Maine horse people raise $3,000 for retired Standardbreds

December 29, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine horse people raised $3,000 on behalf of Futures For Standardbreds and presented the funds to the New England-based aftercare organization on Monday’s (Dec. 27) final day of racing at First Tracks Cumberland.

It all started rather innocently for Mary Beth Ranger, the wife of leading New England reinsman Bruce Ranger.

Just Ask Lester is a Maine-bred mare by Computer Scooter that has transitioned into a beautiful and alert English saddle horse (FFS photo provided).

“I noticed a lot of returnable bottles and cans being thrown into trash cans in the paddock at the track,” noted the registered nurse and horse trainer.  “I asked the management of First Tracks if we could start a bottle drive as a benefit, and they happily agreed.”

And so the ambitious task began during the spring racing season, which started simply as collecting the five cent returnable bottles and cans from the paddock.  With the yeoman’s work of Maine horseman Craig Coffin, receptacles and requests for recyclable separation spread throughout the tight-knit Maine horsemen’s community.

“The project took on a life of its own.  Before we knew it, we were overwhelmed with donated bottles and cans, in addition to what Craig collected in the paddock,” Mary Beth Ranger recalled.  “Then First Tracks agreed to match whatever money we could raise.”

Ranger continued, “People at the fairs would say, ‘Hey Mary Beth, we left a bag of cans by your horse trailer.’  It really was a community effort.  My neighbor Judd Merrill had an entire stall full, and said, ‘please take them all.’  Wally Watson, Adam Gray and Kim Ireland were also instrumental in providing additional loads of drink canisters.”

Mary Beth and Bruce Ranger (center) accept a $1,500 check from First Tracks Cumberland CEO Mike Cianchette (left) on behalf of Futures For Standardbreds.  They were joined by Maine harness racing advocate Barbara Dresser (right) (Stephanie Gray photo).

Craig Coffin, a proud member of the ‘Green Wave’ and former caretaker for the William R. Haughton Stable, was an integral part of the collection process.  Providing and cleaning the saddle pads for each race card at Cumberland, Coffin utilized his truck to haul an ever-growing stream of returnable bottles and cans, and assisted in the collection of the items in the paddock.  Coffin, also an identifier and track crew member at several of Maine’s pari-mutuel fairs, helped facilitate the summer-time assemblage.  Along with a host of other horse people who also gathered large parcels of recyclables for the group, the resultant mountain of plastic and aluminum objects was a testament to the dedication of equine enthusiasts throughout the Pine Tree State.

 “About half way through Craig [Coffin] thought we should keep the money in Maine, so we selected Futures For Standardbreds (FFS) as our beneficiary.  Word got out that we were collecting on behalf of the retired racehorses and other tracks got on board.  Paddock Judge Brenda Brown set up a receptacle at Bangor’s historic Bass Park.” 

Helping the retirees was something everyone in harness racing could personally relate with.  Cumberland’s Au Revior Retirement Showcase attracted 18 horses this year, and all the Maine horse people look forward to honoring their favorite storied racehorses.   FFS was a perfect match for their year-long efforts. 

Futures For Standardbreds was founded in 2014 with a mission of retraining and rehoming Standardbred racehorses.   The organization works with horse owners and trainers who want to ensure that their horses have the opportunity to transition into pleasure horses and enjoy a comfortable life after racing.

Ann Ewing, one of the many active volunteers for the program, noted, “Since our inception, we have rehomed close to 75 horses.  We are fortunate that Robyn Cuffey, our executive director and founder, has a lifetime of experience with Standardbreds and has authored books on the retraining process.”

Futures For Standardbreds is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization based in Southern Maine.

Ewing continued, “We are grateful to First Tracks for their generosity and willingness to match the horse people’s bottle drive funds.”

All told the local trainers, drivers, owners and caretakers had collected some $1,500 worth of 5¢ returnable bottles and cans, that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.  That is 30,000 individual items!  This amount was matched by First Tracks Cumberland, and with the raceway’s check for $1,500, brought the total donation to $3,000.

Impressed by their efforts, and pleased with the results, First Tracks CEO Mike Cianchette was on hand to present the funds to Mary Beth Ranger on behalf of the Cumberland Racetrack.  “We always like to support the initiatives that the horsemen undertake,” Cianchette stated.  “Whether it is food donations for the local community, or supporting our retired Standardbreds, we know that their efforts are helping the people of Southern Maine, as well as organizations in need.  It is our pleasure to participate.”

Racing will resume in April 2023 at First Tracks Cumberland, which will likely reignite the bottle and can collection efforts.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Stevenson and Athearn win three on record handle Cumberland final

December 27, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Mike Stephenson and Matt Athearn stuck around for the season’s final day of harness racing at Cumberland, which boasted an extra 30 percent purse increase, and were both rewarded with three driving victories each on the Monday (Dec. 26) 11-race finale.  Local and remote bettors also knew value when the saw it, pushing the total all-source handle to a First Tracks Cumberland record of $197,048.

Stevenson wasted little time finding the winners circle on the ultimate program, scoring a wire-to-wire victory with his own charge Osprey Delta in the opener.  The 58-year-old New Brunswick-native who now makes Maine his home is stabled at the Cumberland Fairgrounds, and has a short commute to work each racing day.

Familiar with the track and its myriad of winter conditions, Stevenson was comfortable putting the 7-year-old daughter of Tad The Stud on the front end for the $8,450 Open 2 Trot featured opener.  Setting reasonable fractions of 29.1 and 59 to the half, Stevenson was well in command throughout both circuits.  Keeping the would-be spoilers at bay into a 1:29.4 third panel, the pair coasted home 1-1/4 length winners in 2:00.1.

Trained by Stevenson and owned by Robert Collins’ Steel Ponies LLC, it was the 15th victory of her career and equaled her seasonal best clocking.  Osprey Delta paid $18.00 to win.  Broadway Giant (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Kyrie Deo (Mark Athearn) was third.

Stevenson also scored with Virtual Success (1:58.1, $12.20 to win) who is trained by L. Alex MacDonald, and Besidetheseaside A (1:56.4, $21.20), trained and co-owned by Ralph D’Amelio.

Matty ‘Ice’ Athearn won the second race with his own 10-year-old gelding by Dragon Again, The Wayfairing Man, paying $12.80 on a $2 wager.  Owned and driven by Matt, he is trained by his mother Gretchen Athearn, and scored an untested romp from post five in 1:57.4.  Athearn also won with Kick Up The Dirt (1:57.4, $13.00) who is trained by Mike Girouard, and R T Lange (1:58.2, $3.80), Billy DuBois trains.

Several fast-class races were captured by newlyweds Ron Cushing and the former Heidi Gibbs.  The driving-training duo sent out Rock Diamonds N in the $7,800 Open 3 Pace who went the fastest mile of the day, winning in 1:55.1 by four lengths.  They also scored in the $7,150 Open 4 Trot with Swan Fine Lady in 1:59.4.  Both horses were the favorites and owned by Ron Cushing and Kevin Sywyk, with the latter also including co-owner Lance Downs.  It was a wonderful post-wedding gift for the couple who tied the knot during mid-December in Florida with a host of friends and family along for the adventure.

Bruce Ranger led all drivers at Cumberland in 2022 with 78 wins, and completed the meet as the leading reinsman.  Walter Case Jr. finished second in the drivers’ standings with 57 victories, and Kevin Switzer Jr. was third with 55.  Trainer Chris Lefebvre was the leading conditioner with 31 trips to the Blue Seal Feeds Winners Circle.  Benson Merrill was second with 23 victories, and Lisa Watson was third with 22 training wins.

Racing will resume in April 2023 at First Tracks Cumberland.  The management team at Black Bear Racing would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff, racing officials, horse people, fans and bettors that helped make their second full year of racing another successful extended pari-mutuel meeting.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Ranger sends two Cumberland retirees out with wins

December 23, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – A few days after Maine’s Au Revior Retirement Showcase celebrated eighteen 14-year-old Standardbreds for their longevity in harness racing, two of those honorees came back to win the final starts of their illustrious careers.  Leading reinsman Bruce Ranger was aboard both Personnel Space and Forward Bliss when the older pacers made their swan song bows in the Blue Seal Winners Circle on Thursday (Dec. 22) at Cumberland.

Personnel Space left from post position three and went right to the top to take control of opening fractions of 30 and 1:01.1.  The 2-1 public choice never had an anxious moment as Ranger cruised through a 1:30.1 third panel en route to a one length, measured score in 2:00.2.  He paid $6.00 to win.  Putnams Storm (Bob Nadeau) finished second; Dansun Carruso (Andy Harrington) was third.

Owned and trained by Mike Girouard, the 14-year-old son of I Am A Fool made it look easy for the 46th victory of his career.  The win put the lifetime earnings for Personnel Space at $234,794.  After a lengthy career that included 349 starts, the retiree will live out his days at the owner’s farm in Spencer, Mass.

Forward Bliss, another elder statesman, used an off-the-pace tactic to get the job done and go out on a high note.  Ranger had post four and got away second, allowing Bayonet (Mike Stevenson) to set the tempo of 30.3 and 1:02.2 for the first half.

She’sallfinn (Walter Case Jr) moved first over and got to within a length of the leader at the 1:31.4 third stanza.  At the head of the stretch they were coming from everywhere as Ranger put Forward Bliss into high gear and got to the front for a 2:02 clocking.  He paid $15.60 to win.  Easteriffic (Matt Athearn) finished second; She’sallfinn was third.

Owned and trained by Adam Gray, the 14-year-old son of Blissfull Hall grabbed the 37th win of his career, pushing his lifetime earnings to $158,344.  It was the 381st and final time he would go behind the gate.  Although finished racing, Forward Bliss will now become the beloved riding horse for Stephanie and Adam Gray’s niece Britney, and her two young daughters in Gardiner, Maine.

The featured $4,600 cond. pace of the day was captured by Shooting Brooke in 1:58.3 for driver Wally Watson and trainer Chris Lefebvre.  The 4-year-old daughter of Straight Shooting paid $8.60 to win and is owned by Michelle Lefebvre.  Favorite Rojas Blue Chip (Stevenson) finished second; Eleanor Jean (Steve Wilson) was third.

Heading into the final day, the year’s leading reinsman, Bruce Ranger, leads all drivers with 78 wins, having picked up three wins on the card.  Matt Athearn enjoyed a hat trick on the day’s program as well, with Chris Lefebvre having a training double.

The year’s final day of racing was postponed from Saturday (Dec. 24) to Monday (Dec. 26) and concludes the Winter Festival season at Cumberland.  Post time 11 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Amarettigone wins feature; Ranger wins 6 on Au Revior Day

December 20, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Aaron Hall gave Amarettigone a tactically savvy steer to capture the $12,000 Polar Express Late Closer Series Final on Monday (Dec. 19) at Cumberland.  The program was postponed from Saturday and included the Au Revior Retirement Showcase which honored eighteen 14-year-old Standardbreds as their racing days come to a close.  But, on a day when older horses were the advertised stars, Bruce Ranger showed the Maine faithful that age is just a number, winning five in-a-row and six races on the card.

Hall had Amarettigone out and moving early from post three, grabbing the front end just before the 28.3 opening panel.  Favorite Rojas Blue Chip (Mike Stevenson), leaving from post 8, had no choice but to continue on the outside and push to the front.  Clearing just before the second turn, Rojas Blue Chip led the charge where Road Untraveled (Nick Graffam) flushed the cover of Sunset Over Miami (Walter Case Jr.) heading into 1:00 half-mile marker on track rated ‘good.’

Past the 1:29.4 three-quarter stanza the outer flow continued to apply pressure to the leader Rojas Blue Chip, who had managed to gain a little separation around the final turn.  That little bit of daylight was all the wiggle room that Hall needed to slingshot Amarettigone off the turn and charge for the wire and win by 1-3/4 lengths in 2:00.4.  Rojas Blue Chip hung on for second; 14-year-old Dansan Carruso (Andy Harrington) was third.

The 8-year-old daughter of Real Desire is trained by Hunter Moody for owner Patricia Moody-D’Angelo.  She paid $9.80 to win for the 24th time in her career.  Sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds, the swag bucket trophy was presented to the winning connections by Aimee Nichols, on behalf of the Windham and North Yarmouth Blue Seal Feeds retail locations.

The day was a special occasion for horse owners throughout the Pine Tree State, as several dozen equine enthusiasts from Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York converged upon the Cumberland Fairgrounds for the ‘Au Revior’ Retirement Showcase. 

Eighteen horses paraded in front of the grandstand under sunny skies while the announcer read a biography as fans bid farewell to each 14-year-old.  Each horse had a half page bio in the program with a special photo, and was presented with a custom designed plaque, hand-crafted and donated by the talented Barbara Dresser.  As the horse and their connections posed for photographs in the winners circle, it truly was a day to remember for all involved as each horse has their own unique history and special traits.  These equine athletes also look forward to their future as many will be living out their days with their proud owners, or were re-homed to riding stables for a second career as hardy saddle horses.  They were all beloved by their owners and trainers.

Standardbreds love to work, and it was evident as the proud steeds paraded before the grandstand with their ears up and their heads held high.  Often, when warm-ups or tractors went by, their tails would go up and their steps would lighten, having fondly recalled their days between the shafts.

Sporting impressive combined earnings of $5.7 million in purse earnings with an average of $317,000, these retiring or retired Standardbreds have a combined win total of 784, and have averaged 43 trips to their respective winners circles.  All told, these horses have started an incredible 5,552 times. 

Listed below are all the horses that were recognized, with their owners/trainers of record:

ARSENAL, p,6,1:50.3f,  $593,715 , Kelly Case

BETTORS FIRE N, p,11,1:50.1f,  $1,043,789 , Ron Cushing & Kevin Swyck, Heidi Gibbs

CJ MARSHAL, p,7,1:53.3f,  $138,501 , Scott Farley

CREIGHTON HANOVER, p,5,1:51.4f,  $413,050 , Dennis Whittemore

DANSAN CARRUSO, p,7,1:57.3,  $72,820 , Dawn Rodney, Billy DuBois

FORWARD BLISS, p,3,1:53.2z,  $156,254 , Stephanie and Adam Gray

INTREPID HALL, p,4,1:50.4f,  $359,191 , Tracy Hiles, Bobby Melanson

JAY BEES GRIN N , p,8,1:52.4f,  $264,493 , Michel Bilodeau

LIFEONTHERANGE, p,3,1:54.3f,  $166,076 , Shawn Gray, Kandace Niles

LUCKSGOTTACHANGE , p,9,1:54.2f,  $112,424 , Michel Bilodeau

McRUSTY, p,7,1:51f,  $494,200 , Kori Kinney, Dan Deslandes

MILLIONDOLLARDAD, p,3,1:54.2f,  $199,386 , Dakota Jackson

PERSONNEL SPACE , p,9,1:53.2f,  $232,574 , Michael Girouard

RAMBLING JET, p,6,1:54.1f,  $193,195 , David Crochere

RIDEOFALIFETIME, 9,1:59.1,  $91,404 , Karen Somerby, Roy Somerby

ROAD UNTRAVELED, p,5,1:49.1,  $481,002 , John & Thelma Kiernan, Benson Merrill

SHAMDEROCK, p,6,1:51.3f,  $289,298 , Mark and Phyllis Liebowitz

Heading into the final week, the year’s leading reinsman, Bruce Ranger, showed no signs of slowing down, and leads all drivers with 75 wins.  The 63-year-old native of Maine has 9,962 lifetime wins, while adding six to that total on the Monday card.  Walter Case Jr. enjoyed a hat trick on the day’s program as well, and is tied for second place in the drivers standings with 55 victories.  The only event on the 10-race card that was NOT captured by these two drivers was the Polar Express # 2 final with Aaron Hall.

Racing resumes at Cumberland’s Winter Festival harness meet on Thursday (Dec. 22).  The final weekend of racing continues on Friday (Dec. 23), and concludes for the season on Christmas Eve Day, Saturday (Dec. 24).  Post time 11 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

JACKSON’S SPORTS TEEN TRIUMPHS IN POLAR EXPRESS #3

December 18, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Michigan-native Dakota “Action” Jackson put his Ontario-bred stable star Sports Teen into the hands of Mainer Walter Case Jr., and together they captured the $15,000 Polar Express Late Closing Series Final # 3 in decisive fashion on Friday (Dec. 16).

The 6-year-old son of Sportswriter had a different driver every week for the last four weeks, winning the first $6,000 elimination leg with Ron Cushing two weeks prior. Nonetheless, Jackson’s instructions to Case were simply, ‘leave with him.’ As the starting gate swung shut, Sports Teen and Case had effectively shut the door on the competition.

Leaving from post three, the pair shot to the front by 1-1/2 lengths in a 29 second opening panel over the muddy surface. Nets Of Passion (Mike Stevenson) was content to sit in the two-hole. The first horse to pull was Twin B Impressive (Bruce Ranger), and was followed in the outer flow by Swellendam (Drew Campbell) into a 1:00.2 half-mile clocking.

Case pulled the plugs on Sports Teen past the 1:29.1 third panel and with Twin B Impressive stalling on the outside Harrington found room with Commondiscourtesy to gain some momentum from a previously boxed-in position of fifth on the pylons.

As the field turned for home, Sports Teen found another gear, and with a swift turn of foot drew off to score by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:59 over the wet surface. Owned and trained by Dakota Jackson, Sports Teen paid $7.60 to win. Nets Of Passion finished second; Commondiscourtesy was third.

In the Blue Seal Winner’s Circle, Jackson was surrounded by family, including his twin brother Zach, and exclaimed, “aside from winning two at the Meadowlands, this has been the greatest thrill of my life.”

The race was sponsored by the Windham Blue Seal Feeds and North Yarmouth Blue Seal Feeds stores.

Lisa and Wally Watson won the $7,500 Polar Express consolation #3 with their own Terror Hall, who had no issues with the moist surface, and went home a winner in 1:59.4. Lisa Watson trained and husband Wally Watson drove the 9-year-old son of Western Terror, who paid $7.20 on a $2 ticket. Librado Hanover (Aaron Hall) finished second; Touch Of Dragon (Nick Graffam) was third.

Over a dozen trainers, drivers and track staff filled the winners circle for the fourth race, Thank You Marc Reynolds event. The track bids farewell to their inaugural racing secretary who is moving on after this meet, and thanked him for his steadfast support of Maine harness racing.

Walter Case Jr. and Mark Athearn each had driving doubles on the program.

Looking ahead, racing continues Monday (Dec. 19, the postponed 17th race date), and features the $12,000 Polar Express Final # 2.

Also part of the day’s festivities will be the ‘Au Revior’ Retirement Showcase. All eighteen horses will parade in front of the grandstand while the announcer reads a brief biography as we bid farewell to each 14-year-old. Sporting impressive combined earnings of $5.7 million in purse earnings with an average of $317,000, these retiring or retired Standardbreds will be the shining stars of the day. With a combined win total of 784, these ‘monsters of the midway’ have averaged 43 trips to their respective winners circles. Combined, these horses have started 5,552 times in races all over the world.

Every race has a 50-cent Trifecta, and the final race each day also features a 20-cent Pentafecta.

Racing resumes at Cumberland’s Winter Festival harness meet on Thursday (Dec. 22). The final weekend of racing continues on Friday (Dec. 23), and concludes for the season on Christmas Eve Day, Saturday (Dec. 24). Post time 11 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Cushing’s Invictus Hanover upsets in Polar Express #1

December 16, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Drew Campbell won three-in-a-row, including a 10-1 score in the $10,000 Polar Express Late Closing Series Final # 1 with Sherry Cushing’s Invictus Hanover on Friday (Dec. 16) at Cumberland.

Scoring from post three, Campbell got shuffled back to seventh as several early leavers tussled for command of the snowy racing surface.  Three of the four outermost horses left swiftly, and despite the wind-driven precipitation Cee Pee Panic (Nick Graffam) was parked and forced by a yielding Cash Crazy Express (Aaron Hall) to set a 28.3 opening panel.  Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) was the first to pull past the 59.1 half-mile marker, and was looking the leader right in the eye into a 1:29.2 third panel.  Followin him was Eternal Ring (Mike Stevenson) who was second over, followed closely by Invictus Hanover (Campbell) in the outer flow.

The pack was tight around the final turn with Led Schneppelin at 48-1 sticking a head in front.  As they turned for home, four horses fanned out across the track for the last dash to the wire, with Invictus Hanover getting up in the final strides to win by half of a length in 2:02.  Led Schneppelin hung on tough for second; Eternal Ring was third.

Invictus Hanover is trained by Cumberland’s talented outrider Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing for owner Craig Jordan and paid $22.40 to win.  An 11-year-old son of Yankee Cruiser, it was the 40th win of his career.  The 3-7 exacta with Led Schneppelin on the bottom paid $199.90 for a $1 ticket, with the 3-7-1 trifecta coming back a whopping $1,660.50.

The Blue Seal Feeds swag bucket trophy was presented to the winning connections by Melanie Locke from the Windham, Maine, Blue Seal Feeds retail location.

Due to Winter Storm Diaz, Saturday’s (Dec. 17) live racing card, which includes the annual Au Revior Retirement Showcase has been postponed to Monday (Dec. 19) with eighteen horses all taking their final bow before the fans.

Racing resumes Sunday (Dec. 18), for the $15,000 Polar Express Late Closing Series # 3 Final, which drew sufficient entries for a $7,500 consolation, races five and three, respectively.  After the fourth race the horsemen and staff at First Tracks Cumberland will honor racing secretary Marc Reynolds for his dedication and commitment to Maine harness racing over the last several years.

The postponed 17th race date on Monday (Dec. 19) is a big day at the Fairgrounds as the $12,000 Polar Express Final # 2 carries a full field of eight.  Between each race, two of the eighteen ‘Au Revior’ retirees will parade in front of the grandstand while the announcer reads a brief biography as we bid farewell to each 14-year-old.  Sporting impressive combined earnings of $5.7 million in purse earnings with an average of $317,000, these retiring or retired Standardbreds will be the shining stars of the day.  With a combined win total of 784, these ‘monsters of the midway’ have averaged 43 trips to their respective winners circles.  Combined, these horses have started 5,552 times in races all over the world.

Every race, all weekend long, has a 50-cent Trifecta, and the final race each day also features a 20-cent Pentafecta.

Our extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs for one more weekend after this, with the first post at 11 am each day.  Christmas week live harness racing will start on Thursday (Dec. 22), continue on Friday (Dec. 23), and conclude for the Winter Festival on Christmas Eve Day, Saturday (Dec. 24).

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Fourth win for Ranger’s Twin B Impressive

December 12, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bruce Ranger’s Twin B Impressive picked up his fourth win in a row at Cumberland Sunday (Dec. 11) taking his second $6,000 Polar Express # 3 elimination leg in as many weeks.

The 13-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight shows no signs of aging, or slowing down, as the ultra-consistent pacer just keeps winning.  Trained by Ranger’s wife Mary Beth and owned by their Nom de Course, The Starter’s Call LLC, Twin B Impressive went right to the front from post five and never had an anxious moment.

Cruising through opening panels of 28.2 and 58.4, he was followed alertly by Kick The Dirt Up (Nick Graffam), with Sports Teen (Kevin Switzer Jr.) first over while passing the stands to the half.

Ranger let out a notch into a 1:27.2 third stanza, keeping the would-be challengers at bay, and cruised home comfortably to defeat the field of seven in 1:57.2 by 1-1/2 lengths.  Kick The Dirt Up finished second with Sports Teen a very close third.

Twin B Impressive paid $5.40 to win the 44th race of his career, pushing his lifetime bankroll to $647,474.

Two additional $6,000 Polar Express # 3 elimination legs were captured by:  Go Sandy Go (Nick Graffam, $9.00 to win in 1:58), and Swellendam (Kevin Switzer Jr., $3.60, 1:57.4).

The top eight money earners that raced in both elimination legs (and enter) will compete in the $15,000 final on Sunday (Dec. 18), with the next eight in the standings going into a $7,500 consolation.  Ties will be drawn by lot.

The $5,500 Open 4 Trot was captured in grand fashion by Namesmuscle for the driving/training, husband and wife team of Mark and Gretchen Athearn.

Leaving from post four, Athearn got the 10-year-old son of Muscle Mass away fourth and took a seat.  Cowboy Charlie (Switzer Jr.) set the 29.3 and 1:01 opening fractions, with Osprey Delta (Mike Stevenson) hot on his heals having left boldly from post six to jump into the two-hole.  Athearn was patient and waited until the final drive down the backside into a 1:30.3 third quarter to pull first over.

Namesmuscle had the momentum coming off the turn, coupled with a tiring leader, to get up in the final strides to win by a neck in 2:01.  Osprey Delta finished second; Cowboy Charlie was third.

Owned by Bill “Yarmouth Lumber” Phipps, Namesmuscle paid $25.60 to win for the 41st time in his career.

Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed three wins on the Sunday card.  Bruce Ranger leads all reinsmen at the Cumberland oval for 2022 with 66 victories.  Switzer Jr. is in second place with 55 wins, Walter Case Jr. is third with 48.  Chris Lefebvre is the leading trainer with 29 trips to the Blue Seal winners circle.

The popular Au Revior Retirement Showcase for 14-year-old Standardbreds will be held Saturday, December 17 and boasts 18 total participants.

Our extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs for two more weekends, with the first post at 11 am each day.  Next week the racing will carry our normal Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule, however, for Christmas week live harness racing will start on Thursday (Dec. 22), continue on Friday (Dec. 23), and conclude for the Winter Festival on Christmas Eve Day, Saturday (Dec. 24).

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Sports Teen takes fastest Polar Express at Cumberland

December 5, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Dakota “Action” Jackson’s Sports Teen captured the fastest of four $6,000 elimination divisions of the Polar Express Late Closing series # 3 on Sunday (Dec. 4) at Cumberland.

Driven by Ron Cushing for trainer/owner Jackson, the 6-year-old son of Sportwriter rushed right out from post three to take command of opening panels in 27.4 and 58.4.  Mr Blissfull (Aaron Hall) sat in the two-hole while Terror Hall (Wally Watson) and wagering favorite Kick The Dirt Up (Matt Athearn) were first and second over, respectively.

With Sports Teen enjoying a comfortable margin at the 1:28 third stanza, driver Steve Wilson sensed a stalling of the outer flow and moved Touch Of Character three-wide down the backside in an attempt to decrease his lengths behind the leader.  At the head of the stretch Cushing found another gear and sprinted off to score by 6-3/4 with Sports Teen in 1:58.2.

Sports Teen paid $7.20 to win the 26th race of his career, and will be looking forward to the rich $15,000 final on Sunday (Dec. 18).  Touch Of Character finished second; Terror Hall was third.

The other three $6,000 Polar Express legs were captured by: Swellendam (Kevin Switzer Jr., 1:59.4, $12.00 to win); Twin B Impressive (Bruce Ranger, 2:00.4, $5.40); and Commondiscourtesy (Matt Athearn, 2:00, $35.60).

The $6,500 Open 2 Trot was a wire-to-wire romp for Life Well Lived, who captured the opener for driver Kevin Switzer Jr. in 2:01.3.  Trained by Billy DuBois for owner Gordon DuBois Sr., the 8-year-old son of Muscle Mass paid $6.40 to win.  Broadway Giant (Ranger) finished second; Sidd Finch (Nick Graffam) was third.

Track record holder Cherry Crown Jewel picked up the 41st win of her career, cruising to a 2:03 victory in the $5,500 Open 3 Trot.  Driven by Mark Athearn and trained by Gretchen Athearn, the 10-year-old daughter of RC Royalty paid $8.00 to win for owner Bill “Yarmouth Lumber” Phipps.  And Up We Go (Ranger) finished second; Little Macabee (Hall) was third.

Leading reinsman Bruce Ranger picked up three wins on the card, and continues to sit on top of the talented Cumberland drivers colony with 60 seasonal victories.  Kevin Switzer Jr. is in second place with 49 trips to the Blue Seal Winners Circle, following his own hat trick on Sunday.  Matty “Ice” Athearn and Walter Case Jr. are tied for third place with 46 wins apiece.  The leading conditioner of the meet is Chris Lefebvre with 28 wins.  Benson Merrill and Lisa Watson are tied for second in the trainers standings with 20 victories each.

Racing resumes Friday (Dec. 9) and continues through the weekend with the second legs of the three distinct Polar Express Late Closing series.  Cumberland’s extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs through December 24, 2022 with the first post at 11 am each day. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Timbo Slice takes Polar Express leg at Cumberland

December 2, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Sophomore pacer Timbo Slice defeated a full field of veteran pacers on Friday (Dec. 2) to capture a $4,000 elimination leg of the Polar Express Late Closing Series # 1 at Cumberland.

Driver Andy Harrington allowed Timbo Slice to float out from post two and let a few front-runners go.  Led Schnepplin (Jason Bertonlini) hit the ground pacing as soon as the wings folded, grabbing command of the pack and setting a 29.3 opening panel.  Wally Watson immediately pulled 14-year-old Forward Bliss from the pocket and re-took the lead before the second turn.

As the field approached the half Eternal Ring (Mike Stevenson) flushed the cover of Timbo Slice, with Dancin Hill (Matt Athearn) following third over.   Past the half in 1:01.3 it was three in and four out as the field charged into the paddock turn for the second time.

Moving down the backstretch Harrington had Timbo Slice on the move and pushing for the lead past the third panel in 1:31.2.  With Timbo Slice gaining some separation at the head of the stretch, both Eternal Ring and Cash Crazy Express (Aaron Hall) started to advance on the leader.  With his lead nearly evaporated, Timbo Slide managed to hold on until the wire and prevail by a quarter length in 2:02.3.

The 3-year-old son of Sunshine Beach is owned and trained by Lester Dancer and picked up his second win of the season, paying $27.40 on a $2 ticket.  Wagering favorite Eternal Ring finished second, Cash Crazy Express was third.

The other Polar Express elimination leg was captured by Cee Pee Panic in 2:00.4.  Driven to a wire-to-wire romp by Nick Graffam for trainer Benson Merrill, the 13-year-old gelding by Perfect Union is owned by John and Thelma Kiernan and Tom Bemont.  He paid $3.40 and was the public’s choice.  Invictus Hanover (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Tuukka (Walter Case Jr.) was third.

Luke Varnum, the 68-year-old trainer/driver from Greene scored with his own Pembroke Ranger in a wire-to-wire romp that lit up the tote board in the finale.  Paying $79.00 to win, the 5-year-old son of Western Maverick picked up his first win of the season, which Varnum owns with his wife Patricia.  Pembroke Ranger was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

Four drivers won nine of ten races on the day’s program, which saw double-digit win returns on nearly half the card.  Kevin Switzer Jr. picked up three wins on the card, with Aaron Hall, Andy Harrington and Nick Graffam each winning two.

Racing resumes Saturday (Dec. 3) with twelve full-field races, which includes several open pace events as well two $5,000 elimination legs of the Polar Express Late Closing Series # 2.  Road Untraveled (3-1, Nick Graffam) and American Road (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) lead the convoy in the first division, given their current form.  In the second division Stormin Maverick (5-2, Walter Case Jr.) will attract some attention from inside, as will Bailey’s Legacy (4-1, Nick Graffam). 

Saturday’s featured $6,500 Open 2 Pace marks the return of several fast-class pacers from Plainridge, including track record holder Adriano Hanover (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Bag Pipe Major (3-1, Bruce Ranger).  They both have a pair of competitive locals on their inside to contend with, namely Ry’s Red Rocket (9-2, Matt Athearn) and Rocksapatriot (5-1, Dave Ingraham).

Every race, all weekend long, has a 50-cent Trifecta, and the final race each day also features a 20-cent Pentafecta.

Our extended pari-mutuel harness racing meet runs through December 24, 2022 with the first post at 11 am each day. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.