the powerful Terry's Star Dragon firing down the stretch. Who could forget the battle of the Graffam stable. I will post an exlusive edit of my takes from that weekend as well as a wrap up of the season shortly. Thank you all for writing in my brief absence. And here is the rest of it.

Welcome Maine Watch Jennifer Rooks viewers

2008-10-05T10:50:00.003-04:00

I would like to welcome all the people who are coming to my site from Maine Watch's Jennifer Rooks viewers. (Click that link if you want to watch a great story about the sport, featuring the Farmington Fair grounds, gordon corey in front of the Cumberland grand stand and a host of others).

I am a photographer who follows the Harness racers around Maine and makes pictures of this family sport. I would like to follow up to what, Bob Tardy, Mike Andrews, and Gordon Corey have stated in your very well made story.

I am a photographer, a professional who came into the sport of Harness Racing in 2003 and have had the joy of earning a great deal of my income from the horsemen and families involved in this sport.

I am working on a photo story, the families of harness racing, and will be posting a photo blog soon with some of my updated work.

I hope to see you all at Scarborough Downs for the stakes races, where fun will be had by all.

Revisiting the Skowhegan fair Grand Stand

2008-09-20T09:51:00.002-04:00

It has been a few weeks since the Skowhegan Fair has been over, but today I find myself at the Fair grounds as they are sitting inside a bank of fog. Here is an erie picture of the grandstand. Thank you for looking, too bad they only race here once a year.

9-11-2008 Never Forget:

2008-09-11T21:49:00.008-04:00

Today I spent the afternoon at the Oxford Fair ground watching the races. Prior to todays ticket, the track was cleared and the Oxford first responders went out onto the track and suspended a giant flag above the tote board on the infield. Here are a couple images from the 9-11 ceremony. We must never forget. And here is the rest of it.

Simple pleasures are sometimes all around, on the way home from the Oxford Fairgrounds I came upon this field of sunflowers, a simple image to end my day.

2008-09-07T23:58:00.004-04:00

The Cornish Trotting Park, hosted the Horsemens day on Saturday September 6th, with 8 races on the ticket.

Here is a brief from the race program about the Fairgrounds History.

In 1876 the first fair association was formed in Cornish to promote and display the duduced and trae of goods in the area. One of the most influential founders was B Franklin Pease, the great Grandfather of Royden and Rebecca Pease and Helen Bradeen. He also founded the Cornish Grange the hear before.

Little is recorded in the early years of the Osipee Valley Union Agriculture Association but is success by the turn of the century saw the complete rebuilding of the fairgrounds and racetrack to allowallow for growing expansion.

After the Second World War, most of the active members of the association had died and due to lack of supportive interest the deal of the Cornish fair was nearing.

Dr Anthony DiBiaso bought the fairgrounds in 1958 and gave the deed to his wife. Since 1952 the fairgrounds activity was limited to training of race horses.

The town of Cornish purchased the fairgrounds in 1994. Today the gorunds are used for public events and training or harness horses, which conties one of the oldest tradions and businesses in Cornish. (Cornish Race Program 2008).

Kingstar A

2008-09-01T16:14:00.002-04:00

Charlene Cushing leads the field of horses driving Kingstar A during race 10 of a 15 race ticket at the Windsor Fair.

Live from Windsor Fair 9-1-2008

2008-09-01T15:12:00.006-04:00

Posting Live from the Windsor Fair on September 1st 2008.

Race 4 Heath Campbell driving Inagadadavidbaby, during race four of a 15 race ticket.

Race 5 of a 15 race ticket, Heath Campbell (left center) driving Escape the leads the pack of horses at the 1/2 mile, at the Windsor Fair. Despite the lead, Shawn Gray driving Sonof thebeach beats Heath at the wire.

Joey Mosher driving Trebuchet just past the half mile post Saturday at the Windsor Fair.

The Thrill of the Win....

2008-08-26T09:48:00.007-04:00

The Thrill of the Win....

Neutral Court, a 2-year-old pacer, driven by Michael Graffam and owned by Pineholm Farm and Fox Ridge Stable, led the pack the entire mile to win the Maine Breeders Stake race for 2-year-old Colts and Geldings, Race 4, on Saturday (8/23). Time for the mile was 1:59.1. The consensus from the crowd was, "this is one to watch!"

and the agony of defeat

Bethany Graffam watches as Signthepaige is beat at the wire by Sids Drama in Race 6 on Saturday, the second of two Breeders Stake Races for 2-year-old Colts and Geldings. Photo by EJS Photograhy

Sids Drama, driven by Drew Campbell, gets ready to overtake Signthepaige, driven by Mike Graffam, and takes the win in the second of the day's Breeders Stake Races for Colts and Geldings on Saturday (8/23). So close! Time for the mile was 2:05.2.

And here is the rest of it.

Grandstand Panarama

2008-08-17T23:44:00.009-04:00

Sunday I spent the day photographing breeders stakes races at the Union Fair. I also played around with my remote camera and learned what not to do. Several races of nothing ironing out the bugs. Here are a few pictures I made.

Union, ME: August 17, 2008 Shawn Gray leads the pack driving Guns Galore down the stretch of race 2 Sunday afternoon at the Union Fair in Union Maine.

"View from the Cheap seats."
Union, ME: August 17, 2008 Charlene Cushing driving Roy Olcott (lead horse) fires past the bettors favorite Rupert Rupert, for the win of the feature race Sunday afternoon at the Union Fair in Union Maine.

Terrys Star Dragon

Union, ME: August 17, 2008 Michael Graffam leads the way and holds on for the win driving Terrys Star Dragon Sunday afternoon at the Union Fair in Union Maine.

Union, ME: August 17, 2008 View of the pack as they round the “clubhouse” turn during race one Sunday afternoon at the Union Fair in Union Maine.

Union, ME: August 17, 2008 Heath Campbell (5) drives Fox Valley Lovebug past the fans in the grandstand for the win of race 3 Sunday afternoon at the Union Fair in Union Maine.

Last but not least

The photo finish

Am I Ready (Rain race)

2008-08-16T18:10:00.004-04:00

Race 4 at Scarborough Downs Drew Campbell driving Am I Next owned by Ben Bill & Will Stable slogs around the paddock turn onto the stretch. Drew won the race in 2:02:1.

Dink Adoo, Dink a DID breaks track record

2008-08-04T11:01:00.002-04:00

The Trotter Dink Adoo driven by Robert Sumner trained patricia Sumner owned by The Panhellenic Stb Corp breaks the track record at Scarborough Downs on August 4th 2008 during the Joe Ricci Trotting series earning a spot in the final race.

Scorpion Moon with Jason Bartlett

2008-08-04T10:59:00.001-04:00

Scorpion Moon, driven by Jason Bartlett owned Tracy Brainard & Andrew Herzog Trained ny Tracy Brainard

Mister Lucky Vic

2008-08-04T10:55:00.001-04:00

Mister Lucky Vec driven by Jonathan Roberts during the July 27th leg of the Joe Ricci Memorial Trot owned and trained by Leonard Le Blac.

like a bat outa hell

2008-08-04T10:52:00.002-04:00

The trotter, Likeabatoutahell owned by Michael D Andrews trained by Gordon Corey driven to a track record of 1:58 in trot race 11 the second Joe Ricci Memorial Trot at Scarborough Downs on July 27th.

Mildred Series at Scarborough Downs

2008-08-04T10:46:00.004-04:00

The Mildred Driving series made its way to Scarborough Downs on July 27th, Kelly Case won the two races, here is a picture of her on Kitty a horse owned by Jon Chenard.

Here is a picture of the Women who raced in Sundays races.

Riders of the Storm

2008-07-18T22:36:00.012-04:00

Rides of the Storm:

Click here for pictures from the Paddock

SCARBOROUGH, ME 7-18-2008: During the finish stretch of Race 5 Friday night the sky grew dark as a front approached. The font was very clear and try as I might I was not lucky enough to get an image with breaking ligtening bolts. Doug Gray is driving Tyler Trouble.

(Picture to the left) Here you are seeing the view looking toward the Paddock, with Kim Ireland on Kerogen, and the storm is very pronounced. It appears that the area just past Scarborough Downs is getting hammered with strong microbursts.

The Scarborough Downs judges made the call that all horses warming up were to return to the paddock, and wait out the storm that appeared would be unleashing its might shortly. Here (Right) you see Jerry Watson on Mighty Dragon N taking the advice and returning.

Cool shade of Blue

2008-07-18T13:58:00.005-04:00

KDK Lemondrop Kid driven by Kevin Switzer at Bangor Raceways July 6th.

Terry Star Dragon, driven by Michael Graffam

Driven July 6th at Bangor Raceways.

Record Breaker Up Temp

2008-07-18T09:48:00.007-04:00

Up Tempo lowers track record at Scarborough Downs:

7-17-2008: Scarborough, Maine – Track records continue to fall as the year-long speed show blazes forward at Scarborough Downs -- for the fourth time already this season track historians have been set to the task of rewriting the record books.

Up Tempo, a 3-year-old star of the Maine Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes trotting program left a deep impression on the assembled fan base on Thursday (July 17) as he lined up behind the Scarborough starting gate to contest a $10,107 stakes division. He set sail early off the car to forge dazzling fractions of 29.2 – 59.3 – 1:30.1 en route stopping the tele-timer in a breath-catching 2:00-4/5th, thereby setting a brand new career speed standard and claiming his 3rd consecutive victory in MSBS competition.

Up Temp now becomes the fastest winner on the trot in the history of the Maine Breeders’ Stakes program, erasing Ichiban’s long-held previous mark of 2:01.1 recorded back in 1999.

He also obliterated the Scarborough Downs track record for 3-year-old geldings of 2:04.3 which had been held since 1997 by ImAGingerBreadMan and driver Dominic Watson.

Up Tempo, a son of Boy Band, one of Maine’s newest trotting stallions, is proudly owned by Michael Andrew of Gorham, Maine and is trained and driven by state of Maine colt specialist Gordon Corey.

“His mother, A Virtue, was a great mare and has produced well” owner Michael Andrew said “ She produced the 2006 Three–year-old Maine Stakes champion Forward Momentum, but I think the Boy Band blood has made her get even faster.”

“He likes to race” Andrew continued “He doesn’t like other horses to beat him. So far so good but we’d sure like to repeat a mile like this during the finals in October.”

The Maine Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes continue throughout the summer season at various venues in the state of Maine and culminate with finals during “Super Stakes Weekend” on October 11 and 12 at Scarborough Downs.

Stakes action returns to the Downs on Saturday (July 19) as the MSBS 2-year-old colt pacers make their 2008 debut with three divisions racing for nearly $28,000 in purse money.
Scarborough Downs proudly features live harness racing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 4:15 pm (EDT). The popular Sunday matinees feature a 1:30 pm post time. .

Christmas in July: (not really but thank you Drew)

2008-07-18T09:39:00.002-04:00

This is a picture from Scarborough Downs of Drew Campbell when Santa Clause paid him a visit in the winners circle. I had all I could do to not laugh, when Santa asked Drew if he had been naughty or nice. The answer, I am a lot nicer now that I have the check from this win. Drew was very happy to have the visit from Santa, and even though the weather was grim (rain and fog) it made the day a little better for all.

Mildred Williams Womens Driving Series - You Go Girl

2008-07-18T09:26:00.002-04:00

Maine Harness Race Driver Stacey Lord will be driving in two legs of the Mildred Williams Driving Challenge at Saratoga New York’s Saratoga Raceways on Saturday July 19th.

Stacey Lord of Sebago Maine will be driving pacer Ms-Ayse Bluegrass (from the 6th hole) in the first race and pacer Pocket Vance N (from the rail position or the one hole).

The Mildred Williams Driving Challenge started by Ottawa horsewoman Ann Curran, the Mildred Williams International Women’s Driving Series is designed to promote the sport of harness racing toward the un-sung hero’s of the sport, the women. This series provides young women with the opportunity to participate and honor a female pioneer of harness racing Mildred Williams.

After Saratoga Raceways the series invades New England with Maine’s Scarborough Downs on July 27th, New Hampshires Rockingham Park on August 3nd, before moving to Massachusetts’s Plainridge Racecourse on August 4th.

The three finals are held at Harrah’s Chester Racetrack November 5th, Dover Downs November 6th and Rosecroft Raceways November 7th, the current leaders (as of July 6ths points standing) are Ann Karin Larsen 82 Points (15 races), Elisabeth Jansen with 60 Points, Anne Marie Turenne 59 points, and Kelly Case (Maine’s Walter Case Jr’s sister) with 55 Points.

2008-07-15T09:14:00.003-04:00

Kevin Switzer Jr. bagged his first grand slam at Scarborough Downs on Saturday July 12th. Winning on Son Of Arturo, Do It All, Arden's Heritage, and Prince Rama N.

"Kevie's had three-win days before but never a four-bagger." said proud mother Patricia Switzer.

"His father (Kevin Switzer) has kidded him about it telling him he hasn't stepped up to the next level yet. It was kind of ironic that it was the old man he nosed out to get that fourth win under his belt. They'll have plenty to talk about on the way back home tonight."

Saturday CKG Billings Series coverage

2008-07-15T09:06:00.003-04:00

With the results of the C.K.G. Billings Amateur contests on Saturday, July 12 it was sort of "the rich get richer" as both regional point leaders, Steve "You're Never Too" Oldford (Midwest) and Todd "the Downeaster" Whitney (East) were each
victorious in their respective regional events.

In all, three Midwest Region Billings races were contested at Raceway Park on July 12 while that same day, two events of the "Grand Circuit of Amateur Driving" were raced at Scarborough Downs in the Eastern region.

At Raceway Park Oldford scored an easy three length triumph with his recent purchase Eng Amer Bobby with a solid 2:01 effort in the last of the three Midwest regional events.

Oldford took command after the half and coasted home an easy winner over Absolute Resolve and driver "Trader Bud" Hatfield. Third place went to Callico Cat and driver "Tar Heel Tom" Williams, last years Billings point champion who was driving in the series for the first time there at Raceway Park.

Also making his Billings seasonal debut was Kelly "Sky" Walker and he made it a winning one guiding his own Dream of Pearls to a 2:01 victory over No Mon No Fun with Mike "the Vet" Caston at the controls.

After stalking Caston's trotter to the three quarters Walker moved Eng-Amer Bobby to the lead on the final turn and finished a two-length winner ove No Mon No Fun. Bob "the Lumberman" Troyer took home the show dough with Candacraigh.

But Troyer also got his picture taken that night after he reined Ima Spur to a gate to wire 2:01:3 victory over ABS Speedy Hall and driver "Tiny Tim' Miller in the other Billings division. "Lawbook Larry" Farley hustled Prime Number home for the show dough after the trotter made a break before the start.

Meanwhile at Scarborough Downs "The Downeaster" rushed Texas TNT for the lead from the eight-hole but Vladimir "Butch" Melnichenko, driving Best Way, carried Whitney's trotter nearly to the half way point before he yielded command.

Once on top, and despite being parked to the half, Texas TNT strolled home a length winner in a time of 2:04 over Chapri, with Scott "the Driving Doctor" Woogen at the reins. Melnichenko's, Best Way faded but held on for third money.

The other Scarborough Downs split saw George "the Brooklyn Cowboy" Casale score a short head victory with Earl Vic Dol in a 2:03 clocking when they held off a last charge by Dua Don N and driver "Fast Phillipe" Trudeau. Whitney guided the Malabar Touch home third best in that contest.

It marked the first seasonal Billings triumph for Casale and the 25th of his amateur career.

On Sunday, July 13 two eastern region Billings races will be contested at Bangor Raceway in Bangor, Maine.

John Manzi, Billings Publicist

Terrys Star Dragon at Bangor Raceways

2008-07-07T10:26:00.002-04:00

July 6th, 2008 Bangor, ME: Michael Graffam drives Terrys Star Dragon Sunday at Bangor Raceways. Maine Harness Racing at its best.

Fillmewalley N at Bangor Raceways

2008-07-07T10:24:00.002-04:00

July 6th, 2008 Bangor, ME: Kevin Switzer drives Fillmewalley N during race 7 at Bangor Raceway. Maine Harness Racing at its best.

KDK Lemondropkid

2008-07-07T10:23:00.002-04:00

July 6th, 2008 Bangor, ME: Kevin Swizer driving KDK Lemondropkid Sunday at Bangor Raceways. Maine Harness Racing at its best.

Maine Harness Racing July 5th 2008 Scarborough Downs

2008-07-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

Maine Harness Racing on July 5th 2008 at Scarborough Downs in ScarboroughMaine.

Race 6: Hezapeach owned and trained by Stacey Lord is driven by Leigh Fitchfor the win.

Race 7: Switzer v Switzer: Kevin Switzer Jr driving #1 Son of Arturo (onthe rail) and Kevin Switzer driving #4 Showdown At Dawn battle it out forthe win at the start of the stretch. Kevin Switzer Jr won this battle, Sonof Arturo is owned by Ronald Bolduc and is trained by Jamie Gerard.

July 4th Mark's Fine China

2008-07-05T16:10:00.003-04:00

Maine Harness Racing at its best.

Race 7 on July 4th at Scarborough Downs Mark's Fine China driven by John Beckwith rounds the paddock turn onto the stretch prior to winning thie 7th race Friday at Scarborough Downs.

Marks Fine China is owned and trained by Mark Harris of Brewer Maine.

Maine Harness Racing Red River Gal

2008-07-05T16:05:00.003-04:00

Maine Harness Racing at its best.

Red River Gal Driven by Leigh Fitch owned by Eugene Hubler driven in the 3rd learn and earn at Scarborough Downs Thursday July 3rd. This was the fillies maden win.

Baby races 2 year old standardbred Maine Harness Racing

2008-07-05T15:54:00.003-04:00

Maine Harness Racing Thurday July 3rd Baby Races

Trotter Elegant Eve owned by Michael Andrew driven to her maden win by Gordon Corey Thursday July 3rd at Scarborough Downs in Scarborough Maine. Scarborough Downs hosted a series of Learn and Earn races, also known as Baby Races, in which 2 year old horses get a chance to race while they learn.

Stakes race 6 Terrys Star Dragon

2008-07-01T23:03:00.002-04:00

Race 6 Terrys Star Dragon Owned by Robert Tourangeau trained and driven by Michael Graffam Very slick form

They're off!

2008-06-28T18:24:00.001-04:00

They're off! Horses at the wire for the start of the second MSBOA race, Race 7 Saturday June 26th at Scarborough Downs

Race Three Riders of the storm

2008-06-28T12:05:00.001-04:00

Good Gams driven by Kevin Switzer owned and trained by Gordon Du Bois battles for the win on the stretch during race 3 Friday at Scarborough Downs as thunder and lightening crashed in the background, only to be over taken at the wire by Known Passion. maineharnessracing.blogspot.com

Going to Whoville

2008-06-28T11:52:00.001-04:00

Whoville, driven by Drew Campbell owned by Robert and Mary Barnes won
Fridays MSBOA Stakes race Friday at Scarborough Downs in Scarborough Maine.

Rochester Fair Vol 1 Sept 2006

2008-06-27T09:40:00.004-04:00

This picture of Superman Can (Heidie Rohr trained, James Pound owned at the time) acting up in the winner circle at Rochester Fair in September 2006. The horse was not hurt, and did not fall over, you can see Driver Kevin Switzer's feed being eclipsed by the horse. This picture was special that the track photographer made it the cover of his new publication Rochester Fair Harnessracing Vol 1 Sept 2006:

Here is a picture with the groomer, and now Owner\Trainer Bobby Gray. The Rochester Photographer also has an edited version of this image with a superman symbol on Bobby's chest because it does look like an image that could be FARKED (edited to look very funny)

Christmas in July:

2008-06-27T09:39:00.001-04:00

Christmas in July: get your shopping done early. Santa Clause Waves at the starting gate at Scarborough Downs in Scarborough Maine.

Horse kissing by Chris Long

2008-06-27T09:35:00.002-04:00

This was the result of a lost bet between Chris long, and the owner of the horse. Chris (who loves to win) told the owner if this horse wins I will kiss it. After he made it to the winners circle at the Rochester Fair in Rochester, NH Chris was a man of his word. The track photographer made sure Chris had several chances and the picture was so funny it made the cover of the publication the track photographer put out.

Bangor Raceways 6-25 Race 4

2008-06-26T01:57:00.004-04:00

Race 4 at Bangor Raceways June 25th 2008 in the powerful sunset race 4 fires off.
Shawn Gray on L-N-A's Dream leads near the 1/2 mile, followed by Shawn Thayer driving La Vita Buona and on the outside Valerie Grondin is driving Weekie Wachie, you can see Stephen Mahar on Last Dance near the left rear of the pack and the rest of the pack.

I really like strong images where you can see almost the entire field. Very cool that I was able to drive up to Bangor with Harnessracingphotography their photographs make these stories easier to tell.

Bangor Raceways 6-25

2008-06-26T01:51:00.004-04:00

Tonight was a beautiful night at Penn National Hollywood Slots Bangor Raceways.

I forgot how much I love twilight races, daytime races are great for lighting but very much the same. Night racing brings out the festival feel.

The Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes races kicked off and there were two trotter races 3 Year Old Fillies Trotters and 3 Year Old Colt Trotters, and what a beautiful sunset for the second stakes race.

This is a photograph from Race one, where the light and dust just made it look like a winter race with snow flying.

Reading meharness.com it appears Bangor Raceways was appoved to extend their meet to make up for the dates lost due to track conditions.

Go ahead post

2008-06-24T17:17:00.001-04:00

I have left this blog open for those who wish to post. You can do so under your name, or via an anonymous name.

I will delete any posts in bad taste.

Let me start this off, which current driver is the most fun to watch on the stretch?

Or should we start with what was the average age of that race.

Name me one other sport where winners are winners through the golden age of racing.

Anonymous Harness Racer
(Off to battle the thunder storms.)

On the Road

2008-06-24T16:09:00.004-04:00

One the road again. A drive past the former Gorham Raceways and past the farms that are rapidly becoming part of Greater Portland once upon a time.

Progress, but I hope we can keep our racing tradition alive and well.

Anonymous Harness Racer

What is your favorite track in Maine?

2008-06-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

What is your favorite track in Maine?

Be it a fair track, or a commercial track (old or still existing)

Please post a reply, you can anonymously post you know.

Welcome to Maine Harness Racing

2008-06-24T11:45:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Maine Harness Racing: I am an avid harness racing fan, and attend the dashes and hope this blog becomes useful.

Today is June 24th, one day away from the Kick off of the Maine Standardbreders and Owners stakes races in Bangor at Bangor Raceways.

Followed by two year old learn and earns Thursday June 26 at 2PM at Scarborough Downs

I am working with partners to get some photography content and will be adding some of that content as soon as I get permission.

In the meantime contact me through the blog or post your thoughts.