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.
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