September 30, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Leading part-time driver Hunter Lofthus grabbed another victory in the $4,700 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) series at Cumberland Raceway on Sunday (Sept. 30), showing his fellow reinsmen that patience is a virtue.

Lofthus, who already had 10 wins in 34 starts and a 0.408 UDRS coming into the race, was sent off as the 1-2 favorite from post four with Jamie Gerard’s Polyester.

When the gate sprung it was Zampara and Benson Merrill that shot out for an early lead, with Todd Whitney driving Twin B Impressive trying to force his way into the two-hole.  With those to combatants duking it out through the stinging :27.2 opening panel and into the :57.1 half, the aggressive, front-running pair began to falter as the field headed to the 1:27.2 third stanza.

Meanwhile, at the back of the pack, Lofthus has sprung from the pylons heading to the half and had advanced to second position before the pacers reached the final turn.  From that point the 4-year-old daughter of Dude’s The Man was in full flight and charged down to the wire in 1:58, scoring by 1-1/4 lengths.

For driver Lofthus, it was his 11th win of the year, which coupled with his seven second-place finishes in 35 starts, gave the talented teamster a 0.425 UDRS.

Polyester is owned and trained by Jamie Gerard, giving the mare her seventh seasonal victory.  Gerard also had an additional three training wins on the program, including: Twin B High Tech (1:56.4, $5.00); Acefortyfour Cory (1:59.2, $5.20); Hunting Angels (1:58.3, $10.40).

Provisional driver Dalton Lee picked up his second win of the season, blowing up the tote board in the process.  Lee sent his own Eternal Ring on a wire-to-wire tour of the facility with 3-2 favorite American Fighter and Drew Campbell glued to his helmet.

The 11-year-old daughter of Artzina held on to win by three parts of a length in 2:01.3, paying $20.20 for the victory in the $5,000 Blueberry Pop-Up Consolation.

Driver Andy Harrington had three wins on the program, where Walter Case Jr., Aaron Hall and Kevin Switzer Jr. all enjoyed driving doubles on the final day of the ‘Fair’ meet.

Live harness racing resumes with the First Tracks Cumberland Winter Festival, which begins a 19-card stretch on November 2.  The action follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  In December the track adds Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 29, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s $300,000-plus 2-year-old finals witnessed two unbeaten youngsters remain as such, with a few surprises in the other divisions Saturday (Sept. 28) on the closing day of the 152^nd Cumberland Fair.

Champion colt Whatawonder cruised to an easy victory in his $75,753 Maine Sire Stakes final for freshmen male trotters.  Leaving from the outer most post position six, driver Ken Watson wasted no time to get his talented charge to the top.

Dropping a 29.4 opening panel, which was his fastest ever, the gelding proceeded to carry his four-length advantage through the remaining splits of 1:01.3 and 1:31.3.  Looking stronger with every stride, the son of Whataworkout strode home in 2:02.4, a new lifetime best and a track record.

Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, it was Whatawonder’s tenth straight victory, paying $3.40.  He is trained by Lisa Watson.

Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; stable mate Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) was third.

In the $76,023 Maine Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old male pacers, the heavy 2-5 favorite Massive Speed did not disappoint.

Thrusting out from behind the starting car driver Walter Case Jr. smartly let early speedster Race Me Celtic (Drew Campbell) assume command, albeit briefly.  A give-and-go release gave Massive Speed the top again just past the 27.4 swift opening panel.

At the 58.4 half-mile marker a cavalry charge of sidesteppers were stacked up three high as they passed the stands the second time, with Jax Attack (Aaron Hall) first over and Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) applying pressure alongside three wide.

While Massive Speed was on top by three at the 1:28 third stanza, Race Me Celtic was gapping his cover in the pocket with Gracies Tough Guy now first over and looking to duck to the pylons.

As the field turned for home, Massive Speed had gained considerable separation on the rest of the field.  Only Gracies Tough Guy had stayed within two lengths of the son of Dude’s The Man, as Case held his whip high while crossing the wire and broke the divisional track record with the 1:58.2 triumph.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was the tenth consecutive victory for Massive Speed, who was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.  He paid $2.80 to win.

Race Me Celtic finished third.

Little Shot took a big shot and prevailed in the $75,916 final for 2-year-old trotting fillies.  Driven by conditioner and co-owner Ivan Davies, the daughter of Noble Venture was sent right out for the lead from their pylon position at the start, and proceeded to make every call a winning one.

Tripping the timer in 2:04.1, Little Shot was the second choice on the board and paid $7.40 to win her second race of the season.  Also co-owned by Shirley Hutchins, she was bred by Dr. Douglass Hutchins and Paul Kinnear.

Barbella (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Race Me Bombshell (Drew Campbell) was third.

For the $75,821 Maine Sire Stakes final for freshman pacing fillies, it was Leanne Marie that crossed the wire first for driver Mike Cushing.  However, the judges determined that Leanne Marie interfered with Chasing Dudes (Nick Graffam) in mid-stretch, therefore the latter was declared the winner, with the former being placed second.

Chasing Dudes, a daughter of Dude’s The Man, is trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder Bob Marston and paid $7.80 to win.

Audry (Steve Wilson) finished third.

The day’s fastest race was the $10,000 Winners Over class, where Lifes A Puzzle triumphed for driver Kevin Switzer Jr. in 1:54.4.  Trained by Alison Hynes for owner Richard Humphrey, the 4-year-old son of Lazarus N is another successful graduate of the Gordon Corey Institute of Equine Erudition.

The day also witnessed a plethora of $10,000 pop up series finals which were well received by the large crowd of fans and bettors on hand for the final day of the fair.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 28, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $19,00-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters and pacers went postward on Friday (September 27) at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair, with the usual suspects cementing their place in the divisional hierarchy.

In the early $20,432 non-wagering race for sophomore male pacers, which was rescheduled due to Thursday’s cancelation, it was the indomitable Two Fold Cold who made his signature gate-to-wire supremacy known to all who bore witness.

Leaving from post four the son of Deuce Seelster continued his reign of terror on his classmates and rolled through 28.1 and 58.3 early fractions, before turning on the afterburners into a 1:27.2 third panel.  Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. had to keep the gelding on his toes as Gary Hall’s Justcallmebuck and Heath Campbell were breathing down his neck as they stormed down to the wire.  The precocious pacesetter held on to prevail by a quarter length in 1:57.3.

Ironically, Two Fold Cold was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, but is now the property of conditioner Marc Tardif.  It was his tenth straight seasonal victory and remains undefeated this year.

Stable mate Art’s Flight (Andy Harrington) finished third.

Valerie Grondin grabbed a back-to-back victory aboard Chipper Dale, sitting a two-hole trip behind stable mate Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) in the $19,483 Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trot.  The son of Shake It Off Lindy tripped the timer in 2:04.4, winning by 2-3/4 lengths. 

Owned and bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, it was the gelding’s eighth seasonal victory and third in a row.  He paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite.

Pembroke Will finished second; Carrabassett (Mark Athearn) was third.

Next up were the sophomore trotting distaffs vying for $19,708, with divisional leader Pembroke Breeze resuming her previous form for the triumph.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the filly made quick work of the field as she made every call a winning one, scoring in 2:05 by 1-3/4 lengths.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger was riding a five-race win streak when she finished third in her last start in mid-August.  After some time off she has returned to her winning ways for owner breeder Bill Varnery, grabbing her sixth race of the season, paying $2.20.

Bernie’s Legacy (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes at the Cumberland Fair the 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).  Post time is 1:00 pm.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 27, 2024, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Once again, First Tracks Cumberland welcomes the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old Pine Tree State-bred harness horses on Saturday (Sept. 28), which is being held on the final day of the 152^nd Cumberland Fair.

The first final for 2-year-old pacing fillies, is probably the most completive on paper.  The current point leader Chasing Dudes (3-1, Nick Graffam) leaves from post seven, giving her combatants Whisper Of Luck (2-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Leanne Marie (5-2, Mike Cushing) a distinct advantage from post one and two respectively. 

Leanne Marie comes into the race off a win in the final leg of the series, and also the fastest record (2:01.3) which she took at Farmington on Sept. 17.  The homebred daughter of Artistic Fella is trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing, who also co-owns with owners-breeders Pamela Smith and Jane Dipompo.

The freshmen filly trotters have Pandemic Princess as their point leader, who hails from the powerful Valerie Grondin Stable and gets the services of Heath Campbell.  Fresh off a win at Farmington, the daughter of Whataworkout was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, who still maintains ownership.  She will score from post six and is listed at 5-2. 

The early morning line favorite in that division is Blizzard’s Fury (2-1, Switzer) who also hails from a powerful stable in the Tardif Taskforce.  Despite early-mile miscues, she regularly regains her composure and trots home with purpose to be 1-2-3 in nearly every start.

While the Maine-bred fillies seem to be evenly matched, the boys are led by a distinct standout in their divisional battles.

The sidestepping colt and gelding pacers have been chasing Massive Speed (6-5, Walter Case Jr.) all season long.  The son of Dude’s The Man brings an unblemished record of nine wins in nine starts to the contest, and leaves from post two.  He sports a mark of 1:58 at Bangor, is trained by Marc Tardif, owned by Leighton Property, and was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Several of the race’s top contenders also hail from the Tardif Taskforce, as Marc and Peggy have five in this final.  Due to a favorable post position, Valerie Grondin’s Keenan Star (5-2, Heath Campbell) also has a punchers change at divisional glory.

Like his pacing counterpart, Whatawonder, has dominated his male trotting division. A son of Whataworkout, the Lisa Watson-trained wunderkind has a perfect 9-for-9 record. 

Ken Watson has driven the gelding perfectly all season for owner-breeder Barbara Watson, and is the even money favorite from post six.  While the talented high-stepper has never seen the back of a helmet, a few would-be spoilers are poised to pounce should any there be any unforeseen opportunities. 

Liberty’s Wildcard (9-5, Switzer) has seven second-place finishes behind the divisional leader, and has gotten to Whatawonder’s wheel on several occasions.  Stable mate Katahdin Victor (3-1, Wally Watson) also knows the top dog’s tricks and could be right there also.

The full card of harness racing action begins at 1 pm, with the four $75,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes events being carded as races two, four, six and eight on the 12 race program.

Including the Maine Stakes, First Tracks Cumberland has added several pop up series finals to the day’s festivities, bringing the total purses on the program to nearly $380,000.  The track is also holding its popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win up to $500 by picking the correct race winner.

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

September 26, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Gowestyounggrace and Mrs Foxy Roxy both took their respective $19,921 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (September 25) at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair.

It was the ninth straight victory and tenth on the season for Gowestyounggrace who has been unstoppable since late-June.  Owned and bred by Fred and Sharon Ward and trained by Fred Ward, the swift daughter of Western Maverick gave Emma Rozze and Heath Campbell a re-take into the 29 first panel.  It was the first time that the filly had seen the back of a helmet in months, so Ingraham wasted little time re-establishing command before the 1:00.2 half.

By the third stanza in 1:30.2, with the rest of the field following intently, it was only a matter of how fast he would let ‘Grace’ pace down to the wire.  Ultimately the final time was a reserved 1:59.4, winning by 1-3/4 lengths.  She paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite.

Who’s Perfect (Aaron Hall) finished second; Emma Rozze was third.

In the other division, Mrs Foxy Roxy and Walter Case Jr. led every step of the way, scoring in 2:00.3 by neck over a fast closing Pembroke Red and Heath Campbell. 

It was the third seasonal victory for the daughter of Deuce Seelster, who paid $11.60.  Trained by Bob Marston for Bill McElvaine Jr., Diane Dunn and Brad Veilleux, she was bred in Maine by Kristina and Gary Hall.

My Sweet Revenge (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished third.

Before the Wedneday card the Maine Standardbred Breeders Association held a special on-air draw at First Tracks Cumberland, where Saturday’s (Sept. 28) four $75,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-olds were drawn.

CUMBERLAND RACEWAY

Saturday, September 28, 2024, First Post 1:00 PM

Second Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Filly Pacers  

Purse: $75,821     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Pace         Dis: 1 Mile    

HN    Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   WHISPER OF LUCK    Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

2   LEANNE MARIE       Mi Cushing          Ch Cushing           

3   RUFF DUDE’S JENA   Da Ingraham         Ke Case              

4   AUDRY              St Wilson           Ch Cushing           

5   THINKIN BOUT LIFE  Wa Case Jr          Ma Tardif            

6   GLORILLA           Ro Cushing          He Cushing           

7   CHASING DUDES      Ni Graffam          Mi Graffam           

Fourth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Filly Trotters  

Purse: $75,916     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Trot         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   LITTLE  SHOT       Iv Davies           Iv Davies          

2   KATAHDIN MISTRESS  Wa Watson           Li Watson          

3   BLIZZARD’S FURY    Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

4   RACE ME BOMBSHELL                      Wi Childs          

5   BELABELLE          Er Bickmore         Er Bickmore        

6   PANDEMIC PRINCESS  He Campbell         Va Grondin         

7   BARBELLA           Br Ranger           Ke Andersen        

8   LADY LAKE MARTY    Ke Watson           Li Watson          

Sixth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Colt & Gelding Pacers  

Purse: $76,023     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Pace         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   CHEATIN FATE       Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

2   MASSIVE SPEED      Wa Case Jr          Ma Tardif          

3   RACE ME CELTIC     Wi Campbell         Wi Childs          

4   KEENAN STAR        He Campbell         Va Grondin         

5   ELLA V DUDE        Br Ranger           Ma Tardif          

6   DAWN TWO DARK      An Harrington       Ma Tardif          

7   GRACIES TOUGH GUY  Da Ingraham         Fr Ward Jr         

8   JAX ATTACK         Aa Hall             Ma Tardif          

Eighth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Colt & Gelding Trotters  

Purse: $75,753     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Trot         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   JUST FOOLIN        He Campbell         Da Crochere        

2   IRON MIKE          Ma Athearn          Gr Athearn         

3   ENCHANTED PRINCE   An Harrington       Ki Ireland         

4   LIBERTY’S WILDCARD Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

5   KATAHDIN VICTOR    Wa Watson           Li Watson          

6   WHATAWONDER        Ke Watson           Li Watson          

The Maine Sire Stakes continues, along with a full cards of harness racing action, at the Cumberland Fair with the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).  Post time is 1:00 pm each day.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 25, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Mocha On The Rocks overpowered his foes to take the $6,000 featured pace on Tuesday (September 24) at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair.

Dismissed at 10-1, the 7-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance was rushed off the gate and dropped into the four hole by driver Heath Campbell. 9-5 favorite Forrest Blu (Kevin Switzer Jr.) led the field into a sizzling 27 second opening panel, with Grand Galop Semalu (Andy Harrington) sitting the pocket.

Driver Walter Case Jr. tipped Instant Replay out at the softer 57.2 half-mile marker, which gave some cover to Heath Campbell and Mocha On The Rocks. 

Down the backside with the outer flow stalling, an impatient Drew Campbell pulled Stop Staring three-deep into that 1:26.1 third stanza.  With that racing move waning in its intended purpose, the younger Campbell snuck out on the apex of the turn and swooped the leaders to rally down the stretch and score by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:57.

Trained and co-owned by Valerie Grondin with partners William and Rhoda Underhill, it was Mocha On The Rocks’ 15^th lifetime win, and pushed him over the six-figure mark to $100,018 in career earnings.  He paid $23.00 to win.

Grand Galop Semalu finished second; Forrest Blu hung on for third.

Kevin Switzer Jr. (Salute America, 1:59.4, $3.80; Twin B High Tech, 1:57.3, $5.80) and Aaron Hall (Search By The Sea, 1:56.4, $7.20; Thruway, 2:02.3, $2.60) each picked up a pair of driving doubles on the eight-race program, which helped keep the reinsmen at the top of the Cumberland Fair drivers standings.  After three cards, Aaron Hall leads with six wins, Switzer follows with five, and Harrington and Case each have three.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and then rolls into the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).

Racing continues at the Cumberland Fair on Wednesday (Sept. 25), with the live harness action starting at 1:00 pm (new post time) for the remainder of the week through Saturday (Sept. 28). 

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 24, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bettors had a big day at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair on Monday (Sept. 23) with five of the eight races resulting in double-digit win ticket payouts.

Wally Watson got things started with his own Terror Hall and a three-wide move down the backside to score in 1:58.2.  Trained and co-owned with his wife Lisa Watson, the 11-year-old son of Western Terror paid $23.20 to win.

The next big payout came by way of Easteriffic and Andy Harrington who scored a thrilling neck victory over Ten Beaches Later (McGwire Sowers) to win in 2:00.1.  Owned and trained by Ryan Berry, the 9-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven mare paid $29.60.  Harrington also won with Polyester (1:58.3, $5.40), resulting in the reinsman’s driving double.

Mike Cushing also scored a driving victory when he used a three-deep move to swoop the field and draw off by five with Joe’s Beauty in 1:58.4.  Trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing for owner Bryson Dostie, the 7-year-old Roll With Joe mare paid $10.00.

Winter Asher-Stalbaum’s Hurrikane Bunny gave catch driver Walter Case Jr. his three-wide on the outside romp, scoring in 1:58 with the 9-year-old son of Rare Bunny.  They paid $21.00 for the win.

Aaron Hall had three wins on the program, starting with trotter Squable (2:02, $2.60), and then Third Power (1:58.4, $10.40), and completing the troika with Love Kitten (2:00, $4.40)

The Maine Sire Stakes re-opens at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and then rolls into the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).

Racing continues at the Cumberland Fair on Monday (Sept. 23), with the live harness action starting at 1:00 pm (new post time) for the remainder of the week through Saturday (Sept. 28). 

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

September 23, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Harness racing at the 152^nd annual Cumberland Fair kicked off on Sunday (Sept. 22) with former Maine Sire Stakes champion Wolverina bringing all the Graffam connections together once again to pay homage to one of their own.

The 5-year-old daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood left swiftly from post five to gain command of the field, with driver Nick Graffam coasting through fractions of 28.4 and 59.4 to the first half.

Wolverina continued to pave the way while the ‘four-in, four-out’ outer flow attempted to get closer to the lead.  Into the 1:29 third panel the challengers were all stacked up on the outer rim, but to no avail, as the mare was large and in charge.

Graffam and his talented distaff kept the aggressors at bay as the pair rolled down victory lane of her home track in 1:58.4, prevailing by 1-1/4 lengths.  Bred and co-owned by trainer Mike Graffam, with co-owner Bill Arnold, it was Wolverina’s 22^nd lifetime victory.

A two-time Maine Sire Stakes champion at both 2- and 3-years-old, the mare now has $335,578 in lifetime earnings.  She paid $4.20 to win.

In the winner’s circle, family and friends honored the late Lori Graffam, mother of driver Nick Graffam and caretaker Bethany Graffam. 

Humor Me (Aaron Hall) finished second; Cash Crazy Express (Drew Campbell) was third.

Golden Tree (2:00, $3.20) and Kevin Switzer Jr. took the opener, dubbed the Living Legend Donald Richards Pace, where the 91-year-old trainer-driver was feted by his many admirers. 

While the overnight races were all legs of the track’s popular pop up series, carrying purses up to $5,200 each, the pop up finals on Saturday (Sept. 28) will host equally lofty prizes of up to $10,000 each.

The Spring-Summer meet’s leading reinsman Kevin Switzer had three wins on the 11-race program.

The Maine Sire Stakes reconvenes at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and then roll into the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).

Racing continues at the Cumberland Fair on Monday (Sept. 23), with the live harness action starting at 1:00 pm (new post time) for the remainder of the week through Saturday (Sept. 28). 

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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

POST TIME is now 1 pm for MON 23 SEPT through SAT 28 SEPT

September 21, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Down East faithful will transition from Farmington to the 152^nd annual Cumberland Fair on Sunday (Sept. 22) with eleven harness races programmed at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Many of Maine’s rural fairs are known for their tractor pulls and draft horse demonstrations, however the Cumberland fair was first held in 1868 with harness racing as the “Maine” attraction.  It remains one of the biggest annual agricultural events in the southern part of the Pine Tree state.

The harness action at the Cumberland Fairgrounds will start at 1:30 pm on opening day, Sunday (Sept. 22) with full cards scheduled for eight racing dates through Sunday (Sept. 29), with a special post time of 11 am for that final date.

The featured events for the opening day card are the first legs of five individual pop up series, which are conditioned and/or ‘TrackMaster rating’ trot and pace events.  The series finals and top class overnights carry total final purses of over $75,000, are being held in conjunction with the $300,000 Est. Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, September 28.

Sunday’s (Sept. 22) opening day card has 11 races with each dash a pop-up series leg carrying purses of up to $5,200.

Maine Sire Stakes continue at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and then roll into the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27). 

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

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