![The ‘Fastest’ Horse Racing Track in the World Once Existed in South Portland, Maine](http://townsquare.media/site/698/files/2023/10/attachment-Untitled-design-19.jpg?w=980&q=75)
The ‘Fastest’ Horse Racing Track in the World Once Existed in South Portland, Maine
Each year, people from around the globe focus in on horse racing for the Triple Crown. The most notable of those three races is the Kentucky Derby, which has become synonymous with big hats, fancy cocktails and a brimming social scene.
While those races put the spotlight on the sport, horse racing has been a part of American culture for well over a century. That includes many towns and cities across Maine, where horse racing was big business for many years.
One of those cities was South Portland. Back in the late-1800's, horse racing wasn't just big business for some places, it was the only business. Similar to what many people experience with Fenway Park in Boston, visitors would travel across state lines to the biggest and best horse racing venues across New England.
According to Maine Memory, the Rigby Trotting Park was constructed in 1893 to be a signature horse racing track in Maine. Its reputation quickly grew amongst riders and spectators and before long, Rigby Trotting Park was regarded as the "fastest" horse racing track in the world.
The prominence was short lived. By 1898, the sheen had worn off Rigby Trotting Park and other horse racing venues had stolen its thunder. After only six years in operation, Rigby Trotting Park was closed for good.
More than two decades later, the former Rigby Trotting Park was sold to the Maine Central Railroad company and would become Rigby Railway Yard. The area has remained a rail yard ever since despite changing ownership multiple times throughout the years.
LOOK: These are the best high schools for sports in Maine
Gallery Credit: Stacker
LOOK: 50 Beloved Retail Chains That No Longer Exist
Gallery Credit: Madison Troyer
More From Q97.9
![Can You Guess the Wild Total Of Much I Just Payed For This Little of Groceries in Portland, Maine?](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2021/04/Hannaford-Forest-Ave.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Google Street View Documents 13 Years of Gas Price Changes in Maine](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/07/attachment-Gas-Prices-Featured-Image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![‘Three Little Bandits’ Rescued: Brunswick, Maine, Police Save Raccoons Trapped in a Dumpster](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Anjon’s In Scarborough, Maine, Bringing Back Their Famous Stuffed Bread](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/07/attachment-Anjons-stuffed-bread.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What’s Up With the Giant Mound of Shells in Portland, Maine?](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/05/attachment-shell-mound1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did You Know the World’s Largest, Multi-Level Indoor Go-Karting Track is in New England?](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2023/08/attachment-28436CDC-D1E5-4FE7-9766-CA39C9F50053.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![South Portland Dempsey Center Moving to Westbrook, Maine’s Rock Row](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/06/attachment-Dempsey-Center-Rock-Row.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did You Know the Oldest Known Cemetery in America is in New England?](http://townsquare.media/site/701/files/2023/06/attachment-Untitled-design-92.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![3 Favorite, Nostalgic Stores We Should Bring Back to the Maine Mall](http://townsquare.media/site/696/files/2024/05/attachment-gettyimages-1920589120.jpg?w=980&q=75)