July 31, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Despite the heavy rain that forced the cancellation of much of the Saturday (July 29) card, the track at Cumberland was lightning fast for Sunday’s (July 30) five $7,000 divisions of the Portland Head Light and Cape Elizabeth pacing series, which led to some quick miles and new records for the participants. 

The fillies and mares took center stage in race three with Whatchagonnadoboo equaling her seasonal best 1:57.3 in a wire-to-wire romp of the $7,000 Cape Elizabeth split.  Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer-owner Eric Bickmore, the 6-year-old daughter of Artspeak picked up her 17^th lifetime victory, paying $5.00 to win.  The Letter (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Joes Beauty (Ron Cushing) was third.

The second $7,000 Cape Elizabeth division saw SG Alexia take a new lifetime mark of 1:57.3 in her gate to wire tour of the facility.  Driven by Bruce Ranger for leading conditioner trainer Jeff Deslandes, the 5-year-old Betterthancheddar mare pushed her seasonal win total to nine in the effort.  Owned by Moo Coo Inc., SG Alexia paid $5.80 to win.  Woman In Gold N (Nick Graffam) finished second; Ol Little Shift (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Head Light series were also scattered throughout the program, with the first going to See You Friday in 1:56.4.  Driven by Drew Campbell for trainer Chris Lefebvre and owner Michelle Lefebvre, the 9-year-old son of Western Terror picked up the 23^rd win of his career, paying $3.00 to win.  Readyfortheladys (Aaron Hall) finished second; Hula’s Boy (Russell Lanpher III) was third.

Miss U Big Mike took the second split for the driving-training team of Dan Delandes and Jeff Deslandes in 1:57, with Silk Road Smash grabbing the final division in 1:57.1 for Drew Campbell-Randy Bickmore.

The fastest mile of the day was in the opener with El Jacko N taking the $6,000 cond. pace in 1:54.3 for Switzer Jr. and trainer Candace Brandstatter.

Drew Campbell led all drivers on the 12-race card with three victories.  Bruce Ranger maintains his ‘top gun’ status with 50 seasonal victories going into the final weekend.  Kevin Switzer Jr. is second with 44; Nick Graffam is third with 37.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is August 5 with a full slate of big events.  The $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, more $10,000 ‘overnight’ races (pop-up series finals) than Cumberland has ever offered before on a single program, and the $10,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final pack the final program. 

Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambletonian Day card from the Meadowlands will be available on Aug. 5. 

Fans that purchase a race program will receive a Hambo hat, compliments of First Tracks Cumberland.  In addition, our popular Cumberland Derby returns and gives patrons who enter the contest a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

The final Summer weekend of racing resumes Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

July 29, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Breakwater Trotting Series were the shining beacon for Friday’s (July 28) 13-race program at Cumberland, lighting the way for eight finalists to compete for a $10,000 final next weekend.

The first split was a wire-to-wire romp for Showme Some Muscle who flexed his way to greater and greater lengths in front of his fellow competitors, showing the way home by 7 lengths in 1:59.3.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Candace Brandstatter and owner Seri Reddy, the 5-year-old son of Muscle Mass picked up the twelfth win of his career, but first of the season for his new connections.

Showme Some Muscle paid $4.20 to win.  No Mo Fashion (Walter Case Jr.) finished second; Pembroke Faye (Heath Campbell) was third.

Fit Bitt exercised his right to the front end, where the 6-year-old Muscle Mass gelding was setting the tempo and keeping the rest of the field at bay.  Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Ralph D’Amelio II, the duo received a little encouragement from second place finisher Prescott (Andy Harrington) down the lane, but ultimately prevailed in 2:01.1. 

Fit Bitt is owned by Mona Dodd and paid $2.60 to win.  Pembroke Honcho (Heath Campbell) finished third.

The third and final leg was another front-end folly for Richsnortherndream who withstood a late bid by favored Maplewood Slugger (John Nason) to score in 2:01 by a quarter length.  Driven by Walter Case Jr. for trainer James Dunn and owner Diane Dunn, the 7-year-old son of Northern Bailey grabbed his first win in just two seasonal starts.  Always A Good Time finished third.

The top two finishers in each of the three legs, plus the two fastest ‘thirds’ that enter will be drawn-in to the final.

Racing resumes Saturday (July 29) with five divisions of the Spring Point Ledge series, each vying for a purse of $6,000.  Also on Saturday is the last seasonal leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds. 

In addition, the Maine Sires Stakes has two divisions of freshman pacing fillies, racing on the betting program.  First post time is 3:15 pm.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just one week away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands.  First Tracks Cumberland is offering the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, several pop-up series finals, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final. 

Saratoga programs, viewing and wagering are available on the Saturday (July 29) program.  Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5. 

For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway* (with the purchase of a program*) as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

Live harness racing continues for the final Summer weekend of racing, which is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

July 27, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Shelley Gilpatrick photo: Pembroke Honcho)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Racing Secretary Rob Pennington has penned several lucrative pop-up series, which resulted in full fields throughout the upcoming Friday through Sunday (July 28-July 30) three-day weekend, 37-race extravaganza at First Tracks Cumberland.

Named for many of the scenic maritime attractions in the Pine Tree State, the action begins Friday (July 28) with three $7,000 divisions of the Portland Breakwater Series for conditioned trotters.  That event drew 18 horses split into a trifecta of 6-horse fields, races 8, 10 & 12.  The top two finishers in each event, plus the two fastest third-place finishers that enter will go for a $10,000 final next weekend.

The powerful Valerie Grondin-Heath Campbell stable leads the charge with Pembroke Faye and Pembroke Honcho as early morning line favorites in their respective splits. 

On Saturday (July 29) the Spring Point Ledge series placed 35 pacers into five 7-horse divisions, all vying for a purse of $6,000.  Five winners and three of the fastest second-place finishers that enter will advance to an $8,000 final, with a consolation also on the horizon.

Also on Saturday is the final leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.  The final will go on closing day, for a greatly enhanced purse.

For Sunday (July 30) the Cape Elizabeth series will enjoy two $7,000 divisions of six, with an anticipated final of $10,000 for these filly and mare pacers.  In addition, the capstone Portland Head Light series pits 24 of the areas better pacers against one another in three $7,000 splits of eight.  Those returning will fight over a $10,000 final prize.

The Maine Sires Stakes also comes to town over the 3-day affair.  Friday (July 28) hosts 2- and 3-year-old trotting fillies and 3-year-old pacing fillies.  Saturday (July 29) has two divisions of freshman pacing fillies, with the freshmen pacing colts going on Sunday (July 30).  All seven of the $14,000-plus divisions are on the weekend’s betting programs.  First post time is 3:15 pm for all three days.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just one week away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands.  First Tracks Cumberland is offering the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, several of the aforementioned pop-up series with big final purses, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final. 

Saratoga programs, viewing and wagering are available on the Saturday (July 29) program.  Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5. 

For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway* (with the purchase of a program*) as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

Live harness racing continues for the final Summer weekend of racing, which is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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July 23, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Rocksapatriot used a well-played pocket trip to win the $6,000 Camp Kippewa Pace on Saturday (July 22) at Cumberland, his second win in three starts.

Scoring from post two for driver Dave Ingraham, the former track record holder ducked in behind pacesetter Fern Hill Flight (Andy Harrington, 10-1) to draft through the 28.2 opening panel.  While moving past the three-eighths pole Bad And Boujee (Drew Campbell, 5-2) tipped from sixth to advance first over through a 58.1 half.  That move effectively flushed the cover of Rocksapatroit by the time the field hit the five-eighths pole.

The tight pack of upper echelon pacers hit the third panel in 1:27 and the battle was on.  As the field turned for home, Ingraham hit the gas pedal on Rocksapatriot and the horse responded with a final kick to the wire to garner the victory by a measured length in 1:55.4.

Owned and bred by Stephen Farrell, the 8-year-old son of Rockincam paid $3.00 to win.  Rocksapatriot is trained by Kelly Case and picked up the 27^th win of his career, and fourth of the season.

Fern Hill Flight finished second; Red Breast Hanover (Wally Watson) was third.

The race was named for the Camp Kippewa Equestrian Academy, where dozens of campers swarmed the winners circle to join the winning connections in celebration of their victory.

Current Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) point champion Jason Bertolini added to his coffers, winning the $4,400 MADC event with his trusty Led Schneppelin in 2:00.1.  His fellow competitors made him work for it today, as he was forced into a first over trip, parked the entire second half to score by three parts of a length.  Bertolini is the owner, trainer and driver of Led Schneppelin, who now has 45 lifetime wins and $364,526 career earnings.

Luke Varnum and Pembroke Ranger finished second; fan-favorite Putnams Storm and Bob Nadeau were third from post seven.

Hesjustadelight won the lone $14,948 Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings before the regular card.  It was a wire-to-wire, five-length rout for the son of Western Maverick.  Driven by Ron Cushing for trainer Heidi Gibbs, the freshman star took a new 2:01.4 record for owners Cushing, Lynn-Marie Plouffe (also the breeder), Anthony Romanelli and Joseph Romanelli.  Last week’s winner Wes’s Challenge (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) finished second; Oakleypopsthedeuce (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) was third.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just two weeks away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands.  First Tracks Cumberland will host the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, an additional pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final. 

Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5. 

For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

The action resumes for a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30.  Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT).  The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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July 22, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Girls from the Camp Kippewa Equestrian Academy make their enthusiastic return to Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) to help celebrate victory with the winning connections in a race named in their honor.

The $6,000 featured conditioned pace brings the energetic equine enthusiasts back to the Fairgrounds where their cheers and sign-making was a huge hit with horsemen and fans alike when they first visited the track last month.  An all-girl horse riding camp with a focus on re-training retired Standardbreds, the dozens of aspiring horsewomen are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to cheer for their favorite harness horses.

The Camp Kippewa Pace is slated for race seven, with Bad And Boujee (Drew Campbell) being installed as the early morning line favorite at 5-2 from post 5.  The faithful Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham) leaves from post 2 and is the second choice at 4-1.  Having already earned $30,160 this season, the former track record holder has been 1-2-3 in six of 13 seasonal starts.  Even with 26 lifetime victories and $223,106, Rocksapatriot is not the most highly credentialed horse in the field.  That honor goes to Lucan Hanover (Aaron Hall, 6-1) who boasts $1,379,633 in lifetime earnings with 66 career wins.

Also on tap is the popular $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club in race six.  Eight part-time teamsters will be looking for more points to ensure a chance to advance to the lucrative final in two weeks.  Of course current leader Jason Bertolini drives his trusty Led Schneppelin, and Luke Varnum returns with recent winner Pembroke Ranger.  Fan-favorite Putnam’s Storm will also participate, as always in rein to his owner-trainer-driver Bob Nadeau. President Joe Burke brings his own Meetmeatthedance to the party, as does Dalton Lee with Ideal Rowan.

One $14,948 Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old pacing colts will be held at 2:45 pm, before the regular card, where Wes’s Challenge (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) will look to make it two-in-a-row.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is just two weeks away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands.  First Tracks Cumberland is offering the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace, an additional pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final. 

Saratoga programs, viewing and wagering are available on the Saturday (July 22) program.  Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will also be available on Aug. 5. 

For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) and then offers a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30.  Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT).  The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

July 16, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Nineteenth Man A moved up to the first string in Saturday’s (July 15) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland, capturing his third victory in four American starts.

The Aussie immigrant named for the Australian rules football ‘first reserve’ teammate has been no worse than third since arriving stateside in June.  The 5-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous has enjoyed victories at both Cumberland and Bangor for driver and co-owner Ron Cushing and his wife-trainer Heidi Gibbs now that he calls the state of Maine home. 

Leaving from post position three, Cushing got right down to business sending Nineteenth Man A right to the top in a 27.4 opening panel.  Following a 57.4 half time breather, Cushing continued to show the way through a 1:26 third stanza.

It wasn’t until the final stretch drive that Nineteenth Man A felt any pressure from the first over El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Candace Brandstatter) who pressed hard to catch the pacesetter, albeit unsuccessfully.

Nineteenth Man A prevailed by a quarter length in 1:56 over the would-be spoiler, paying $3.20 as the wagering favorite.  Owned by Cushing with partners Kevin Sywyk and Lance Downs, it was his tenth worldwide lifetime victory.  Bettor At Hightide (Mike Stevenson-Kevin Switzer) finished third.

Of course, the aforementioned pacers will be looking to punch their ticket to the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace on August 5.  The two top finishers in the $25,000 Fred Nichols at Bangor on July 2 have already been tapped, and racing secretary Rob Pennington is monitoring New England’s other top pacers carefully to select the next invitees.

Driver-trainer David Crochere won his first $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) of the year, driving his wife Robyn’s Go All Night Joe to an off-the-pace upset victory.   

At the start, Jason Bertolini driving Led Schneppelin left swiftly from post six to get position, and was able to duck in behind the pacesetting Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N who started from the rail. Through fractions of 28.4 and 59.2 Whitney was large and in charge.  However, following a 1:29 third panel Bertolini tipped out and ultimately collared Whitney around the final turn and had assumed command.  While Bertolini may have thought he was home free, Crochere was waiting to pounce from behind, and swooped them all by getting to the wire first in 2:00.2. 

Scoring from the disadvantageous post 8, Crochere lit up the tote board at $65.60 to win.  Series point leader Jason Bertolini finished second with his trusty Led Schneppelin; Derek Howes driving Raven Seelster was third. The MADC series is faithfully sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

Prior to the official post time, seven freshman Maine-sired pacers took a tour of the Cumberland circuit, with Wes’s Challenge (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) leading said voyage in a coast-to-coast expedition.  The 2-year-old colt by Deuce Seelster had been third in two ‘learn and earn’ baby races, as well as in his first stakes event. 

Taking matters into his own hands, in addition to taking the lion’s share of the $14,948 Maine Sire Stakes purse, he also added a 2:02.3 record to his credentials.  Bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, he is now the property of Leighton Property.  Oakleypopsthedeuce (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) finished second; Hesjustadelight (Ron Cushing-Heidi Gibbs) was third.

Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is less than three weeks away on August 5, which runs concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands.  First Tracks Cumberland is offering the aforementioned featured invite, a pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final. 

Import wagering from both the Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card will be available. 

For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) and then offers a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30.  Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT).  The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/ For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

July 14, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Saturday’s (July 15) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland looks to be a clash of the region’s top pacers fighting against one another, with the successful perpetrator looking for a summons to the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace on August 5. 

Already the two top finishers in the $25,000 Fred Nichols at Bangor on July 2 have been tapped, while racing secretary Rob Pennington is watching the area’s top pacers carefully to select the next invitees.

Saturday’s $6,000 eighth race is where the track’s upper echelon will collide, with the trackman installing Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing-Heidi Gibbs) as the early morning line favorite at 3-1 from post 3.

The recent immigrant from Down Under has two wins and a third since landing on American soil, and has his sights set on another victory while leaving from his inner-most post position to date.  A 5-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous, on June 16 he won his first start of the season at Cumberland, and came right back to score in a lifetime best of 1:54.4 at Bangor nine days later.

Just outside the early favorite is Dragonology (Nick Graffam-Karl Butterfield) who has been seven times 1-2-3 in 11 seasonal starts.  He is listed at 7-2 from post 4.  Last week’s victor, Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) drew post 7 and is just inside El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Candace Brandstatter) who is always a threat with three wins in his last five outings.

With the closing day of the Spring-Summer meet just three weeks away, and running concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, First Tracks Cumberland has pulled out all the stops and is offering a bounty of attractions for horsemen and fans alike.

In addition to the aforementioned featured invite on August 5, there will also be a pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final.  Plus, all the Maine Sire Stakes eligible trotters are slated for several divisions that afternoon.  In fact, with all of the on-track activities, coupled with import wagering from both Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card, first post has been set an hour earlier at 2:15 pm.

But wait, there’s more!  For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

This week’s $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) carries full field of eight horses and drivers, many of whom are looking to increase their point total for a spot in the lucrative final in three weeks. 

Luke Varnum, who won last week’s edition, is back with his own Pembroke Ranger (Post 3, 3-1), as is the second choice behind Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N who is listed at 2-1 from the rim.  Last year’s MADC champion Benson Merrill brings A List (5-1) into the mix and is looking to catch lightning in a bottle, once again.  The MADC is carded as race 2, and as always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

Saturday’s (July 15) program carries 12 races, plus one early $14,948 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes event for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, which goes off at 2:45 pm. 

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

With the NYRA Thoroughbred platform switching to upstate New York, Cumberland will offer Saratoga viewing, programs, and wagering every Saturday until Aug. 5.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) and then offers a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30.  Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT).  The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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July 9, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Luke Varnum guided his own Pembroke Ranger to a mild upset victory, winning the $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), defeating the horse’s former owner on Saturday (July 8) at Cumberland.

Known as the ‘Greatest Side Show’ in Harness Racing, this week’s event did not disappoint.  Scott Farley driving his own Dylan’s Future (7-1) dashed out for an early lead, with an eye-popping 27.3 opening panel. 

As the field settled in for the ride, and Farley tapped the brakes, Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N (2-5) sat comfortably in the garden spot, with Hurricane Bunny (35-1, Brian Kelley II) rushing up to get in third position, leaving Varnum in fourth. 

Just past the 3/8’s marker David Crochere pulled Go All Night Joe (24-1) first over from back in seventh.  Sensing the urgency of the situation Kelley II pulled Hurrikane Bunny from the three-hole and gave Crochere some tentative cover. They hit the half in a pedestrian 59.3, with the second quarter in a gentle 32 seconds.

As the field rounded the third turn, Hurrikane Bunny had called it an afternoon and was backing up through the field, forcing horses three-wide to avoid the slowdown.  Varnum started to close the gap into the 1:29 third panel, while favored Quick Fun N and Whitney pulled the pocket on Dylan’s Future and Farley, as their lead and momentum began to diminish. 

Around the final turn Pembroke Ranger and Luke Varnum had set their sights on the wire and began to bear down on the new leaders Quick Fun N and Todd Whitney.

Wheel to wheel, nose to nose, the pair battled down the length of the Cumberland home stretch.  Interestingly, Pembroke Ranger was purchased by the 69-year-old trainer-driver Luke and his wife Patricia in 2021, from none other than Todd Whitney.  Half-way down the lane Luke Varnum could be heard hollering, “Hey Todd, here comes your boy!”

They hit the wire in 1:59.3, which was the fastest winning time in two years for the 6-year-old son of Western Maverick, who won by a head and paid $15.80. Go All Night Joe finished third.

When asked after the race if Varnum had to get after his charge to get the job done, he replied, “I gave him a couple of taps.  We won’t be paying any fines.”

The Maine Amateur Driving Club is always graciously sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

The featured $6,000 conditioned pace was captured by former track record holder Rocksapatriot in 1:56.1.  Driven by Dave Ingraham for trainer-partner Kelly Case and owner-breeder Stephen Farrell, the 8-year-old son of Rockincam picked up the 26^th win of his career.  He paid $5.20 to win.   El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; slight favorite Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing) was third.

Driver Mark Athearn and trainer Gretchen Athearn swept the two early non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 2-year-old trotters.  My Saving Grace, a frosh filly by Shake It Off Lindy scored in the first $14,017 distaff trot, defeating Bernies Legacy (Ivan Davies) in 2:08.4 by three parts of a length.  Owned by Margaret Thyng and bred by Leighton Property, it was the second ‘official’ time behind the starting gate for both participants.  

The $13,796 Maine-bred 2-year-old colt trot was a walkover in 2:11.3 by a son of Boy Band named Carrabassett.  Owned by Patrick Leavitt and bred by the late Mike Andrew, it was the gelding’s third circuit in a professional setting.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 15).  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.  The final day of the meet features a Hambletonian hat giveaway, wagering on all the action from The Meadowlands, our popular Cumberland Derby with $500 in cash prizes, the MADC final, and a new $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

July 8, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Often referred to as the ‘Greatest Side Show’ in harness racing, amateur harness driving clubs compete everywhere from the Meadowlands and Yonkers, to Oak Grove and the Meadows; and, of course, Cumberland, Maine.  Participants in this Saturday’s (July 8) Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race have done particularly well in the annual Tim Fouts Memorial Driving Championship in Delaware, Ohio.

Amateur driving clubs from all over the United States each send a representative to compete in the Fouts Memorial, which serves as the U.S. Trotting Association’s Amateur Club Championship.  Know the world over as the home of the home of the Little Brown Jug, Delaware is the perfect piece of real estate to showcase the passion and excitement of these part-time teamsters.

In fact, over the last few decades, two Maine representatives have won the race.  In 2008 Todd Whitney won the event and went on to be named the USHWA Amateur Driver of the Year.

Luke Varnum, grabbed the event in 2015 while wearing his rain colors in the blazing Ohio sunshine.  His wife, Patricia ‘Tuffy’ Varnum recalls, “I had forgotten Luke’s colors in the dryer at home, but had already packed his rain colors.”  And so goes the life of a traveling harness driver.

Most recently, Derek Howes represented the Mainers and finished a solid second in the event two years ago.  The current series leader Jason Bertolini, who is absent in Saturday’s event, set blistering opening fractions last year at Delaware, but unfortunately couldn’t maintain his torrid pace.

While series newbie Scott Farley has been listed as the morning line favorite with his own Dylans Future (HN 2, 2-1), Whitney is the second choice at 7-2 with Quick Fun N and scores from post 5.  Luke Varnum has the rail with his own Pembroke Ranger (4-1) and Howes drives Alero Blue Chip (HN 3, 12-1) in the full field of eight.

Last week’s MADC victor, David Zuckerman and his own Rest Assured (HN 7, 6-1) didn’t draw so well this week.  Fan favorite Putnam’s Storm (8-1) and tribal elder Bob Nadeau score from post four.  The Maine Amateur Driving Club is slated as race 7, and as always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

The featured $6,000 conditioned pace is carded as the 3:15 pm post time opener and pits El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr., 2-1) against Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing, 3-1).  Both top sidesteppers are coming off of wins, and have not met until now.  The faithful Rocksapatriot with ‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham scores from pylon position and is the third choice at 7-2.

Saturday’s (July 8) program carries 12 races, plus two early $13,500 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 2-year-old trotters, which start at 2:00 pm. 

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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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For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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July 1, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – David Zuckerman, a 67-year-old lifetime harness racing participant, won the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race at Cumberland on Saturday (July 1), which was his first trip back to the winners circle in over 40 previous attempts.

A Massachusetts native, Zuckerman was a licensed teamster in 1977 at age 21, where he earned a whopping $35 in two starts at the Scarborough Fair. 

The next year he had nine starts and then won his first race at Topsham in 1982.  He also raced at Lewiston, Cumberland, Skowhegan, and other Maine fairs during his fledgling career.  Bitten by the bug, he has been driving horses sporadically ever since. 

“I got involved with a guy named Jeff Strong who offered a class in harness racing. From there I bought a horse, and took care of him before and after work,” recalls Zuckerman.

A dental supply salesman and company owner, he has 189 driving starts over the last 45 years and claims to participate just for fun. 

“It’s a hobby and an honor to be out there…wherever I finish,” exclaimed Zuckerman.  “Mike [Stevenson] and Bruce Ranger were happier than I was [after the win]!”

Today’s triumph was the first time Zuckerman has found pay dirt since 2018, however he has finished third on three occasions earlier this season.  In today’s race Zuckerman left from pylon position with his own Rest Assured and let Jarred Laughlin and Pay Later take command through opening fractions of 29 and 1:00.1.

With Zuckerman comfortable in the two-hole, the only challenge to the leaders came from Benson Merrell with Cee Pee Panic down the backside into a 1:29.2 third quarter.  When the field rounded the turn for home Zuckerman’s Rest Assured felt the pressure from the outside and responded to urging and began to gain ground on the leader.

Getting up in the final strides, owner and driver Zuckerman grabbed the victory by three parts of a length in 2:00.3 with Rest Assured.  They paid $11.80 to win.  The trainer of record is Mike Stevenson.  Pay Later hung on to be second; Cee Pee Panic was third.

The Maine Amateur Driving Club is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.

Two $15,209 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested before the regular card.  Thrice winner Luke McGook scored again in 1:59.4 for owner Leighton Property, trainer Marc Tardif and driver Kevin Switzer Jr.  The second division went to Twice The Ice who is owned and trained by Tardif and was driven to a 1:58 victory by Andrew Harrington, a new lifetime mark.

Bruce Ranger won four races on the afternoon card and remains atop the drivers’ standings.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 8).  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.  The final day of the meet features a Hambletonian hat giveaway, wagering on all the action from The Meadowlands, our popular Cumberland Derby with $500 in cash prizes, and a new $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational.  The first two finishers in tomorrow’s Fred Nichols at Bangor get an automatic invitation.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/