The Maine State Harness Racing Commission approved capital improvements at Bangor Raceway and Scarborough Downs during Wednesday meetings at the Augusta Civic Center.

The extended meet tracks are planning several very ambitious projects, according to Richard Crabtree, the commission’s interim charirman.

Bangor’s improvements include: a new reviewing paddock; resurfacing the grandstand floor on the lower level; a new grandstand sound system; a new grandstand parimutuel booth and new bathroom showers in the horsemen’s trailer area. Also, if there is money available, improvements will be made in the winner’s circle and the shadow fence on the backside of the track will be replaced.

Scarborough Downs facility improvements include: a phased project of eliminating the hub rail; new track lighting; changing dining room carpet; continuing improvements in the Winner’s Circle Lounge and adding 80 cinder block walls in the barn area.

Also at Scarborough: paving of on-grounds areas; ventilation in the paddock area; replacing signs on Route 1 and Payne Road; replacing the grandstand ceiling and floor on main line and new concession equipment.

The MSHRC also made appointment for 1997 to the Maine Sire Stakes Advisory Committee. They include: Don Marean, Standish; Richard Hartley, Bangor; Ival Cianchette, Falmouth; Marcia Salmon, Waterville; Dana Childs, Westbrook; Carlton Chamberlain, Farmingdale; Diann Perkins, Cornish; Galen Flewelling, Presque Isle; Paul Verette, Scarborough; Gary Mosher, Belgrade Lakes and Donna Sprague, West Buxton.

A discussion on possible rate increases for presiding and associate judges for the 1997 racing season was tabled to a future meeting. The evening session was requested by the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association to discuss the Maine blood gas analysis testing program.

Crabtree said about 50 people attended the meeting.

“There was a good discussion of the existing program and the post-race program used in other states. No decisions were made,” Crabtree said.

Another meeting will be scheduled in Augusta in about two or three weeks on the same subject.

The Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association held its annual meeting in Augusta last Saturday. In addition to the several scholarship awards, the MHHA honored Chris Long as the driver with the most wins during the 1996 season with 244. It presented Roosevelt Susi of Cumberland Center with trainer of the year honors and Heath Campbell of Hermon with a special driving award.

David Dunn of Farmington received the track management award, for the second time, and Warren and Lil Strout of Bradford received the MHHA distinguished service award.

The MHHA presented awards to the owners or trainers of the following Maine horses: fastest 2-year-olds: trotting filly, Frankenstarr, 2:05.3 at Windsor; trotting colt, Magic of Mac, 2:05.4 at Scarborough; filly pacer, Sue’s Data, 2:01.4 at Windsor and pacing colt, Guadalajara Harry, 2:00.1 at Windsor.

The fastest 3-year-old horses honored were: trotting colt, From One To Sixty, 2:04.1 at Scarborough; pacing filly, Lagoon, 1:58.2 at Windor and pacing colt, Willy Wilco, 1:57.4 at Scarborough.

Other horses honored for the fastest miles in 1996 were: trotting mile for an aged horse or gelding, Corky’s Boy, 2:00.2 at Bangor, which was also a track record; a tie for fastest pacing aged mares, Thunder’s Lady, 1:58.2 at Scarborough; and Sunday Silence, 1:58.2 at Windsor; aged trotting mare, West Ridge Gossip, 2:00.2 at Skowhegan and aged horse/gelding pacer, Valiant Towner, 1:55.3 at Windsor.

Also receiving trophy honors for fastest miles were: pacing senior citizen (14-year-old) Julie’s DJ, 2:01 at Scarborough and horse of the year, Postcard Jack, 1:57 at Scarborough.

The Bangor Daily News Harness Horse of the Year will be announced at the Down East Harness Horsemen’s Association annual winter meeting and banquet Saturday at Miller’s Restaurant in Bangor.

For the past eight weeks, BDN readers have balloted for the harness horse that gave them the most pleasure during the 1996 extended race meet at Bangor Raceway. The ballots have been tabulated and the trophies properly inscribed.

In addition to the BDN award, Down East will present several awards for outstanding performances by area and Canadian horses during the Bangor meet. Guest speaker will be Richard Crabtree, interim chairman of the Maine State Harness Racing Commission.

There will be no auction at the DEHHA meeting this year, but the horsemen’s club will draw several door prizes, including two $25 credit vouchers for Miller’s off-track facility. There will also be free copies of the 1996 Maine Harness Racing Yearbook and Directory available. It begins with a business meeting at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.