The building of the track started in 1949 for thoroughbred horse races and was finished in 1950, designed by Charles Coon and Sons. It is located near the beaches and only 8 miles from downtown Portland, Maine’s largest city, in Scarborough, Maine, Scarborough Downs. The track is also the home of New England’s fastest half-mile track and the largest racetrack in the state.

Voted as the area’s top Recreation Destination for four consecutive years and hosted a series of educational events throughout the year, from Family Fun Day to The Maine Standardbred Breeders & Owners Stakes races and championship finals. Originally, there were only thoroughbred races, harness racing was launched in the 1960s, and eventually, thoroughbred was discontinued in September 1972.

A pre-dawn fire occurred at the track due to an overloaded electrical box in a tack room on October 1, 1980. This occurrence ruined a 240-foot barn and killed eleven horses. In the 2000s, simulcast wagering was established in Scarborough by owner Joseph Ricci.