Air Force Grad and Jax Spratt steal the show at Cumberland

December 21, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME –Air Force Grad, a gray fan-favorite and barn pet of veteran outrider Sherry Cushing, was paraded in front of the fans to kick off the exhibition of ‘Au Revoir’ Day at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (Dec. 20), which honored twelve individual harness horses on the eve of their official retirements at age 14.

The Standardbred breed has always been known for its stamina and durability, and in no place was this trait be more evident were the dozen foals of 2011 with Maine connections were recognized for their racing achievements, as well as their longevity during the all-day presentations.

Sherry Cushing, long-time outrider at both Monticello and Cumberland Raceway, noted, “One of my favorite drives on ‘Grad’ was on Mother’s Day, when I had just graduated from nursing school. He came from way back to pull of the win at Scarborough Downs.”

Cushing, the owner, trainer and part-time driver of the gray son of The Panderosa has had the horse since he was three and said, “his new job in retirement will be dressage and driving classes at local horse shows.”

In addition to the aforementioned Air Force Grad, the other retirees were: 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 paraded in front of the stands, with many being swarmed by friends and well-wishers in the winners circle.

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.

In addition to the Au Revoir ceremonies, Cumberland also hosted the $10,000 Prancer Pop-Up final that was handily captured by Jax Spratt in a wire-to-wire triumph in 2:03.4.

Trained and driven to victory by Aaron Hall for owner Bill Phipps, the 5-year-old son of Devious Man won his last three starts at Cumberland and has 11 scores this season. He returned $2.80 to his backers. Ghetto Boy (Hunter Lofthus) finished second, J S Peyton (Nick Graffam) was third.

The $6,000 Comet Pop-Up Series Consolation went to Calvin K in 2:01. Driven by Nick Graffam for trainer Dalton Lee, the 11-year-old son of Classic Card Shark returned $16.40 and is owned by Bob Kluchevitz.

In the $5,000 Cupid Pop-Up Series Consolation it was Just Aftermidnight who timed it perfectly to swoop the field down the backside and score by half a length in 2:03.2. Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-trainer-breeder Christine Holt, the 3-year-old son of Thirty Two Red paid $3.80.

Driver Nick Graffam enjoyed a driving triple on the nine-race card, with Kevin Switzer Jr. and Aaron Hall each picking up a pair of victories.

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/