September 29, 2025, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Stephanie Gray photo)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Fern Hill Flight took the feature during the Cumberland Fair finale on Sunday (Sept. 29), closing out the eight-day stretch of Maine harness racing at the iconic Downeast oval
In the $7,500 Zipper Pop Up Series final driver Kevin Switzer Jr. sent Nets Of Passion out for an early lead, which saw him work to take command into a :28.1 opening panel. That extra effort was compliments of fellow reinsmen Nick Graffam who stretched out the pacesetter and eventually tracked along in the pocket with Dark As Night. Coincidentally, both pacers were trained by Ryan Berry and both were sent out at 7-2 by the public.
Just past the :58 half Andy Harrington sent the 4/5 favorite Fern Hill Flight into the outer flow from third to the challenge the leaders. Switzer Jr. was working feverishly to keep his charge engaged as the betting choice had looked him in the eye through the 1:27 third stanza.
Down the stretch Graffam tipped Dark As Night to the outside and the three pacers battle down to the wire, with Fern Hill Flight prevailing by a half-length in 1:57.1.
Trained by Andy Harrington for owner Mel Grant, the 7-year-old son of Source Of Pride picked up his fifth win of the season, and 21st of his career. He returned $3.60.
Nets Of Passion finished second; Dark As Night was third.
Dave Ingraham and Kevin Switzer Jr. both enjoyed three wins on the afternoon program. Switzer Jr. led all drivers during the eight-day fair meet with 17 victories.
Racing returns to Cumberland for the track’s 18-day Winter Festival which begins November 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November. The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 21. Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.
For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/
