March 14, 2022 – by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – First Tracks Cumberland is pleased to announce a trio of Trackmaster rating late closer series for the upcoming Cumberland extended pari-mutuel meeting which kicks-off on Friday, April 8, 2022.  There are no entry fees.

“We are excited to bring increased opportunities to the Maine horse people for the second year of racing at First Tracks Cumberland.  Most of the local trainers and owners supported us for our inaugural race meet, and we look forward to taking their entries again in 2022,” noted Race Secretary Marc Reynolds.

The top “Kick-Off” Series event is open to pacers with 68 or less TM rating (70 for Fillies and Mares) with an elimination leg being raced Saturday, April 16 for a purse of $6,000, with a $12,000 final on Saturday, April 23.

The middle “Kick-Off” Series event is open to pacers with 65 or less TM rating (67 for Fillies and Mares) with an elimination leg being raced Saturday, April 16 for a purse of $5,000, with a $10,000 final on Saturday, April 23.

The entry level “Kick-Off” Series event is open to pacers with 62 or less TM rating (64 for Fillies and Mares) with an elimination leg being raced Friday, April 15 for a purse of $4,000, with a $8,000 final on Friday, April 22.

Pending Maine Harness Racing Commission approval, horses that raced on, or after, December 1, 2021 will be allowed to race at Cumberland (without qualifying) the first two weeks of racing (through April 16).  Beginning with the April 22 card, the standard 45-day rule goes back into effect.

The first qualifiers will be offered on Saturday, April 2 at 12:00 noon, with the draw on Friday, April 1, box closes at 9 am.

Condition sheets for opening weekend will be posted very soon on the USTA online entry system.

Owners, trainers, drivers and caretakers that intend to participate at First Tracks Cumberland should take the initiative to get their licenses renewed as soon as possible as current status will be strictly enforced by the Maine Harness Racing Commission.

For more information go to our website: firsttrackscumberland.com, and follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

March 8, 2022 – by Chris Tully for Cumberland & Bangor

CUMBERLAND, ME – First Tracks Cumberland and Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway at Bangor are pleased to jointly announce a seven percent purse increase for overnight races. 

Following a ten percent increase in June 2021, another significant raise in racing rewards will take effect on opening day for both Maine racetracks; Friday, April 8 at Cumberland, and Sunday, May 1 at Bangor, and continue throughout their respective extended pari-mutuel meetings.

“There is tremendous opportunity for horsemen in the state of Maine, and we anticipate great interest in our weekend race cards,” noted Cumberland Racing Secretary Marc Reynolds.  “The track crew is working hard to prepare the surface for our Spring opener, and we hope that the Maine Harness Horsemen respond with a full entry box.”

Live harness racing from Cumberland will be presented each Friday and Saturday through the fourth weekend in July, post time is 3:00 pm.  For more information go to their website: firsttrackscumberland.com

“The Maine horsemen are anxious to get the 2022 season underway on April 8,” exclaimed MHHA president Mike Cushing.  “We are especially excited to have been informed that First Tracks Cumberland will be offering a 7% increase in purse monies.”

Cushing added that, “this is a result of a significant increase in betting handle in 2021, due to a strong export signal from First Tracks and a healthy Fall & Winter at Maine’s two casinos.  We are ready to go!”

The first qualifiers at Cumberland will be held at noon on Saturday, April 2.  Condition sheets will be available shortly on the USTA’s online entry system.

Mike Hopkins, the manager of Bangor Raceway operations stated, “It’s good to see the harness racing industry in Maine benefit from the good year Hollywood Casino Bangor had.  With costs skyrocketing, hopefully the purse increase will lessen the burden on the horsemen.”

Standardbreds continue to compete at Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway at Bangor every Wednesday and Sunday (12:15 pm first post) through July 20.  For more information go to their website: hollywoodcasinobangor.com

FIRST TRACKS CUMBERLAND

Maine 2022 Spring/Summer Schedule

Harness Racing extended pari-mutuel meeting

Opening Day: Friday, April 8 – Post Time 3 PM

Racing continues Saturday, April 9 and every weekend thereafter (Fri. & Sat.) for 16 weeks of racing through July 23.

First qualifiers are Saturday, April 2.

Condition sheets will be posted on the USTA online entry system in mid-March.