November 6, 2026 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Racing resumes at the iconic Cumberland Raceway on Sunday (Nov. 8) for the first of 15 Southern Maine racing dates, knows as the “Winter Festival,” with some of the Pine Tree State’s top trotters and pacers kicking off the twelve-race card.

The $6,400 featured conditioned trot pits J S Payton (2-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) against TCS Brenda (5-2, McGwire Sowers) in the fifth race skirmish.  The early morning line favorite J S Payton hails from the Benson Merrill stable and comes into this event off of a four race winning streak, which includes two scores at the Fryeburg Fair.

TCS Brenda has been competitive in conditioned trots lately at Plainridge, and brings her $80,521 in seasonal earnings to Cumberland while scoring from pylon position.  Third choice is local star Brutalizer (5-1, Andy Harrington) who has enjoyed his share of success at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Race nine marks the return of the ‘greatest side show’ in harness racing, the $4,200 Maine Amateur Driving Club event. 

Most of the usual suspects are back behind the Wes Brown starting gate, including: Jason Bertolini (P4, Ziggy Sky), Joe Burke (P3, Plus One), and Todd Whitney (P1, Talbotcreekwhiskey).

Overall, the entire program has a lot of action for horse players with eight events boasting full seven or eight horse fields.  The Pick 5 starts with the first race; our Pick 4 highlights the ninth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the fifth and the finale—all with low 16% takeouts.

For the sixth season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 12.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing, or have recently retired, and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with their photograph in the special commemorative program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate and need to ‘declare’ by Nov. 24.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for our Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting on Friday (Nov. 13) which kicks off the three-day (Fri-Sat-Sun) weekend action throughout the months of November and early December.  The 15-day meet concludes Dec. 13, 2026.

October 5, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Due to a bumper crop of 2024 foals in the Pine Tree State, the Maine Sire Stakes was pleased to host a $25,000 consolation for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (October 4) at the Cumberland Fair, the final day of racing at the iconic Downeast oval.

The field of seven went postward as race four on the 11-race card, with Poocham Luck (7-5) and Dave Ingraham grabbing the early lead, with Rustysonlytreasure (3-5) and Aaron Hall parked out from post seven and forced to trudge onward four-wide down the backside the first time into a :29.3 opening panel.

Rustysonlytreasure fought hoof and nail while parked with Poocham Luck along the cones through the second turn and into a :59.3 half with neither combatant giving an inch.

Down the backstretch the final time Rustysonlytreasure lost some ground on the pacesetter after his grueling trip past the third station in 1:30, leaving Poocham Luck well in command and pointing toward the finish.

Dave Ingraham had his charge on his toes while withstanding any would-be spoilers, scoring by four lengths in 2:01.3.

Trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder G. Russell Austin, the son of State Treasurer picked up his second and most prestigious win of the year, returning $4.80.

Mike Graffam also trained second place finisher Hollywood Chester (Joey Mosher) and South St Justin (Nick Graffam) who got up for the show dough.

Drivers Andy Harrington and Aaron Hall both picked up three wins on the final card of the Fair meet.  Harrington led the Cumberland Fair with a total of 17 trips to the winners circle, with Hall nipping at his heels with 16 scores.  Sara Harrington led all conditioners with 10 victories. 

Now that the Cumberland Fair has concluded, New England horsemen will look forward to the track’s 15-day Winter Festival which begins November 8.  The year-end meet primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

October 4, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – There were plenty of fans on hand to witness the 2026 edition of the $320,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Freshmen Finals on Saturday (October 3) at the Cumberland Fair with some likely favorites prevailing, along with an upset, which made for a great day of New England harness racing.

In the first $80,760 final for 2-year-old colts and geldings the battle was on again off again between Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) and U Know I Know (Ken Watson).  Before and after the start every horse except the pacesetting favorite Pembroke Zagursky broke stride at one point or another in the race. 

Heath Campbell protected his pylon position but Ken Watson wanted the top and drove his trotter right off his feet heading toward the blistering :28.4 opening panel in a failed attempt to take command.

Watson ultimately ducked U Know I Know into the pocket with the tempo reduced to 1:01.1 at the half. Half in, half out heading into the 1:32 third station, Watson finally committed to the outer flow while going around the final turn.  Back two lengths at the head of the stretch U Know I Know had one last valiant effort to catch Pembroke Zagursky, but to no avail as the pacesetter prevailed by three parts of a length in 2:02.3.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner Brenda Varney, the son of Pembroke Slugger picked up his third, and most important win of the year.  Bred by the late Bill Varney, he returned $2.80.

Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) finished third.

In the third race, which was the $80,456 final for 2-year-old trotting fillies, it was all Princess Caledonia and trainer-driver-co-owner Gary Hall who made every call a winning one, winning in 2:04.1 by 2-1/2 lengths.  Also owned by James Kelley Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, the daughter of To The Hilt returned $2.80. 

She was bred by Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos.  Stable mate Mikella Bella (Heath Campbell) finished second; Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) was third. 

The fifth race $81,016 final for 2-year-old pacing fillies, was led by the Pine Tree State-bred star No Small Wonder, who heretofore sported an unblemished record going into this event.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr., wearing the blue and yellow colors of the recently deceased Alex MacDonald, the filly phenom and heavy 1-9 favorite left swiftly from post five and took the lead in the usual fashion.

The daughter of State Treasurer continued to pace unfettered through opening panels of :28.3 and :59.4 with Showfaith Showdown (Nick Graffam) sitting in the garden seat.  However, heading to the half driver Aaron Hall moved Feel The Fury first over and was advancing swiftly toward the lead.

The 16-1 longshot Feel The Fury blasted down the backside the final time to look No Small Wonder right in the eye at the 1:28.3 third station.  Those two fillies battled toe to toe around the final turn, leaving the rest of the field in their wake by five open lengths.

Somewhere during that final quarter of a mile No Small Wonder broke her check rein, which was dangling in the breeze but did not deter the filly from fighting back against her aggressor.  The pair fought with equal tenacity down the stretch with Feel The Fury making one last momentous lunge to the wire to prevail by a neck and defeat the previously undefeated filly by a neck in a track record equaling 1:59.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Mr. Lesley Leighton, the daughter of State Treasurer had just one prior victory, but had been knocking on the door all season.  She returned a whopping $35.20 to win the MaryEllen Stevenson Memorial.  The winners circle was jammed packed with horse people and friends of local driver-trainer Mike Stevenson who lost his beloved wife last month.

The sixth race concluded the Maine Sire Stakes events with the $81,110 final for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, and, of course The Gucci Man who was the 3-5 favorite having had has just one defeat in eight seasonal outings.  Switzer Jr. drove the son of Dude’s The Man to another pillar to post romp from post six, stopping the timer in 1:58.1, which was a new track record.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, he returned $3.20

Top Notch Treasure (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Painter’s Treasure (Andy Harrington) was third.

Our treasured outrider Sherry Cushing took the Harnessing Hope $5,500 All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational with her own Gazitarena in 2:00.1.  Co-owned with her step-daughter Jessica Clouser, they returned $5.40 in the wire-to-wire circuit. 

Driver Aaron Hall enjoyed three wins on the afternoon program and now sits within one win of Andy Harrington who leads with 14 wins at the Fair.

Racing concludes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Sunday (Oct. 4) with a 12:30 post time. 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

October 3, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $16,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters went postward on Friday (October 2) at the Cumberland Fair, with the sophomore leaders continuing their dominance in their respective classes.

In the first $16,783 non-betting division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings it was Wilder N Idy who sat a perfect pocket trip to prevail over pacesetter Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) in 2:01. Driven by Mark Athearn to a quarter length victory, the son of To The Hilt is trained by Gretchen Athearn for owner Patricia Leavitt. 

Picking up his seventh win of the season, he leads the point standings leading up to the finals on Oct. 17 at Bangor Raceway.  He was bred by the late Mike Andrew, and now has $178,294 in lifetime earnings.

Trottinfortreasure (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the second $17,711 event, which was held before the regular card, it was the fantastic filly Hayden who got roughed up in the opening sequence to come from behind and score by three parts of a length in 2:01.2.

Trained and driven by Gary Hall for owner-breeder Stephen Hall, the daughter of Cantab Fashion acquired her ninth seasonal victory and has remained the leading point earner throughout the year.  Her career bankroll exceeds $122,000.

Our Last Quote (Steve Wilson) cut the fractions and finished second; Race Me Boomer (Andy Harrington) was third.

Driver Andy Harrington enjoyed another leading day, taking three wins on the regular program while topping all drivers at the Cumberland Fair with 14 trips to the winners circle.  His Friday (Oct. 2) scores included the $6,200 feature with Arts Flight (1:55.4, $3.40) for trainer-wife Sara Harrington.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Saturday (Oct. 3) with the $320,000 Maine Sire Stakes Freshman Finals.  The final day of fair racing at Cumberland will be Sunday (Oct. 4) and features a $25,000 Maine Sire Stakes consolation for freshmen male pacers.  Post time is 12:30 for both weekend dates. 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

October 2, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The fields have been drawn and the connections await the $320,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Freshmen Finals on Saturday (October 3) at the Cumberland Fair with all four divisions vying for over $80,000 in purse money.

In the first $80,760 final for 2-year-old colts and geldings the battle is between Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) and U Know I Know (Ken Watson.  The former has bested the latter in his last two starts, breaking his previously unblemished record.

The third race is the $80,456 final for 2-year-old trotting fillies with Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) the likely favorite.  Hall also has Mikella Bella entered, with Heath Campbell getting the driving duties.

The fifth race is the $81,016 final for 2-year-old pacing fillies, led by the Pine Tree State-bred star No Small Wonder.  The daughter of State Treasurer is unbeaten with eight wins this year.  She scores from post five and retains the services of Kevin Switzer Jr.

The sixth race completes the Maine Sire Stakes events with the $81,110 final for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, and features The Gucci Man who has just one defeat in eight seasonal outings.  Switzer Jr. will drive the son of Dude’s The Man for trainer Marc Tardif.

The Saturday (Oct. 3) card also carries a $15,000 Winners Over Trot, as well as the Harness Hope $5,500 All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational.  Our beloved outrider Sherry Cushing will trade her saddle for a harness and compete in the benefit event, along with six other local, female teamsters.

Looking back to Thursday (Oct. 1) Heath Campbell drove Valyrian Steel to victory in the $6,400 featured conditioned trot in 2:01.2.  Trained by Kate Gerow for owner Chad Tompkins, the 7-year-old son of Chapter Seven was parked to the opening panel and led the rest of the way, returning $3.80.

Driver Andy Harrington enjoyed four wins on the afternoon program and now leads all drivers at the Cumberland Fair with 11 trips to the winners circle.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday (Oct. 2) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continues at Cumberland with all the 3-year-old trotters competing in the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

October 1, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The unstoppable filly phenom Snowonthepines added a twentieth notch to her belt on Wednesday (September 30) at the Cumberland Fair during the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers. 

In her $17,209 event, which was held before the card, the champion filly had only air and opportunity in front of her as her regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man on a front-end tour of the facility.

Passing the early stations in :30.2 and 1:02.2 with Ekorus (Joey Mosher) sitting in the pocket, Snowonthepines continued her air of superiority as no horses entered the outer flow to challenge for the lead.

After passing the third panel in 1:32 it was clear that the filly had things her own way and was on her way to another easy score, prevailing by 2-1/2 lengths in a modest 2:02.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, it was the sophomore filly’s 11^th seasonal victory and 20^th lifetime, increasing her career bankroll to $188,137.

Ekorus finished second; Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the second $16,984 division it was Dudelookslikeafily who got a perfect two-hole trip to best pacesetter Race Me Ireland (Andy Harrington) to score by a head in 2:01.3 and pick up her fourth seasonal win.

Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Marc Tardif and owners Leighton Property and Victory Leighton, she was bred in Maine by Stephanie Gray.

Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

On the regular card the $5,800 feature was captured by Cool Man Dude in 1:59.1 with Aaron Hall returning $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite.  Andy Harrington won the $5,000 Senior Citizen’s Pace with his own 14-year-old Grand Galop Semalu in 2:03.2, which paid $4.40.  Harrington picked up two wins on the card, as did Hall and Joey Mosher.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Thursday (Oct. 1) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continues at Cumberland with all the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $320,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record. 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 30, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – As the Maine Sire Stakes competitors wind down their season, one of the last stops is the Cumberland Fair.  Tuesday (Sept. 29) hosted the 3-year-old colt pacers who conducted their penultimate leg over the moist, iconic Southern Maine oval. 

With those $17,000-plus events being held before the card, the first division was captured by Wowzah Clousah who used a pocket trip to best the pacesetting Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) in 2:03.1 by 1-1/4 lengths.

Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Mike Cushing and owners-breeders Pamela Smith, Jane DiPompo and Sherry Cushing, the son of Deuce Seelster secured his first seasonal victory over the muddy conditions.

Deuces Red (Steve Wilson) finished third.

In the second division Real Horrorshow used his typical wire-to-wire style scare tactics to put the field to sleep.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. helped the son of Dude’s The Man make every call a winning one, scoring by three parts of a length in 2:06.3.

Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer who co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was his eighth seasonal victory.

Dude’s The Jet (Joey Mosher) finished second; Itsjustmoney (Harrington) was third.

On the regular card there were several divisions of the first leg of the Fair-based series that will race two legs and Cumberland and conclude with a leg and a final at Fryeburg Fair.  Aside from their respective Maine Sire Stakes wins, Switzer Jr., Hall and McGwire Sowers each won a pair of races on the pari-mutuel card.  Sowers copped the $5,200 feature with Cowboy Cargo in 2:00.2.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Wednesday (Sept. 30) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continues at Cumberland with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 30), and then all the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record.  There will be a live draw for post positions at noon on Wednesday (Sept. 30), which can be viewed on RTN or any ADW platform that carries the First Tracks Cumberland signal.

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 29, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Fans on hand for day two of harness racing at the 154^th annual Cumberland Fair on Monday (Sept. 28) saw local reinsman Andy Harrington win half of the races on the muddy program, not letting wind, nor rain, nor outside post positions stay him from swift completion of his appointed rounds.

Harrington got things going early by winning the second half of the daily double with his own PBR Street Gang in 2:00.4.  The 8-year-old son of JK Endofanera used a first over trip to grab the lead by the head of the stretch and draw off by over five lengths.  Trained by his wife Sara Harrington, he returned $6.20.

The husband and wife team enjoyed their second victory with Blueberry Heaven who took the lead at the half and never looked back, scoring in 2:04 in the Non-winners of a Tank of Diesel series.  The veteran, 12-year-old by Rock N Roll Heaven paid a handsome $14.20 to his backers.

Harrington was on the march again in the $5,200 featured pace, prevailing by a neck with Clapton in 2:02.  Trained by Benson Merrill, the 4-year-old son of Tall Dark Stranger bested the favorite Parklane Terror to pay $16.00.

The talented teamster came right back to score with Silk Road in 2:05.1 for trainer Bob Marston.  The 6-year-old son of Sweet Lou returned $6.20.

Closing out the moist afternoon with a natural hat trick, Harrington won the finale with Benson Merrill’s Mrs Foxy Roxy in 2:06.  Making every call a winning one, the 5-year-old Maine-bred daughter of Deuce Seelster paid $7.20.

Driver Aaron Hall picked up his own hat trick on the program, and conditioner Michelle Lefebvre got three wins to continue her lead in the trainers colony.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Tuesday (Sept. 29) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with 3-year-old colt pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 29), and then roll into the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 30), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record.  There will be a live draw for post positions at noon on Wednesday (Sept. 30), which can be viewed on RTN or any ADW platform that carries the First Tracks Cumberland signal.

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 28, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Harness racing at the 154^th annual Cumberland Fair kicked off on Sunday (Sept. 27) with Jimmy Nickerson’s Dryden Hanover overcoming the muddy conditions to win the $7,050 featured conditioned trot.

Driver Nick Graffam sent the 1-5 favorite Dryden Hanover out swiftly to take command from post five, but not before Brutalizer (5-1, Andy Harrington) stretched him out through the first turn in :30.2.

They raced in single file formation past the fair’s midway, reaching the half in 1:01.1.  Heading down the backstretch the final time McGwire Sowers tipped 9-2 second choice TCS Brenda first over to challenge the pacesetters.  Reaching the third panel in 1:31 over the heavy surface, the chasers made little headway in catching the heavy favorite.

At the head of the stretch Brutalizer emerged from the pocket and attempted to reel in the leader, but to no avail.  A wet, but unfazed Dryden Hanover rolled down the stretch unfettered to score by a comfortable 1-1/2 length margin in 2:01.2.

Trained by Jimmy Nickerson for owners Tim Bojarksi and Tony Gruppo, the 5-year-old son of Walner now has six wins on the season and increased his career bankroll to $191,959.  Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, he returned $2.60 to win.

Brutalizer finished second; TCS Brenda was third.

In other news, the Maine Amateur Driving Club took a walk on the wild side this week and switched over to trotters for change of pace.  ‘El Presidente’ Joe Burke cruised in second-over style to win with Top Down in 2:08.1, returning a handsome $13.00 to his backers.

Owned and trained by Bob Marston, the 7-year-old son of Archangel was bred by Winbak Farm and picked up the lion’s share of the $4,850 purse.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed three wins on the program, and Joey Mosher picked up a pair, including a $16.20 winner for trainer Donnie Richards with the Bettor’s Wish filly Going My Way.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Monday (Sept. 28) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with 3-year-old colt pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 29), and then roll into the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 30), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record.  There will be a live draw for post positions at noon on Wednesday (Sept. 30), which can be viewed on RTN or any ADW platform that carries the First Tracks Cumberland signal.

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 26, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Down East faithful will transition from Farmington to the 154^th annual Cumberland Fair on Sunday (Sept. 27) with nine harness races programmed at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Many of Maine’s rural fairs are known for their tractor pulls and draft horse demonstrations, however the Cumberland fair was first held in 1868 with harness racing as the “Maine” attraction.  It remains one of the biggest annual agricultural events in the southern part of the Pine Tree state.

The Standardbred horse racing at the Cumberland Fairgrounds will start at 2:00 pm on opening day, Sunday (Sept. 27) with full cards scheduled for eight racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4). 

Post time is slated for 12:30 p.m. for the Monday through Sunday (Sept. 28-Oct. 4) programs.

The featured race for the opening day card is $7,050 conditioned trot pitting many of New England’s top diagonally gaited stars against one another for the Raymond Sawyer Memorial. Two local standouts, Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) and Jax Spratt (3-1, Aaron Hall) will see if they can catch TCS Brenda (9-5, McGwire Sowers) who has been racing in the Open class on the fair circuit.

Monday’s (Sept. 28) program features several divisions of series that are being held in conjunction with the Fryeburg Fair, which boast lucrative finals set for the final days of that fan-favorite race meet.  The Progressive Claiming Series has three legs with incrementally larger tags and purses, with the $9,000 final on Oct. 10. The Non-winners of a Tank of Diesel Series is for NW2 pacers and enjoys three $4,500 legs and a $7,500 final at Fryeburg on Oct. 10.

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continue at Cumberland with 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers on Tuesday (Sept. 29), and then roll into the 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 30), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $300,000 (est.) Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshmen filly pacer, No Small Wonder putting her unblemished record on the line in her respective showdown.

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Saturday (Dec. 12).

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland