Much like retiring athletes in many other sports who have a special day honoring their careers, six horses who are ending their racing careers were honored at Scarborough Downs on Dec. 9.

Ships Mutiny led the parade of retirees, returning in front of the stands one final time following his last career start. Ownership was passed from Laura Searway to Wendy Moulton as “Shipper” was ceremoniously stripped of his racing harness in favor of a fashionable new English saddle and was ridden off the raceway by Moulton to begin his new pleasure riding career.

One On One also hung up his bridle on Sunday as Laurie Salzillo’s trot-bred revisited the raceway one final time. The 10-year-old will return to residence at the Pineholm Farm in Arundel where Salzillo hopes to retrain him to serve as a therapeutic lesson horse to work with special needs children.

Billsboybob, who this year earned the distinction of becoming the fastest 14-year-old trotter in the history of the sport, was also honored in the trackside ceremony. While facing mandatory retirement from competition due to United States Trotting Association rules, owners Heidi Rohr and Robert Gray plan to harness up “Billy Bob” once again next season to join the amateur circuit as a participant in the Billings Amateur Driving Club.

Patrick Henry returned to the Downs after a one-year absence to be recognized once more by his hometown fans. The 14-year-old Maine-bred has already found new digs on a local 75-acre farm where he is adored by his adoptive family and excels as a trail horse.

Rush Rush Russ visited the winner’s circle one final time on Sunday – familiar surroundings for the 60-time career winner – before heading back home with dedicated owner Lisa Saindon.

“From the very moment Russ came into my life I knew he was special,” Saindon said, “and now that his racing days are over, I plan on teaching him to ride and maybe do some pleasure driving.”

Running Home N was the final 14-year-old to be honored – just three races after finishing a game second in his final career start. “Homer” immediately began his new career as the latest Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization -Maine Ambassador Horse, where he will represent the program at various public venues around New England.