June 17, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – On a track listed as ‘good,’ the Maine faithful waited patiently in inclement weather for one of their favorite sons, Kevin Switzer Jr., to snag his 3,000th lifetime victory. It finally arrived in race seven, where his sister, Candace Brandstatter harnessed the horse El Jacko N and provided the well-known New England driver with his career benchmark.
Friends and a large, enthusiastic extended family swarmed the winners circle to help the 35-year-old third generation horseman celebrate the momentous occasion.
Following the festivities, Switzer Jr. shared his excitement with track photographer Stephanie Gray. “I am very happy to reach this milestone at my home track, with my sister’s horse,” he exclaimed.
“Having my family, friends and colleagues here in the rain makes it much more special for me,” the talented teamster added. “Thank you to First Tracks [Cumberland] for the recognition today and leading up to today. I am very grateful to do what I love, in the place that I grew up.”
El Jacko N, the 11-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Elsu, was the 9-5 favorite and paid $2.60 to win. Owned by P T Stable and trained by Brandstatter, it was 34th win of his career, and second in a row at Cumberland.
Two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies went postward as races one and nine. The first split saw sophomore filly South St Dottie (Nick Graffam, 5-2) come from off the pace to score over the pacesetting favorite La Mambacity (Heath Campbell, 2-5) to score 2:02. Trained by Mike Graffam for owner Jan Donaway, the 3-year-old daughter of Western Maverick paid $7.60 to win for just the second time in her career. Janie finished third.
The second Maine-bred division was captured by the favorite Pickmepickme in wire-to-wire fashion. Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-trainer-breeder Marc Tardif, the daughter of Western Maverick was the top freshman filly in the state of Maine last season. She paid $2.60 to win the ninth race of her career. Katelyn’s Angel (Switzer Jr.) finished second and was also trained by Tardif. Justcallmemimi (Bruce Ranger) was third.
Leading reinsman Bruce Ranger enjoyed three wins on the 12-race program, with Nick Graffam and Andy Harrington each collecting a pair of victories.
Racing resumes Friday (June 23) at First Tracks Cumberland.
Live harness racing continues at Cumberland throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.
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