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/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

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/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 15, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Aaron Hall and trainer Jamie Gerard grabbed two of the three $8,500 divisions of the Dasher Pop-up Series at Cumberland on Sunday (Dec. 14) amid intermittent snow fall.

Echos Sharkie lined up in fourth position behind the Wes Brown starting gate ready to roll, with fans squinting through the snowflakes catch all the winter action.  No post position has accounted for more victories than post four at Cumberland this season, with 100 winners springing into action from the center of the racetrack.  Echos Sharkie was no different, as the field gapped his cover through modest fractions of :31.2 and to the 1:03 half.

During the first circuit Never Say Never N (4/1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) sat a loose pocket, with the 3-5 favorite Circling The Prey (Nick Graffam) getting away fourth.  Heading to the five-eighths marker The Big Aristotle (22-1, Chris Long) came first over to challenge with the Circling The Prey grabbing that cover second over into a swifter 1:32.3 third panel.

Around the final turn the pacesetting Echos Sharkie gained some separation as the favorite swung three-wide around fading cover.  Through the stretch no one could catch the 6-year-old son of Shadyshark Hanover, who scored in 2:02.1, well in-hand.

Driven by Aaron Hall for owner / trainer Jamie Gerard, it was his tenth win of the season and sixth victory in his last ten starts.  He returned $6.60 as the public’s second choice.

Circling The Prey got up for second; Never Say Never N was third.

Hall and Gerard teamed up again to take another $8,500 leg of the Dancer series with Quan Blue Chip in 2:01.1.  This time the 9-year-old son of Sunshine Beach left from pylon position and got away fourth amid a blistering :28.2 opening panel set by the headstrong 1-2 favorite Jones Hanover (Switzer).

Reys N A Ruckus (12-1, Chris Long) pulled going to the quarter pole which gave Quan Blue Chip and Hall live cover through the :59.2 half, and then tipped three-wide down the backside to swoop the front runners and score by two open lengths.

Trained by Jamie Gerard who co-owns with Hunter Lofthus, it was his seventh seasonal victory, returning $15.00.

Mr Fantasy (6-1, Andy Harrington) finished second; Jones Hanover hung on for third.

The third $8,500 leg of the Dasher series went to General Ward in 2:01.2.  Driven by Chris Long for trainer James Dunn and owner Diane Dunn, the 8-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere paid $9.00.

Two $8,500 legs of the Blitzen Pop-Up Series went to Rau Ru (2:00.2, $3.40) and Hespoisedtopounce A (2:02, $2.80).

Driver Aaron Hall enjoyed a four bagger, while Switzer Jr., Long and McGwire Sowers each picked up a pair.

Racing continues on Monday (Dec. 15) at First Tracks Cumberland with which is a rescheduled card from last Friday (Dec. 12). Post time for the first race is 10:55 am.

Cumberland Raceway’s final 3-day weekend of racing starts on Friday (Dec. 19), features the Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies on Saturday (Dec. 20), and concludes the Winter Festival on Sunday (Dec. 21).  Post time remains 10:55 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 14, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $7,500 divisions of the Prancer Pop-up Series went postward at Cumberland on Saturday (Dec. 13) with Jax Spratt grabbing his second leg in as many weeks. 

Sent off as the 1-5 favorite, Jax Spratt proceeded to scat away from the starting car, putting the rest of the field in behind him from post four.  As the 5-year-old son of Devious Man led the field into a :30 opening panel, Kevin Switzer Jr. was tracking along in the pocket with Sunny’s Rebel.

Dropping the tempo substantially, the half was in a pedestrian 1:02.4, which was enough of a breather to ensure that no one could get to the public choice.  After an early miscue Gemstone Pillar (Mike Stevenson) flushed the cover of Little Macabee (McGwire Sowers) as the field entered the backstretch the second time.

With a third panel in 1:33.3, and Little Macabee breathing down his neck, driver Aaron Hall exited the last turn and asked his charge for more trot.  Jax Spratt responded with a :29.4 closing kick to put away any would-be upsetters by 1-1/2 lengths in a well-rated 2:03.2.

Also trained by Aaron Hall for owner Bill Phipps, it was his tenth win of the season and 29^th overall.  His seasonal earnings have increased to $39,650, and he returned $2.60.

Sunny’s Rebel finished second by a whisker; Little Macabee was a late charging third.

It was an ownership double in the second $7,500 Prancer division as the 3-year-old Devious Lad came from off the pace to win against older horses in 2:03.3.

Smartly driven by Nick Graffam for trainer Mike Cushing and owners Bill Phipps and Janice Conner, it was the sophomore trotter’s fifth lifetime victory.  The son of Devious Man paid a whopping $50.60.  Motto (Sowers) finished second; Fomor (Andy Harrington) was third.

The third $7,500 Prancer leg was captured by J S Peyton (Nick Graffam) in 2:03.1, returining $5.00.

Four $5,000 legs of the Cupid Pop-Up Series were also on the Saturday card, and were captured by: Terror Hall (2:02.1, $3.20), Bettor N Joy (2:01.4, $10.60), Maching Time (2:01.4, $4.20) and Cutter Loose (2:02.1, $2.80).

Racing continues on Sunday (Dec. 14) at First Tracks Cumberland with five $8,500 divisions of the Blitzen and Dasher Pop-up series for pacers filling the twelve race card.

The Pick 5 starts with the third race; our Pick 4 highlights the ninth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the finale—all with low 16% takeouts.

Post time for the first race is 10:55 am.

In addition, the card originally scheduled for Friday (Dec. 12) will race in its entirety with the same race numbers, post positions and horses on Monday (Dec. 15).

Cumberland Raceway will continue with three days of harness racing each week (Fri-Sat-Sun) through Dec. 21, 2025.  Post time remains 10:55 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 12, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Trotters take center stage at Cumberland on Saturday (Dec. 13) with three $7,500 divisions of the Prancer Pop-up Series’ second leg of action.

Last week’s swiftest victor, Jax Spratt, who scampered home an easy winner in his division, draws the luck four hole in the opener.  Trained and driven by Aaron Hall, the 5-year-old son Devious Man has been made the 2-1 second choice on the morning line. 

While Jax Spratt sports nine wins in 26 seasonal outings, he should get a good trip behind front-end-loving Sunny’s Rebel (9-5), who also has nine wins in 37 tries.  He leaves from pylon position with Kevin Switzer Jr. in the bike for trainer Benson Merrill.

Post time for the first race is 10:55 am.

The other two divisions, races five and seven, are led by Valyrian Steel (9-5, Switzer Jr.) and Foxy Trottin Stick (5-2, Switzer Jr.), respectively.

The Pick 5 starts with the third race; our Pick 4 highlights the sixth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the finale—all with low 16% takeouts.

Racing continues on Sunday (Dec. 14) at First Tracks Cumberland with five $8,500 divisions of the Blitzen and Dasher Pop-up series for pacers filling the twelve race card.

In addition, the card originally scheduled for Friday (Dec. 12) will race in its entirety with the same race numbers, post positions and horses on Monday (Dec. 15).

Cumberland Raceway will continue with three days of harness racing each week (Fri-Sat-Sun) through Dec. 21, 2025.  Post time remains 10:55 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

Thursday, December 11, 2025 — by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

Cumberland, ME — First Tracks Cumberland management has announced that the Winter meet’s 13^th racing date scheduled for Friday (Dec. 12) has been postponed until Monday (Dec. 15).  Post time remains 10:55 a.m., with the same program, race sequence and post positions originally slated for Friday to be held in its entirety on Monday.

The Saturday (Dec. 13) and Sunday (Dec. 14) programs remain unchanged at this time.

As always, timely updates can be found on the tracks website: firsttrackscumberland.com and on social media.

December 9, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Local trotter Jax Spratt got back into the winners circle at Cumberalnd Raceway on Monday (Dec. 8) taking his $6,500 co-featured division of the Prancer Pop-Up Series.

On the race card that was originally scheduled for Saturday (Dec. 6), and held in it’s entirety two days later, the 5-year-old son of Devious Man made every call a winning one for driver-trainer Aaron Hall.  Completing the circuit in 2:02.3, it was his ninth win of season and 28^th of his career.

Owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, he returned $4.60.  Matt So Sure (Nick Graffam) finished second; Lindy On Stage (Wally Watson) was third.

In the other $6,500 division of the Prancer it was J S Peyton who also enjoyed the wire-to-wire route to victory, scoring in 2:03.1 for driver Nick Graffam and trainer Benson Merrill.  The 10-year-old veteran by Swan For All is owned by the triumvirate of Bill Tracy, Marty Kiernan and Thelma Kiernan.  He paid $3.80 for his seventh seasonal triumph and 50^th career win.

Ghetto Boy (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Devious Lad (Mike Cushing) was third.

Drivers Nick Graffam, Aaron Hall and Mike Stevenson all picked up driving doubles on the 9-race program. 

Racing resumes on Friday (Dec. 12) as Cumberland Raceway has transitioned to three days of harness racing (Fri-Sat-Sun).  The Au Revoir Retirement ceremonies are slated for Saturday, Dec. 20. 

The 18-day meet runs until Dec. 21, 2025.  Post time is always 10:55 am. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 8, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – A host of Winter Pop-Up series were in full swing on Sunday (Dec. 7) with all of the holiday-themed events enjoying robust participation at Cumberland Raceway, complete with tight finishes and handsome payouts.

Perhaps the most exciting race of the day was the first $7,500 leg of the ‘Dasher’ series which witnessed a three-way battle between eventual winner Echos Sharkie (post 5, Aaron Hall) who bested Ahoy Hanover (4, James Douchette) and Dark As Night (1, Nick Graffam) by a short head.

Jamie Gerard owns and trains the 6-year-old son of Shadyshark Hanover who completed the circuit while parked the last half in 1:58.3.  He returned $6.40 to his backers.

The second $7,500 Dasher split went to Mornin Captain (13-1, Mike Stevenson) who won by a nose over Circling The Pray (16-1, Nick Graffam), with the pair bringing home a $157.80 exacta.  The winner paid $29.80 for the mile in 1:58.1.

The co-featured $8,000 ‘Blitzen’ events were captured by Rau Rau (1:57.4, $3.80) and Sheriff N (1:58, $3.60).  Both were driven by Chris Long for trainer Zach Vickerson.

There were also five $5,000 divisions of the Comet series, with this week’s winners listed as: Fern Hill Flight (1:59.2, $2.80); Tobins Burke (1:58.1, $3.20); Justa Little Bit A (1:57.4, $2.20); Press Time (1:59.1, $13.20) and Fall In Line (1:59.1, $4.40). The second legs go next week for $6,000.

In other news, Benson Merrill drove General Ward to a wire-to-wire victory in the $4,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club event, scoring in 1:59.4.  Trained by Jim Dunn, the 8-year-old son Somebeachsomewhere kept the 1/5 favorite Premier Joy A (Todd Whitney) at bay to grab his fifth win of the season.  He returned $7.00 and is owned by Diane Dunn.

Driver Chris Long had four wins on the program and McGwire Sowers picked up a pair of victories.

Racing resumes on Monday for a special re-scheduled card, which was postponed from last Saturday (Dec. 6).  The same races, horses and post positions will compete as originally drawn.

Cumberland Raceway has transitioned to three days of harness racing (Fri-Sat-Sun) which continues December 12.  The Au Revoir Retirement ceremonies are slated for Saturday, Dec. 20. 

The 18-day meet runs until Dec. 21, 2025.  Post time is always 10:55 am. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 2, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – For the fifth season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 20.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or have retired within the last four years, and have Maine connections. 

Ten retirees have already been entered, and those horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with photograph in the program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate.  This shall serve as the tracks ‘last call’ for entries.  Trainers or owners must ‘declare’ their horse by Dec. 3.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

First Tracks Cumberland has transitioned to a three-day weekend of racing, adding the Friday (Dec. 5) card, which compliments the Saturday (Dec. 6) and Sunday (Dec. 7) programs.  First post: 10:55 am.

Draw dates will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday respectively, with the box closing at 12 noon each day.

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each weekend through December 21, 2024. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 1, 2025 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Conditioner Zach Vickerson had three horses racing on Sunday (Nov. 30) at First Tracks Cumberland, and won with all three.

In the 3^rd race $5,000 featured pace, top teamster Kevin Switzer Jr. sent heavy 1-9 favorite Rock Candy out to an early lead, but so did McGwire Sowers with the 6-1 Vel Mr Nice Guy.  Switzer Jr. re-took just past the :28.4 opening panel, and never looked back. 

Guiding the field through a softer 1:00 mid-way point, the first to move from the rim was Spicey P (18-1, Steve Wilson) who advanced all the way to second while first over at the 1:28.3 third station.

Under a hand drive, Rock Candy exploded at the head of the stretch to gain the advantage over a fast-closing Vel Mr Nice Guy.  The pacesetter prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.  Also owned by his trainer Zach Vickerson, the 9-year-old son of Pet Rock returned $2.20.

Time For George (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

Vickerson and Switzer Jr. also teamed up for the swiftest race of the day when Rau Rau held off a late charge by Instant Replay (2-1, Shawn Thayer) to complete the wire-to-wire circuit in 1:57.  Vickerson owns the 7-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, who paid $3.00 in the 6^th race, winning the $4,800 conditioned pace by a head.

The Vickerson and Switzer Jr. duo came back in the 11^th race, $4,600 pace to fashion a third gate-to-wire rout, scoring with Sheriff N in 2:01.  Once again, owned by Vickerson, the 11-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight was the heavy 1-9 favorite and returned $2.20 for his measured-length triumph.

In other news, James Doucette captured the $4,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club event with his own Ahoy Hanover.  Trained by Autym Sowers, the 4-year-old son Captaintreacherous was parked the last half and wore down the 4/5 favorite Never Say Never N (Todd Whitney) who cut the fractions.  Tripping the timer in 1:58.3, it was the second victory of the season for the 25-year-old Doucette, who returned $4.60.

Leading reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. added to his monstrous lead in the drivers standings, steering a total of five winners on the 13-race program.  Switzer Jr. now has 104 wins this year at Cumberland, double that of his nearest competitor McGwire Sowers who has 52.  Aaron Hall and Steve Wilson each grabbed a pair while Dave Ingraham got to within one win of his 8,000 victory threshold.

Horsemen are reminded to check the new condition sheet and our website for a host of exciting Winter Pop-Up Series for the month of December.  Boasting up to $179,000 in purses, the races have increased prizes, as well as consolations and finals, for the six different events available.

Racing continues on Sunday (Nov. 30) at First Tracks Cumberland with a 13-race card. 

The Pick 5 starts with the third race; our Pick 4 highlights the tenth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the finale—all with low 16% takeouts.

Cumberland Raceway will transition to three days of harness racing next week (Fri-Sat-Sun) beginning December 5.  The Au Revoir Retirement ceremonies are slated for Saturday, Dec. 20.  Entries close Wednesday (Dec. 3).

The 18-day meet runs until Dec. 21, 2025.  Post time remains 10:55 am. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.