December 19, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(provided photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – The Standardbred breed has always been known for its stamina and durability, and in no place will this trait be more evident than on Saturday (Dec. 20) during Cumberland Raceway’s fifth annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies.
Twelve 14-year-old harness horses with Maine connections will be recognized for their racing achievements, as well as their longevity during the all-day presentations. Prior to the 10:55 am post time of the first race, the first retired horse named Air Force Grad, a gray fan-favorite and barn pet of Cumberland’s outrider Sherry Cushing, will be ridden to the winner’s circle to kick off the exhibitions.
All of the horse’s connections will receive a couple of commemorative programs complete with photos and bios, as well as a custom-made plaque with the horse’s name and images proudly displayed.
In addition to the aforementioned Air Force Grad, the other retirees are: Archetto Hanover, Bali, Dancin Hill, Diabando, Frankandjoanne, Mr Bo Diddley, One Swan For All, Pembroke Scorpio, Royal Reception, Skyful Of Lighters and Warrawee Preferred. All horses will parade in front of the stands, individually and sequentially, before the first seven races on the program.
Among the group, whose combined earnings are $3.5 million with an average of over $292,000, there are a few horses with distinctions worth noting.
“Archetto Hanover may be the Standardbred who has competed at more extended pari-mutuel tracks (26) than any other horse in recent history,” noted Derick Giwner, editor of DRF Harness. The son of Bettor’s Delight is also the richest $576,699 and has the most starts (421) of any other horse being feted.
Local trotting war-horse Warrawee Preferred has the distinction of the highest win percentage (22%) and is tied with pacer Bali as having the most wins (68).
Dancin Hill is the group’s fastest pacer at 1:50.1 and Lisa Watson’s One Swan For All is the swiftest trotter with a mark of 1:54.1.
Overall, the group has been behind the starting car an impressive 3,501 times, with an average of 292 starts per retiree.
The lone starter on the day will be Pembroke Scorpio who is listed as 6-1 in the morning line in race five with Andy Harrington driving for owner-trainer Patricia Sumner. She stated, “I can say without hesitation he’s brought a happy smile to me for a long time, he’s part of me and he deserves the best of everything in his retirement.”
A life-long resident of Maine, his prior name was Scorpio Seelster, but was purchased as a yearling by Bill Varney and re-named Pembroke Scorpio. Then he was sold to Ken Underhill and Heath Campbell, then passed to Valerie Grondin, and then ended up in the barn with the Sumners.
There is yet another ‘retiree’ that will have to wait another few days before he can officially call it quits. Mr Bo Diddly, owned by Adalberto Silva and Courtney Pitts, was in-to-go on Friday (Dec. 19) but that card was postponed to Monday (Dec. 22) due to high winds in the region. He scores from post five with Aaron Hall in race one and has been listed as 4-1 on the morning line.
Aside from the Au Revoir ceremonies, Cumberland also hosts several Winter Pop-Up Series finals this weekend. The $10,000 Prancer final and two consolations ($5,000 Cupid and $6,000 Comet) go on Saturday (Dec. 20).
Sunday’s (Dec. 21) card features $12,500 Blitzen final, two $10,000 finals of the Comet and Dasher, and the $7,500 Cupid Pop-Up Series final.
Mandatory payouts originally scheduled for Sunday will now be ‘must pays’ on the original Friday (Dec. 19) card postponed to Monday (Dec. 22). Post time remains 10:55 am.
For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/
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