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 26th 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.
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