SALEM, NH--There were sunny skies, both literally and figuratively, at Rockingham Park on Saturday afternoon as the track raised the curtain on its centennial season with the opening of the 2006 live harness meet.

The end of a prolonged cold, rainy, and dreary weather pattern helped bring 4,185 racing fans back to the track, and they enthusiastically participated in the excitement of the sport and the action of wagering on the 10 live races. The horsemen expressed pleasure to be back racing here again, and they were especially happy with the condition of the racing strip which saw the existing Rockingham and New England records fall during the featured event.

Whosurboy, the 2-5 favorite in the field of six, blazed the mile on a fast track in 1:49 to win the $12,000 Invitational Pace with Mike MacDonald at the reigns. Whosurboy, an eight-year-old son of Artsplace who was the upset winner of the $100,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes in 2004, took three ticks of a second off the all ages, sex, and gait mark set by Six of Diamonds on August 28, 2004.

MacDonald, the third place finisher in the driver's standings last season, certainly got off to a good start as the victory was his fifth of the day on the 10-race card. Whosurboy returned $2.80 for a $2 wager and Sopando was second while Iron legend was the show horse.

"We had a very nice day and I'm very pleased," said Ed Callahan, vice president and general manager. "The racing surface is in excellent shape, as evidenced by the new track record set this afternoon. Things are going fine, and we look forward to a great season. This is Rockingham's 100th anniversary season, and it's going to be a wonderful celebration with our fans, horsemen, and employees."

The fans were treated to a free season pass giveaway with every paid admission over 18, and the promotion will continue through June 8th.

Over the Memorial Holiday weekend, live racing resumes on Sunday and Monday with a post time of 1:05 p.m. each day. Next Saturday, June 3rd, The Rock will host its official 100th birthday and host the $120,000 New Hampshire Sweepstakes, which will be run as an Invitational Pace for the first time. World record holder Primteime Bobcat and $200,000 Dan Patch winner Hop Sing will be in the field.

Throughout the live meet, which concludes on Labor Day, live racing will be offered four days per week on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 1;)5 p.m. Full card simulcasting from all of the top Thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound tracks is available seven days per week from noon util midnight.