November 12, 2026 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – First Tracks Cumberland rolls into their three-day weekend schedule on Friday (Nov. 13) with a 13-race card of harness racing action on tap for the Southern Maine faithful.

The $6,100 featured conditioned trot pits Brutalizer (3-1, Andy Harrington) against Bay State invader Saint Stephens (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) in the fifth race scuffle.  The second choice Brutalizer is no stranger to Cumberland, having completed the local circuit first on numerous occasions, including his seasonal best in 2:00.1.

The early morning line favorite Saint Stephens comes to town off a 1:59.4 win at Bangor in his last start for trainer Jimmy Nickerson, having found some Queen City class relief after toiling in the tough conditioned trots at Plainridge over the late summer, early autumn months.

Overall, the entire program has a lot of action for horse players with eight events boasting full seven or eight horse fields.  The Pick 5 starts with the first race; our Pick 4 highlights the tenth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the fifth and the finale—all with low 16% takeouts.

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for our Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting on Saturday (Nov. 14) with a 12-race card of full fields, which is followed by the 9-race Sunday (Nov. 15) card to close out the long weekend.  Post time for all three race dates is 10:55 a.m.

For the sixth season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 12.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing, or have recently retired, and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with their photograph in the special commemorative program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate and need to ‘declare’ by Nov. 24.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

For more information and a complete racing calendar go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

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