It’s good news for all the harness track racing lovers as their favorite Bangor Racetrack will soon open its doors for public access post the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown that was imposed months back. The Raceway kickstarted its operations following the resumption of services last week by the Hollywood Casino and Raceway.
The team is adamant about bringing the operations back in force as soon as possible for the visitors gathering from across the world, stated Mike Cushing, the honorable President of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association. The Raceway was slated to run from May, but the state’s two major casinos failed to start services because of the state-imposed regulations. The staff members are giving full adherence to the COVID-19 protocols so ensure the safety of the visitors.
Cushing added,
It becomes vital for Bangor Raceway to start its services soon to avoid the unfortunate future similar to Maine’s other full-time harness track, Scarborough Downs in Scarborough. On Friday, Scarborough Downs was closed because of the financial issues that were triggered due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Cushing affirmed that Scarborough, which started its services since June 3, did not receive spectators and so the core team decided to close it until September 6 for public use.
The harness racing hubs are facing several issues. One, the Bangor COVID-19 testing zone is situated in the Bass Park complex, and second, a huge section of the parking lot is shut down. This is causing difficulties for visitors. Cushing stated that the testing officials are ready to cooperate if the racing centers resume their work.
He added that there is a meeting scheduled on Thursday of Maine harness Racing Commission to decide the future of the sector in summer as well as in the approaching fall period. If the COVID-19 protocols are duly recognized by Thursday, then the commission would grant dates to the Bangor Raceway.
Horse-trainer and driver, Heath Campbell, stated that he is happy to hear that Bangor casino is restarting its services, but he is unaware when the racing shall start in the region. He shall be visiting Plainville, Massachusetts, to train the horses.
The Plainville casino and raceway are owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and managed by Penn National, the same organizations that manage Hollywood Casino and Raceway. By following the necessary guidelines, harness racing can be continued for viewers soon.
