Ricci’s death creates uncertainty for harness racing

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SCARBOROUGH – The death of millionaire racetrack owner Joseph Ricci leaves a cloud of uncertainty over the state’s harness-racing industry.

Ricci, the owner of the Scarborough Downs, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 54.

Most of Maine’s 1,600 registered horsemen and women, trainers and drivers, have at some point raced at Scarborough Downs. Many rely solely on the track, the state’s largest commercial one, for their income.

“The horsemen today, they just don’t know … . They’re saddened and can’t think right now about what’s next,” said Carolyn Corso, a horse owner from Wells. “Other than they’re going to continue, and go out and jog their horses tomorrow. It will set in. This is really a tragedy for Maine harness racing.”

Bill Hathaway, president of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, agreed that Ricci’s death would have an impact on the industry.

“There is a feeling of apprehension, that nobody knows what will happen,” he said.

Ricci bought the track in 1979 and kept in open at a time when others were closing down and was praised as keeping the sport viable.

“He was willing to take a gamble. And he took several over the years. The other promoters were content to remain in their own little corner of Maine,” said Tom Sheehan, a former general manager under Ricci. “Joe tried to make a big game out of it.”

Ricci brought simulcast betting to the track in 1993. The two-time gubernatorial candidate also spearheaded a referendum vote to bring lottery terminals to the track. Voters rejected the ballot question in November.

Supporters of the ballot question said it would revive the industry. But some criticized the measure, saying it would benefit only Scarborough Downs. Others said the measure would also open the doors to off-track betting parlors.

Ed MacColl, Ricci’s lawyer, tried to dispel fears about the future of the track and the industry in Maine.

“I can tell you that the family has already met with officials from the harness racing commission and assured them they remain committed to Scarborough Downs and to the future of harness racing,” MacColl said.

Scarborough Downs is scheduled to open on March 3.

His relationship with others in the racing community could be tumultuous, but his willingness to go head-to-head with anyone contributed to his legacy in the industry.

SCARBOROUGH – The death of millionaire racetrack owner Joseph Ricci leaves a cloud of uncertainty over the state’s harness-racing industry.

Ricci, the owner of the Scarborough Downs, died Monday after a battle with cancer. He was 54.

Most of Maine’s 1,600 registered horsemen and women, trainers and drivers, have at some point raced at Scarborough Downs. Many rely solely on the track, the state’s largest commercial one, for their income.

“The horsemen today, they just don’t know … . They’re saddened and can’t think right now about what’s next,” said Carolyn Corso, a horse owner from Wells. “Other than they’re going to continue, and go out and jog their horses tomorrow. It will set in. This is really a tragedy for Maine harness racing.”

Bill Hathaway, president of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, agreed that Ricci’s death would have an impact on the industry.

“There is a feeling of apprehension, that nobody knows what will happen,” he said.

Ricci bought the track in 1979 and kept in open at a time when others were closing down and was praised as keeping the sport viable.

“He was willing to take a gamble. And he took several over the years. The other promoters were content to remain in their own little corner of Maine,” said Tom Sheehan, a former general manager under Ricci. “Joe tried to make a big game out of it.”

Ricci brought simulcast betting to the track in 1993. The two-time gubernatorial candidate also spearheaded a referendum vote to bring lottery terminals to the track. Voters rejected the ballot question in November.

Supporters of the ballot question said it would revive the industry. But some criticized the measure, saying it would benefit only Scarborough Downs. Others said the measure would also open the doors to off-track betting parlors.

Ed MacColl, Ricci’s lawyer, tried to dispel fears about the future of the track and the industry in Maine.

“I can tell you that the family has already met with officials from the harness racing commission and assured them they remain committed to Scarborough Downs and to the future of harness racing,” MacColl said.

Scarborough Downs is scheduled to open on March 3.

His relationship with others in the racing community could be tumultuous, but his willingness to go head-to-head with anyone contributed to his legacy in the industry.