Concerns about recurring problems with the starting gates at both Bangor Raceway and Scarborough Downs seem to have been addressed, but recent bad weather has delayed some testing.
“Two or three gates have had failures over the last few years, but as far as right now, I’d have to say there are no problems,” said Ralph Canney, state harness racing steward. “We kind of have to wait though, because it’s been so rainy and muddy the last couple times we’ve wanted to test them we weren’t able to.”
Canney is referring to two pickup trucks owned and operated by The Maine Gate, Inc., of Brewer, which is licensed to provide starting gate equipment to Maine’s two commercial tracks and the state fair circuit tracks.
Currently, Maine Gate is contracted to provide backup vehicles and gates for both Scarborough and Bangor. Bangor currently uses a Chevy Avalanche it owns and a gate purchased directly from Ohio-based Howard Gate. Scarborough is using a borrowed 1991 Cadillac along with a Howard gate leased with an option to buy from Rockingham Park in Salem, N.H.
“I do my best to supply quality equipment that functions properly, but as far as my contracts are concerned, all I’m responsible for is the equipment and not the operation of it,” said Dan Ward, Maine Gate president.
The problems at Scarborough were caused when the truck it was using stalled once during the start of a race and a couple more times in qualifiers. The problem stemmed from vapor lock, not bad gas as was originally thought, according to Ward.
The problems at Bangor involving the gate not closing quickly enough a few times, but only during schooling races used to train unqualified horses, not during regular races.
“What happened was a nut loosened up in the drum switch, which reverses the motor. So instead of a couple of pounds of force on it, it was more like 20 or 30. I assume,” Ward explained. “So because the switch went too far to the right, when trying to return it to neutral position, it would have opened the gates instead.”
Ward has both pickup trucks (1998 and 1986 model years) as well as a van ready to go, but says there seems to be some reluctance to use them, especially the van.
“The concern on the van is that the field of vision could limit being able to see the one and eight horses on the far ends,” said Ward. “They’re supposed to use one of the backup gates for qualifying races.”
Once the trucks are tested and he can get a starter to test drive the van, Ward is certain they will pass the test and be proven fit for duty.
“My primary focus now is to meet the conditions Ralph wants for us to run Bangor,” Ward said.
In the meantime, Ward has already agreed to lease Bangor’s Avalanche and gate to use as the primary starting gate for the fair circuit. He hopes to use one of the trucks or the van as the backup.