May 27, 2021 – by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
CUMBERLAND, ME – First Tracks Cumberland, in collaboration with Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor has announced a new pacing series to be held at both racetracks throughout the month of July.
“The upcoming Maine Legends Pacing Series is very exciting for harness racing in the state of Maine,” stated Cumberland Race Secretary Marc Reynolds. “This is the first ‘late closer-style’ event offered in 2021, and we anticipate creating additional series as demand grows.”
While this is a great opportunity for Maine horsemen with a $12,500 guaranteed final purse, the benefits don’t stop there.
Reynolds added, “It has been a pleasure working alongside Paul Verette to get this series off the ground. His knowledge of the industry in general, coupled with his close connection to New England Standardbreds specifically, has made the prospect of developing and aligning a complimentary racing schedule with Bangor such a success. And the winners are the Owners, Trainers and Drivers that compete in the region.”
Named for a two of the most revered Maine Harness Horsemen of the current era, Freeman Parker and Donnie Richards, the series is unique in that there is no entry fee. In addition, it provides racing opportunities for both horses/geldings and for mares, 4-years-old and older that may be ‘stuck’ between classes. The legs and the finals alternate between Bangor and Cumberland, beginning the week of July 6.
The series is open to pacers that have started for a base claiming price of $6,000 or less since November 1, 2020, and have not won for a base claiming price exceeding $8,000, or have not won a race for a purse of $10,000 or more from November 1, 2020 through date of first leg entry.
Living legends in their own right, Freeman Parker and Donnie Richards each amassed over 4,000 driving wins in their respective careers, spanning numerous decades. Both are well-known and much-admired for their horsemanship and on-track success throughout New England, as well as their humility and kindness off the track.
Although they hung up their driving colors a few years back, Richards still trains a few horses and just won a race at Cumberland last week.
Parker Freeman’s passion for harness racing is still as strong as ever. On an almost daily basis he stops by to visit Eddie Fournier, his longtime friend and horse trainer who keeps his horses in Auburn, ME.
Racing from Cumberland is presented LIVE each Tuesday and Saturday, through July 31, with a NEW post time of 2:30 pm. For more information go to our website: firsttrackscumberland.com
Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.
