August 3, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
CUMBERLAND, ME – When assistant race secretary Andrew Topham was sweeping up old tote tickets on the apron following the opening day of First Tracks Cumberland’s inaugural meet in May 2021, he had no idea that he would be an integral part of the facility’s daily operations just 24 months later.
Looking up, it would seem that the ground level of the track was a mile away from the announcers, judges and charters booths, along with the TV cameras and technical control room. Both figuratively and literally, the inner workings of these two positions would seem light years apart.
But that distance was no barrier to entry for the young racing official.
“My grandfather, Mike Timmons, has been around Cumberland fair grounds for decades. The Black Bear guys needed someone to clean up after the races, so I was quick to take the job,” noted the 22-year-old native of Maine.
At the time of the track’s opening Topham was 19 years old and earning a degree in International Business and Logistics from the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine. “I had the summer off, and would come by after classes to empty the trash, sweep up the apron, clean the bathrooms…whatever [manager] Ben Kenney needed,” Topham added.
Not long thereafter Kenney noticed that the bright kid from Gray (Maine) was capable of much more than just sweeping the floors, so he gave Topham increased responsibility. He added working in the paddock cleaning stalls, setting up for the next day’s program, and assisting the mutuels department whenever necessary.
“He’s a great young man and we can always count on Andrew to follow through with whatever we throw at him. We are fortunate to have a young person like him be interested in the harness racing industry,” noted Kenney, the long-time management partner of Chris Schick, who also operate Cal Expo Harness in Sacramento.
Together with Gunner Lacour, the trio of talented track managers continue to keep things running smooth at both facilities.
Over last winter, when it was learned that the race charter from the previous two seasons, Jean Thayer, had accepted a position as race secretary at Bangor, the team jumped into action to get Andrew involved in filling that role.
“They sent me down to Monticello to work with Eric Warner and John Flynn to learn about the daily routine of the race office, as well as how to chart the races,” recalls Topham.
Warner, perhaps the longest tenured race secretary in the sport noted, “Andrew was very eager to learn. We enjoyed having him around for the week. He is very polite and personable, which certainly helps in this business!”
John Flynn, who has been the charter at Monticello Raceway for over 40 years, and has never missed a single day of work, stated, “The kid picked it up real quick. “He’s a natural.”
Back at Cumberland, they also hired a new race secretary, Rob Pennington.
Having been working in the race office at busy tracks like Freehold and Harrah’s Philadelphia for the last decade, Rob hit the ground running and has been a great fit for the organization.
He quickly deputized Topham, making him the assistant race secretary, a role which fits in perfectly with his duties as the charter. Together, with Pennington working remotely, and Topham on-site at Cumberland, they ensure that the double-draws go smoothly.
Pennington, who started working as a groom at age 16, was awarded the honor of Harness Tracks of America Caretaker of 2013. Having a long slate of accomplished conditioners under which Pennington worked, most notably Delvin Criswell, Danny Collins, Doug Miller, Noel Daley, Virgil Morgan Jr & John Duer, the Marion, Ohio-native truly learned the business from the ground up.
“I credit my racing official career to Karen Fagliarone for taking a chance on me as a groom with no prior experience,” Pennington stated. “Karen has continued to be a positive influence and mentor.”
Some may have wondered why all the recent Pop-Up series were named after Maine maritime attractions. The avid Ohio State fan was quick to explain, “From the moment I got off the plane in Portland I was in love with Maine. I did a lighthouse tour while visiting and was amazed by the beauty and history.” Pennington continued, “Maine racing has been unbelievable to me; from management at First Tracks, horsemen and women, my coworkers and officials. I cannot say enough about my assistant Andrew. What an amazing asset to the company.”
Pennington, 43, is also the race secretary at Tioga Downs in NY, and in his spare time he helps support the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey. Topham (not to be confused with the upcoming fair Topsham) enjoys all things sports and also referees hockey. Together, their youth and exuberance for harness racing are what helps the sport grow in Maine.
Closing day of the Spring-Summer meet is this Saturday (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. In fact, every race on the program carries a purse of $10,000 or more.
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, with thirteen races on each program.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/
For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/
