My parents have raced and raised standardbred racehorses in Maine for 48 years. My siblings and I worked with my parents on their farm in Livermore, where we attended high school, and then achieved multiple advanced degrees from Maine colleges.

Racing, studying and working on the farm were a way of life for us and I strongly support Biddeford Downs so that other families have the opportunity to grow up on a working farm.

Throughout the years, the cost of purchasing, feeding and racing horses has outpaced the purses that horses race for. In order to continue racing in Maine, owners and breeders of standardbred racehorses need Biddeford Downs. States that support racinos have higher purse structures, allowing owners to upgrade their stables.

Currently, purchasing a horse from out of state is a no-win situation, as the price of out-of-state horses is greater than their earning potential in Maine. In order to be competitive, owners need to upgrade their stables but need some assurance that Maine has a harness racing future. Currently, the future is unclear.

The city of Biddeford approved Biddeford Downs, and the harness racing community needs this facility in order to invest in Maine’s harness racing future. Biddeford Downs will result in new jobs as well as revive an existing Maine industry.

I hope others will join me in support of Biddeford Downs.

Susan E. Clary, Livermore Falls