The Scarborough Downs staff is busy putting the finishing touches on the racing facility as the 111-day 2011 harness racing meet kicks off with Opening Weekend, Saturday, April 2, post time: 4 pm and Sunday, April 3, post time: 1:05 pm. The Saturday and Sunday programs will each feature 12 races. Fridays will be added to the racing schedule on April 22 (4 pm), and Thursdays will be added on June 2 (4 pm)

“It’s been a long winter, and our horses are rarin’ to go,” said Renee Robertson of Scarborough, who owns Robertson Racing Stable with her husband, Dick, where they train trotters at the Downs. “We’re looking forward to doing what we love out on the track on Saturday, and hoping for a win or two!”

In addition to a season full of harness racing action, the track is pleased to promote a series of exciting events beginning with opening day, where two winners will walk away with a $50 voucher each, plus other giveaways. The Triple Crown events kick off with the Kentucky Derby on May 7th, the Downs’ biggest party of the year.

The Downs Club, which had only been open for wagering during the summer months, will now open on Saturdays starting June 4th for light, inexpensive dining, catered through the new partnership with Henry VIII Carvery, of Scarborough (in the Cabela’s Plaza). Menus can be viewed online at ScarboroughDowns.com.

The highly-publicized Brad Paisley concert is slated for Sunday, July 17th. There will be no racing that day.

This is also the fourth season that Downs’ fans will enjoy free admission.

While a winter storm is forecasted for Friday (April 1), weather conditions promise to improve for the weekend, with temps in the high 40s, so fans can get outside and watch the horses up-close.

For the complete racing schedule and a list of events planned for 2011, log onto www.ScarboroughDowns.com or call Susan Higgins, Director of Marketing at 207-883-4331 x1002 for more information.