May 3, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Wally Watson cut the fractions and prevailed with Yamaka in the 1-1/4 mile ‘distance race’ $7,000 Cumberland Derby on Saturday (May 2) at First Tracks Cumberland, while racing enthusiasts filled the apron and the grandstand wearing their Kentucky Derby best attire.

The field of six conditioned pacers lined up in front of the Derby Day fans while starter Wes Brown led the group around the paddock turn to a unique start on the backstretch.  Watson sent the 9-5 favorite Yamaka out from post five and was parked going into the the turn by the pylon sitting Ahoy Hanover (7-2, James Doucette).

After the first bend, Yamaka was on top and well in control of the tempo, leading the pack into a :32.3 opening panel.  Ahoy Hanover continued to track in second with Urika Blue Chip (11-1, Jason Bertonlini) sitting in third.  Past the 1:04.3 half Bertolini tipped Urika Blue Chip to engage the leader into a 1:35.2 third panel.  That brought Airspinder (3-1, Dave Ingraham) into position second over to roll in the outer flow.

Down the backside the final time the tempo increased and Airspinder was sent three wide to advance his stalled cover, with the pacesetting Yamaka keeping all the aggressors at bay through the 2:05 mile time.

As the field made haste down the stretch Yamaka could not be caught and Watson raised his whip triumphantly as they crossed the finish wire in 2:35.1.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steve Moskowitz Racing, the 12-year-old son of American Ideal picked up his 36^th lifetime victory and second of the season.  His career earnings now exceed $256,000.  He returned $5.60.

Ahoy Hanover fought back gamely to retain second; Lenwoods Real Deal (Mike Stevenson) was third.

Aaron Hall and Mike Stevenson both had grand slams on the 12-race card, with Wally Watson grabbing a double.

Racing resumes on Friday (May 8), with Friday-Saturday racing at First Tracks Cumberland running throughout the month of May.  After which the calendar reverts back to Saturday-Sunday cards for the month of June. 

The extended pari-mutuel meeting runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

May 2, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – This week’s battle of Maine’s top trotters did not disappoint as Brutalizer renewed his year-long battle with Big Al M and emerged the victor on Friday (May 1) at First Tracks Cumberland.

When the field sprang from the starting car several leavers pushed aggressively into the first turn.  Brutalizer (4, Andy Harrington) had both Jax Spratt (5, Aaron Hall) and Big Al M (6, Zach Vickerson) at his wheels around the first turn, with Jax Spratt eventually dropping back into the pocket down the backside, forcing Big Al M to forge on to the top and set a taxing :28.3 opening panel.

When the dust settled Big Al M (3-1) reduced the tempo into a :58.4 half with the 3-5 favorite Brutalizer sitting in a tight pocket and Jax Spratt (4-1) in third.  Down the backstretch for the final time Hunter Lofthus tipped Amalie Hanover from sixth and flushed the cover High Gear No Fear (Nick Graffam) who now led the charge first over from fourth.  But the leaders kept up their rigorous pursuit as Big Al M reached the third station in 1:28.4, with Brutalizer stalking and ready to pounce.

At the apex of the final turn Harrington tipped his charge to the outside and began the assault on his nemesis, gaining ground with every stride.  Big Al M fought gamely right down to the wire as the pair exchanged blows until the finish, with Brutalizer prevailing over Big Al M by a quarter length in 2:00.1, a new seasonal mark.

Trained by Sara Harrington for owner Kyle Gibbs, the 5-year-old son of Alarm Detector picked up his second win in five seasonal starts.  A model of consistency, the horse has not been worse than third all year, earning $10,940 in just a handful of outings.  He returned $3.40.

Jax Spratt maintained his position for the show dough.

Both Harrington and Mike Stevenson enjoyed driving doubles on the afternoon card.

Racing resumes on Saturday (May 2), which also known as ‘Kentucky Derby Day’ when Cumberland Raceway hosts its own $7,000 ‘Derby’ that covers the iconic one and a quarter mile distance for a speedy set of local pacers.

Slated as race eight in a twelve-event card, the track offers a special first post time of 2:45 pm.

Fans and bettors can watch and wager on all the action from Churchill Downs, including Saturday’s 152nd Run for the Roses.  Doors open at 12 noon for the full-card simulcast of horse racing’s biggest event, with a host of food and beverage options available all day at First Tracks Cumberland. 

Friday-Saturday racing at First Tracks Cumberland runs throughout the month of May.  After which the calendar reverts back to Saturday-Sunday cards for the month of June. 

The extended pari-mutuel meeting runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info