Michael Hopkins has been named Director of Racing at Bangor Raceway. He replaces Corey Smith, who has been promoted internally at Hollywood Slots. Hopkins will retain his current position as Director of Security and Risk Management.

“My main goal is safety and security. That’s my big concern for the track. (I’m concerned for the) treatment of the animals, barn conditions, fire alarms, alcohol in the barns, anything that will create a safety hazard” stated Hopkins. He is also concerned about horses racing on hot humid days and gives the example of last year when the last two days of the summer meet were cancelled due to those weather conditions.

Hopkins freely admits that his experience with the business of harness racing is very limited. He is familiar with the track and day to day operations from the standpoint of Security. He will rely heavily on the experience of Race Secretary Fred Nichols, who had been escorting Hopkins around the State recently meeting horsemen and industry leaders.

Hopkins would like to see live attendance increase. He is looking at additional advertising promoting the sport of harness racing. “Its man and animal verses a half mile dirt track; that is a sport. Kids love to see that. Let’s get some families in those stands.”

One of Hopkins first tasks was to add a day of live racing on September 29 to coincide with the “Fireball Run” activities. The Fireball Run is a National Road Race that goes 2,500 miles in 8 days and 15 cities and will end at Bass Park in Bangor on September 29. Hopkins expects a huge crowd and media for the Fireball Run and wanted to showcase live harness racing for the multitude of people that will be at Bass Park on that day.

Hopkins, 50, was raised in the Bangor area and is married with three kids.