June 30, 2022, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Saturday’s (July 2) Family Fun and Value Day at Cumberland Raceway has something for everyone at the iconic Southern Maine harness venue. 

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the program is the Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win $500 in total cash prizes based on their picks and the official order of finish in the designated ninth race. 

Seven lucky winners will be chosen by lot and given the opportunity to select which horse they think will perform the best in the special race.  Based upon their selection, each lucky winner will be given a free T-Shirt with the horse’s post position and saddle pad emblazoned on the front and on the back.

Winners, along with their friends and family, will be encouraged to cheer for their selection as the field roars down the home stretch to the finish wire.

For harness racing fans of all ages, an extended meet and greet with over a dozen of the track’s top harness drivers will take place after the second race, and continue until after the fourth race.  Enthusiasts that are young, and those that are not so young, will receive a free, color keepsake 9” x 12” poster with lots of space for autographs.  Selfies, smiles and handshakes with your favorite reinsmen will all be available from this stellar group, who have collectively won 60,000 races and $240 million in purse earnings.

All this cheering will be sure to work up a thirst and an appetite.  To satisfy those wants, the Trackside Pub will offer $2 Red Hot Dogs and $2 Soda and Chips.   For those ages 21 and over, there will be PBR’s ($2) and a special Maine Mint Julep for your consideration.

Winnie, the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association loyal mascot, will also be on hand, as well as USTA coloring books and crayons for the little colts and fillies.

Friday’s (July 1) card has a total of 11 races on the program, and one early non-betting race, which includes two $11,000 divisions of the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes for 3-year-old trotters. There is also a $6,000 Open 3 Pace carded as race three.

The racing continues on Saturday (July 2) with 12 races on the card, including two rounds of the the Maine Amateur Driving Club sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds, along with two $11,477 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male pacers and a $6,000 Open 2-3 Trot.

The final race on both Friday and Saturday features our 20 cent Hi-Five (Pentafecta), with a low takeout of 16%.

The Cumberland Derby contest is open to fans age 18 and older and no purchase is necessary.  See official rules trackside.

More information can be found on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.