May 30, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – While George Fenno III, aka ‘Triple Sticks’ recognizes that with success comes some added attention, he is quick to point out that the horse does all the work.

“I’m just along for the ride,” Fenno stated emphatically after his horse Instant Replay had just won his last two starts.  “He does all the work.  I just point him in the right direction.”

Drawing post 3 in the $6,000 top pacing event on Saturday (June 1) at Cumberland Raceway, the horse was listed at 5-1 by the TrackMaster morning line odds.  Considering that he won his last two starts with two different drivers, one could opine that he would be the favorite, but he has drawn in with some tougher company.

The 3-1 favorite is Rocksapatriot (post 2), a former Cumberland track record holder and veteran pacer with just shy of a quarter million in earnings.  Trained by Kelly Case, he gets the services of Dave Ingraham, the driver who piloted Instant Replay to victory last week.

Other contenders are Keystone Phoenix (Walter Case Jr.) and Lexus Witha View A (Kevin Switzer Jr.).

But that doesn’t discourage Fenno who puts his horse’s needs at the top of his to-do list every week.

In between starts the horse jogs, grazes in the lush New England pasture, and sometimes gets a blow-out mile. This week he got some new shoes, courtesy of blacksmith Joey Mosher.  All the while Fenno doesn’t mind dreaming of a rerun of the horse’s last two episodes.

“Replay’s wins have inspired my girlfriend, Marianne Audley, to fly up here from Florida to catch his next start.  And even though I keep getting the ‘white pants shuffle,’ the horse is in good hands this week with Mike Stevenson.”

Instant Replay, a 4-year-old son of Lazarus N that is currently undefeated this season, ‘always has his ears up,’ according to Fenno.  Unraced at 2, and with just 22 lifetime starts and 8 wins, not even his owner-trainer knows where his progress will lead.

“I’ve never seen him as sharp as he is today”, noted Fenno.  “We just hope that his spirit remains high and that he continues to bring us such joy.”

Speaking of joy, several prominent reinsmen will be noticeably absent from the action on Saturday when Mr. and Mrs. Nick Graffam celebrate their nuptials.  Everyone in the close-knit Maine harness racing community wishes them decades of good health and happiness.

Racing starts Friday (May 31) with an 11-race card, featuring the $5,500 top trot in the opener.  The live action continues on Saturday (June 1).

The First Tracks Cumberland meet continues throughout upcoming Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland is proud to offer simulcasting from Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 8 for the 156th renewal of the Test of the Champion, the $2,000,000 Belmont Stakes.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

–30—

May 26, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – George Fenno III’s Instant Replay doubled-down on last week’s effort to earn his second seasonal win in a row on Saturday (May 25) at Cumberland Raceway.

Leaving from post four in the $5,500 featured pace, catch driver Dave Ingraham let a few horses go and was content to take a seat in the early going.  Walter Case Jr. was the first to leave with the Tardif Taskforce pupil Deal With It Roman.  Airspinder (Aaron Hall) maintained his pylon position and got away second with wagering favorite Outspoken Man (Bruce Ranger) settling into third through a 29.0 second opening panel.

As the field hit the 58.4 half-mile marker, veteran pilot Ingraham had Instant Replay out and rolling first over and was ranging up on the outside to be third in line at the 1:27.4 third stanza.  As the field swung into the final turn Instant Replay was looking for another repeat performance and had just the pacesetter, Deal With It Roman, to reel in.  The pair battled down the length of the stretch to the wire, with Instant Replay prevailing in the final strides to grab his second victory of the season in 1:56.4.  This was his second start of the year, and 8^th lifetime win.

Owned and trained by former U.S. Army military policeman George Fenno III, the 4-year-old son of Lazarus N took a new seasonal mark.  Living up to his Gabe Prewitt-installed moniker, ‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham steered the winner to a $13.80 payout.

The horse and his owner, a disabled veteran, were the subject of a feature story this week and noted, “The horse went a monster mile.  We are very proud of him and he has developed a few new followers in the process.”

Speaking of publicity, Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) member Hunter Lofthus was the subject of a Chris Lomom-penned feature story in Friday’s Harness Racing Update industry newsletter, and managed to overcome the added pressure to capture his division of the MADC event on Saturday.

Scoring from post four, Lofthus sent Forrest Blu three-wide down the backside to catapult himself into the winners circle, scoring in 1:58.4.  Lofthus is also the trainer and co-owner (with Jamie Gerard) of the 5-year-old son of Roll With Joe, who paid $10.00 to win.

The other MADC division was captured by Todd Whitney with Edelman in 1:57.3.  Trained and co-owned by Brian Lamb (with Ray Rogers), the 6-year-old son of Western Maverick paid $5.20 to win. The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Kevin Switzer Jr. had three wins on the program, further cementing his lead atop the Cumberland leader board with 29 seasonal victories.  Dan Deslandes (21), Drew Campbell (15), Bruce Ranger (14) and Nick Graffam (13) round out the top five.  Through seven weeks of racing, Jeff Deslandes remains the leading trainer with 20 wins.

Racing resumes Friday (May 31).  The First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland is proud to offer simulcasting from Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 8 for the 156^th renewal of the Test of the Champion, the $2,000,000 Belmont Stakes.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

May 25, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Walter Case Jr. and Drew Campbell dominated the Friday (May 24) program at Cumberland Raceway, picking up three wins apiece and taking over half of the races on the 11-race card.

‘Casey’ wasted little time throwing down the gauntlet, as the Maine-native pushed favored Warrawee Preferred right to the top in the opening trot.  From that point it was an easy ride in the park for the 13-year-old son of Federal Flex who scored handily by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:59.2.  It was a new seasonal mark and his 67^th career victory, paying $4.60 to win for owner-trainer Ryan Berry.

With the track favoring speed, Case steered Oceanview Echo to a 7-3/4 length romp in 1:56.3, which was the fastest race of the day.  Owned and trained by Dana Whittemore, the 7-year-old mare paid $3.00 to win the fourth race, and established a seasonal best record after five previous attempts.

Case grabbed his third win of the day in race 7 with Your Momma, which was another wire-to-wire effort for an owner-trainer.  Eddie Fournier Jr. harnessed the 6-year-old mare that paid $3.60 while winning in 1:59.4, a new seasonal benchmark.

In race 8, Drew Campbell took matters into his own hands and utilized a first-over trip to get pay dirt with the handsome trotter Little Macabee in 1:59.  Owned by Maryann Tompkins and trained by Chad Tompkins, the 10-year-old son of Chapter Seven earned his 35^th lifetime win, paying $5.40.

Campbell came right back in race 9 and scored with Valyrian Steel in 2:00.2, which gave the Tompkins’ clan a double.  Like Déjà vu all over again, the 9-year-old son Chapter Seven is owned by Maryann Tompkins and trained by Chad Tompkins and got his 8^th career score.  Valyrian Steel paid $3.80 to win.

The $5,500 featured race of the day was another Drew Campbell show, giving the veteran reinsman a natural hat trick with Watchagonnadoboo in 1:57.2.  Unlike Case’s wire-to-wire efforts, Campbell came from off the pace to earn his three triumphs.  Watchagonnadoboo prevailed by two lengths, as the Eric Bickmore owned and trained 7-year-old daughter of Artspeak paid a whopping $15.80 to win.

Driver Andy Harrington picked up a pair of victories, both of whom were trained by his wife Sara Harrington.

Harness racing action resumes on Saturday (May 25) with a ten-race card where George Fenno III’s Instant Replay will attempt to get his second win in a row.  First post is 3:15 pm.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland is proud to offer simulcasting from Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 8 for the 156^th renewal of the Test of the Champion, the $2,000,000 Belmont Stakes.

First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

May 23, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – When George Fenno III retired after 21 years as a military police officer, he had little doubt about what he wanted to do with his free time.  The disabled veteran had just purchased a farm in Bell, Florida, adjacent to the Gilcrest Training Center, so he was well on his way to pursuing one of his life’s dreams.

The sport arose naturally to the 66-year-old native of Maine.  Born in a logging cabin in the remote Northern part of the state, he grew up in Buxton, near his uncle Ralph Fenno who raced harness horses all over New England.

George Fenno III continued to dabble with Standardbreds throughout his early years, owning his first horse at age 15 and racing him at nearby Scarborough Downs.  He sold the horse a few years later and then enrolled in Blacksmith School.  Finding that becoming a farrier was not a perfect fit for him, he immediately enlisted in the U. S. Army. 

Fenno spent the next 20-plus years as a military policeman (MP), serving in Germany, Korea, and at several Army bases stateside.  He met his wife of 43 years, Sheila, while serving his country, and retired with the rank of first sergeant.

However, the horses were always on his mind.  While on leave he would travel to visit his cousin and mentor, Tim Fenno, who was a second trainer for Jack Kopas.

“Tim would say, ‘jog this one, and I will tell you who it is when you get back to the barn,’” Fenno recalls.  “I got to sit behind such great horses as Indianapolis, Roses Are Red, and Jade Prince.”

Fondly remembering those miles at Roosevelt in the sport’s heyday, after retirement he began working for Kevin Switzer Sr. in Maine.  Fenno credits him and the dynamic brothers Heath and Drew Campbell for continuing to teach him about horsemanship and managing a stable.

Fenno, himself a disabled veteran, was sure that his lifelong passion for racing would not only help him stay active, but also be an inspiration to other veterans that may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other disabilities.

“It’s been a tough road adjusting to civilian life,” admits Fenno.  “You never really get a good night’s sleep in the barracks or out on the wall.  The uncertainty of rocket or gun fire at any moment takes its toll.”

Now, Fenno credits arriving at his Windsor Fairgrounds barn every morning with improving his outlook and demeanor, as well as helping him to improve and maintain his career-life balance.

“Drug abuse and alcoholism are a detriment to many who have served,” Fenno concedes.  “It truly is a struggle, every day.  Sometimes it is a challenge just to get out of bed.”

Racing horses has helped, a lot.  While appreciating the serenity and beauty of his summertime Northern location, Fenno is really looking forward to this Saturday at Cumberland Raceway where his horse Instant Replay will look to make it 2-in-a-row in race nine. 

Last week, Walter Case Jr. steered Instant Replay to a decisive 1:58.2 victory at Bangor’s historic Bass Park.  The 4-year-old son of Lazarus N had 6 wins in 14 seasonal starts last year, earning $27,600, racing up and down the east coast.  While most of his success was enjoyed in the Pine Tree State, winning four in a row at Maine’s commercial tracks, the horse also picked up checks for Fenno at Yonkers, Plainridge and Harrington.

Having trained and driven off-and-on for the past 20-plus years, last week’s victory with Instant Replay was Fenno’s his first career pari-mutuel training win.  However, he feels that this triumph belongs to all of his fellow veterans.

“Believe it or not, as difficult as it was, it was my time in the Army that has given me the discipline and the strength to get to where I am today,” Fenno states.

An affable guy who is known as ‘Three Sticks’ around the racetrack, his nickname was bestowed upon him by a Maine racing official due to the large roman numeral three on the sleeves of his black and navy blue colors.

And while Fenno is not the only harness horseman in the state of Maine with a military background, he certainly is a champion for the armed services.

In fact, Mainers have a proud and lengthy history of military service.  Certainly no one can forget Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his extraordinary bayonet-led charge of the 20^th Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry that helped secure the left flank on Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.

More recently, the state is honorably represented by Brigadier General Diane L. Dunn who has assumed her duties as the 41^st Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard.  A former Maine State Racing Commissioner, Dunn and her husband Jim have raced horses in Maine for decades.

In addition, First Tracks Cumberland principle Mike Cianchette is a Lieutenant Commander in his local Navy Reserve.

However, the history of Maine’s prominence in veterans’ affairs is indeed preeminent.  Pursuant to a law signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1965, the state of Maine became the site of the very first hospital for wounded veterans, where the first such Civil War hero was admitted to a facility known as Togus (near Augusta, ME) on Nov. 10, 1866.  Later, President Ulysses S. Grant visited Togus in 1873 to review the soldiers who had served under him during that gloomy period in our nation’s history.

Still serving veterans to this day, Fenno credits the current Togus VA counselors with helping to save him.  He admits that he was, “not afraid to ask for help,” which is often the biggest obstacle for many of those in his shoes.

“The horses and the counselors at Togus, ‘America’s first veterans’ hospital, help me get out of bed, and give me the courage to ‘push through’ each and every day,” he states, “They really care!”

Sergeant Fenno knows that a lot of soldiers are in a similar spot emotionally and mentally, but very few get the chance to experience the horse business first hand.

“Working with racehorses forces me to be a better person, and to get up in the morning to feed and care for them,” Fenno confirms.  In fact, he goes out of his way to engage with any veteran he encounters in his everyday life.

“Get involved with harness racing, or adopt a retired racehorse,” he tells them.  “When you touch that animal, your life will change.”

–30—

May 19, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Veteran pacer Lexus Witha View A let his back class shine through to prevail in a photo finish victory in Saturday’s (May 18) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland Raceway.

The Aussie bred 10-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere was the most accomplished competitor in the top pacing class at the iconic Southern Maine oval, and coupled with a confident steer by Nick Graffam, the sharp steed returned to his winning ways.

Lexus Witha View A started from post 4 and scampered out for the lead in a 28.1 opening panel.  From that point Graffam put his horse on cruise control through a measured tempo of 57.3 to the half with Ry’s Red Rocket (Walter Case Jr.) tracking along closely in second.

When the outer flow materialized Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham) began his ascent to catch the favored leader through a 1:26 third panel.  As the field turned for home Rocksapatriot dropped a 29.3 final quarter to get to within a nose of Lexus Witha View A, with the latter prevailing in a snappy 1:56.1.

Trained and co-owned by Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable, it was the 33^rd win of his career, boosting his bankroll to $332,041.  Lexus Witha View A paid $7.00 to win.  Ranaldi (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Nick Graffam picked up his second win of the day in the finale with Dylan’s Future (1:58, $13.00).  In fact, four professional drivers accounted for all the victories in the eight ‘regular’ races with Drew Campbell, Kevin Switzer Jr. and Wally Watson also picking up driving doubles.

The Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) enjoyed two $5,000 divisions on the Preakness Day card, with victories by Benson Merrill driving Bet On Success (1:59.4, $11.20) and Alex Richardson scoring with Jo Pa’s Sweet Lou (2:00.1, $25.60).  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Speaking of blowing up the tote board, leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. had his second forty-dollar winner on Saturday (May 18).  Ironically, it was another sophomore pacer trained by Marc Tardif that slayed his older foes as Arts Flight went from next to last to first in 30 seconds to pick up his first lifetime win and take a 2:00 record.  The 3-year-old son of Artistic Fella is also owned by Marc Tardif and was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.  He paid $41.20 to win.

Racing resumes Friday (May 24). First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

May 18, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. enjoyed his second grand slam of the season at Cumberland Raceway on Friday (May 17), winning a third of all the races on the action packed 12-race card.

Switzer wasted little time getting started, winning the opener with the trusty mare Pretty Gorgeous.  A winner of 4 of her last 5 starts, the 7-year-old daughter of I’m Gorgeous controlled the tempo from the start and never looked back, scoring in 1:56.2 by a measured 1-1/2 lengths.  Trained by Benson Merrill for owners John and Thelma Kiernan, the consistent lass paid $4.40 to win the $5,500 event and picked up her 20^th lifetime victory.

Now that the grass is growing tall through the longer days in Southern Maine, the Tardif Taskforce is back in town and rolling out some of their promising young horses for a taste of stone dust before the upcoming stakes season.  One filly to watch is the winner of the third race, Ghost Of You.

Now 3, and while making her first seasonal start the homebred daughter of Deuce Seelster handily put away a group of older mares in convincing fashion.  Leaving from post three, Switzer got shuffled back to sixth at the start while allowing the front-end tusslers to beat each other up.  Pulling third-over down the backside, the filly had the momentum while rolling through the turn and was positioned third by the head of the stretch.  When the dust settled coming down the stretch Ghost Of You prevailed by a tight quarter length over Post Time Terror (Dan Deslandes) in 2:00.3.

Trained by Mark Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, she paid a whopping $42.20 to win her first start of the season.

Switzer won the 6^th race with Pembroke Booboo by another close quarter-length over Foxy Trotting Stick (Nick Graffam) in 2:00.4.  Owned and trained by Jason Leal, the 5-year-old daughter of Pembroke Slugger paid $15.60 to win her first start of the year.

The driving grand slam culminated with Switzer’s 11^th race victory while guiding Two Fold Cold to a wire-to-wire rout in 1:59.4.  The sophomore pacing gelding paid $2.80 to win his first start of the fresh season.  A standout in the Maine Sire Stakes last year at 2, he was a winner of 4 of 9 while earning $42,849, and is still owned and trained by Mark Tardif, who picked up his second training win of the day.  Two Fold Cold was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall.

The Tardif Taskforce also grabbed the place position with the Western Maverick colt Thru The Fire, who was driven by Walter Case Jr.

Nick Graffam picked up a pair of driving wins with June Parker (1:59.1, $9.00) and 2023 Maine Sire Stakes Champion South St Dottie (1:59.2, $3.20). 

Harness racing action resumes on Saturday (May 18) where horse racing enthusiasts can also watch and wager on the race known as the ‘Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.’  First Tracks Cumberland is proud to offer full-card simulcasting from Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, which includes the 149^th renewal of the $2,000,000 Preakness Stakes.

Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will attempt to capture the second leg of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, looking to become the first horse to complete a sweep of the three signature stakes races since Justify in 2018.

Doors open at 12 noon on Saturday (May 18) with a host of wagering, food and beverage options available all day.  Live harness racing kicks off at 3:15 pm.

First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

May 16, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – First Tracks Cumberland is proud to offer full-card simulcasting from Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland, which includes the 149^th renewal of the $2,000,000 Preakness Stakes this weekend, May 17 & 18.

Harness racing action resumes Friday (May 17) with a full 12-race card, and continues on Saturday (May 18) where horse racing enthusiasts can also watch and wager on the race known as the ‘Run for the Black-Eyed Susans.’

In just a few days, Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan will attempt to capture the second leg of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, looking to become the first horse to complete a sweep of the three signature stakes races since Justify in 2018.

Doors open at 12 noon on Saturday (May 18) with a host of wagering, food and beverage options available all day.  Live harness racing kicks off both days at 3:15 pm.

First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

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May 12, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bet On Joe captured the $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland on Saturday (May 11), picking up his second win in eight starts this year, and rewarding his backers with a ‘triple return’ on their investment.

Unraced at 2, the now-9-year-old has taken a seasonal mark every year since lining up behind a starting car, the fastest was 1:54f at Plainridge in 2022.  Having overcome many obstacles, Bet On Joe has been quietly plying his trade in New England since he was a sophomore. 

“He is the true definition of a war horse,” exclaims his trainer Bob Marston.

Plagued with injuries most of his career, his past performances may seem a little threadbare to some.  But, not according to Marston.

“Joe is all heart.  He has rebounded from multiple setbacks that would have been the end of most horse’s careers.  But, he just keeps coming back…stronger every time.”  Marston continues, “He’s the barn favorite.”

A proud product of the world’s richest stallion, Bettor’s Delight, and from the Falcon Seelster mare Ante Fay, the gelding comes by his grit and determination honestly.  Both his dam and his second dam earned six figures in their careers and he is just $2,005 shy of breaking that plateau himself.

Scoring from post 2, Bruce Ranger sat in the two-hole behind pacesetter Rocksapatriot and tipped out down the homestretch to win in 1:56.  He paid $6.40 to win his 17^th career race.  Trained by Marsten for owner Sharon Goding, who has owned him for the last five seasons, he now has $97,995 earned lifetime. 

Gordon Corey’s Call Me Maverick (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Lexus Witha View A (Nick Graffam) was third.

David Zuckerman took his first Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race of the season with his own Rest Assured in 2:00.4, paying $9.20 to win.  Jo Pa’s Sweet Lou (Alex Richardson) finished second; Furious Beach (Mike Girouard) was third.  The $5,000 MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Legendary Maine horseman Donny Richards picked up a win with his 7-year-old mare Ry’s Red Rocket, taking a $5,500 FM conditioned pace in 1:57.2.  Driven by Walter Case Jr. for the 91-year-old trainer, it was his 993^rd win to go with a career that boasts 4,212 driving victories.  Of course, not unlike Mickey Burke Sr., some of those victories were captured while ‘wearing a soft cap.’

Case Jr., Ranger and Kevin Switzer Jr. all picked up driving doubles on the day’s program.  After 5 weeks and 10 racing dates, Dan Deslandes and Switzer Jr. are tied at 19 in the driver’s standings.  Ranger (11), Aaron Hall (10) and Drew Campbell (9) round out the top five.  Jeff Deslandes leads all conditioners with 18 victories, followed by Larry Dancer (11) and Bob Marston (9).

Racing resumes next Friday (May 17), and continues on Saturday (May 18) where horse racing enthusiasts can watch and wager on 149^th Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.  Considered the “middle jewel” of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, the race is known as the ‘Run for the Black-Eyed Susans’ with Cumberland hosting the full-card simulcast. 

First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

May 11, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Perennial leading driver Bruce Ranger picked up a natural hat trick on Friday (May 10) at Cumberland, winning three of the final four races on the 12-race card. 

For the native-New Englander it was just another day at the office, while wearing the familiar Norton Farm colors of Red, Gold and Black, Ranger started his three-race sweep with victory in the featured $7,000 Winners Over Trot.

Scoring from post 4 with second choice (8-5) Kilauea, the confident teamster was content to let the front-end battles ensue during the early going while taking a seat on the pylons in fifth.  Favored Armagedon Seelster (6-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) refused to take a seat and powered past J S Peyton (9-2, Dan Deslandes) to grab the top in a demanding 27.4 opening panel.

The field was strung out going to the half, with Switzer trying to reel in his trotter on the front end.  They went by the half in 57.3, and although there was no movement, the pace was a much more manageable second quarter of 29.4.

Down the backside the final time, Kilauea was sent out first over by the paddock draw gate and moved closer to the top, as the leader tried desperately to hold on to his advantage through a 1:27 third stanza.  Kilauea flushed several would-be challengers as J S Peyton tipped, forcing Storm Bringer (Aaron Hall) three-wide around the final turn. 

Ranger used the cover to slingshot around the traffic jam, swinging four-wide and into the home stretch.  Down the center of the track the trotters all had their eyes on the leader, and Ranger swooped them all under the shadow of the wire to prevail by a scant quarter length.

The photo finish for win put Kilauea on top of the 1:59 mile, paying $5.40.  Owned by Michael Pease and trained by Christopher Hitchcock, the 6-year-old son of Kadabra picked up his third win of the season, and now boasts lifetime earnings of $174,489.  Named for an active volcano on the Island of Hawaii [pronounced kee-lou-ey-ah], Kilauea now has 11 career victories.

Armagedon Seelster hung on to be second; Storm Bringer was third.

Ranger continued to visit the Blue Seal Feeds winners circle in the following two races with: Eric Bickmore’s Rambling Ruby ($15.60, 1:58.1) and Ron Patoine’s Broadway Giant ($2.80, 2:00.1).

Bruce Ranger sits 20^th on the all-time drivers dash win list with 10,280.  Aside from Ranger’s hat trick, Aaron Hall enjoyed a trainer-driver double, and reinsman Andy Harrington also grabbed a pair of victories.  It was a good day at the windows for First Tracks Cumberland as punters pushed $144,797 through the system.

Racing resumes Saturday (May 11), and the opener features the fifth week of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) with six part-time reinsmen vying for bragging rights.  The early favorite is Rest Assured (David Zuckerman) listed at 2-1 from the eurorail.  Last week’s winner Furious Beach (Mike Girouard) has been assigned post 6 and is pegged at 4-1.  Fan favorite Putnam’s Storm (Bob Nadeau) scores from post 2.

As always, the $5,000 MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The featured $6,000 pacing event is programmed as race 8 and carries six of the state’s faster sidesteppers, including the return of Gordon Corey’s Call Me Maverick.

Next week, horse racing enthusiasts can watch and wager on 149^th Preakness Stakes from Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.  Considered the “middle jewel” of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, the race is known as the ‘Run for the Black-Eyed Susans’ with Cumberland hosting the full-card simulcast on Saturday, May 18. 

First Tracks Cumberland Spring/Summer meet continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.  Post time is always 3:15 pm. For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/