Harness racing is not only a Maine tradition but it's one of America's most historic sports, one which incorporates hard-working people and amazing, beautiful animals exhibiting extraordinary skill and speed. Nowhere is the unique relationship between humans and horses better represented than in harness racing, which began as farmers challenging their neighbors to see whose driving horse was faster, and evolved into a multi-billion dollar international pastime. It's a tradition that needs to be preserved as it as American as cowboys and apple pie.

Since 2005, when Hollywood Slots in Bangor began operating, revenues earmarked for harness racing per state law began to infuse the sport, resulting in a marked stimulation to the entire industry. Scarborough Downs saw a 100 % increase in purses in 2007 and 2008, and that's just the beginning. Bigger purses mean horse owners can invest in better horses; better horses means better racing right here in Scarborough. If a horse owner, trainer and racing driver can earn just as much money staying in Maine, we all benefit many-fold: We keep the hay farmers, farriers, tack shops, grain and feed stores, veterinarians, grooms, stable hands, and even truck and trailer dealers in business.

The fact is purses in Maine still remain thousands of dollars below national average. Better racing venues do exist outside of Maine where gaming has supplemented that industry and it's very appealing for the thousands of people in Maine whose lifeblood is harness racing. If the product at Scarborough Downs can be competitive with other states, horsemen and women will stay in Maine to race. With additional revenue coming, a gaming facility at Scarborough Village means Scarborough Downs can be a front-and-center track in the industry, alongside Saratoga, The Meadowlands and Yonkers Raceway. And because a gaming facility is required to share its revenues with all of Maine's agricultural fairs and horse racing venues, everybody wins.

The results trickle-down throughout Maine:

	Keeps 100,000 acres of pasture and farm land open and productive
	Preserves a $15 million economic impact to the state
	Preserves small businesses of goods and services to the industry
	Encourage horse owners to keep their dollars in Maine
	Keeps 4100-plus people working

Scarborough Downs has been in business for 58 years, and is part of Scarborough’s identity.   Located near exit 42, at the geographic center of Scarborough, the property consists of 500 acres and is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land near I-95 in southern Maine.

Scarborough Downs is the largest commercial harness race track in the state; its southern Maine location is strategically vital for the harness racing industry, where Scarborough Downs is appreciated for living their mission statement: We are dedicated to the sport of harness racing.  We strive to entertain the public, provide a livelihood for the equine industry so that we can provide for our employees, community, and State of Maine agricultural interests.

Scarborough Downs owner, Sharon Terry desires a development designed to fulfill the town’s objectives as long as the development helps her stabilize and preserve Scarborough Downs and the Maine harness racing industry.  She is proposing a unique opportunity for a public-private partnership, similar to what progressive harness race tracks across the US have done.  The addition of electronic gaming presents a unique opportunity to enhance our town, its business climate, while also securing it place as Maine’s lowest taxed municipality.

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