July 19, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – When the Pine Tree State-bred freshmen pacing fillies arrived at Cumberland on Saturday (July 18) 13-race card for two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for distaff sidesteppers, fans may not have known that they were watching the formative starts of the state’s next Standardbred stars.  But that changed quickly when the first division hit the racetrack.

Carded as race nine, the $15,158 first division of 2-year-old pacing fillies sprang from the gate with No Small Wonder (4-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) sprinting out for an early lead in a snappy :29 opening panel.  From that point the daughter of State Treasurer set a softer half in 1:01.2 with no outer flow threatening her dominance.

Down the backstretch Feel The Fury (4-1, Aaron Hall) tipped first over from third and got to within a length of the pacesetter into a 1:31.1 third stanza.  Bettor’s Treasure (3-2, McGwire Sowers), who had the pocket for most of the mile was now third and slingshot off the turn with the leaders.

Switzer Jr. gave his filly her head as they rolled down the lane to score by two lengths in 2:00.2, a new lifetime best and just seven ticks off the track record.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was the second consecutive victory for No Small Wonder.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, she returned $3.60.

Feel The Fury finished second; Bettor’s Treasure was third.

The second $14,983 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies was captured by Wine For The Lady in 2:04.1.

Heath Campbell cut the mile with Siri, but driver Aaron Hall took advantage of the modest fractions to come from off the pace and pass several horses in the lane to win with Wine For The Lady by two lengths.  She returned $4.00.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of State Treasurer picked up her first lifetime victory, and a new time badge.

Siri finished second; Bad Bunny T (5-1, Switzer Jr.) was third.

Dave Ingraham steered Married Man (1:54.3, $3.80) to an easy wire-to-wire victory in the overnight featured $5,800 NW3500 pace for trainer Bob Martson and owner Bob Kluchevitz.

Aaron Hall led all drivers on the program with five trips to the winners circle.

Racing resumes next week when First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

July 18, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Heavy favorite Party At Seven made quick work of the $6,400 featured overnight race on Friday’s (July 17) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, along with two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters anointing two fresh-faced winners.

When the wings folded for the seventh race NW5000 Trot, Party At Seven (4-5, Nick Graffam) ducked in the two hole as TCS Brenda (9-2, Dave Ingraham) blasted out for an early lead.  Less than two furlongs had elapsed when Graffam tipped the public’s choice out to take command into a :28.3 opening panel.

Under single file alignment the field breezed past the half in :58.3 with Party At Seven leading the charge, TCS Brenda in a loose pocket second, and Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) trotting in third.  With Party At Seven on top by three heading down the backstretch the final time, Harrington pulls the right line on Brutalizer to improve his position.  They hit the third station in 1:27.4 and round the turn for home with Brutalizer still parked, but now second.

Party At Seven had all but decided the race at the head of the stretch while on top by four, and looking for more.  However, the battle was still raging on for second with TCS Brenda on the inside and fighting back against the ongoing attack of Brutalizer.  At the finish line Party At Seven tripped the timer in 1:57.2, just one tick off the track record for an aged gelding trotter.

Trained by Michelle Lefebvre for owner Ralph Silvestri, the 6-year-old son of Chapter Seven returned $2.80 for the 6-1/2 length triumph.  He was bred by Spring Haven Farm and now has 12 wins lifetime, with six coming this season, while increasing his lifetime earnings to $118,880.

TCS Brenda tussled back to retake second; Brutalizer was third.

Young trotters making their debut in the Maine Sire Stakes were also on the program, with the first $14,000 division slated as an early non-wagering race.  That 2-year-old filly trot was captured by Princess Caledonia in 2:09.4.  The daughter of To The Hilt is trained, driven and co-owned by Gary Hall with partners James Kelley Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall.  She was bred in Maine by Anita Anastosopolous. 

Mikella Bella (Heath Campbell) finished second; Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) was third.

The second $15,210 division for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings belonged to U Know I Know and Kenneth Watson who steered the son of Whataworkout to a two length victory in 2:07.3.  Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, he returned $8.00 for trainer Lisa Watson.

Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) was parked the entire first half and finished second; Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) was third.

For all of these youngsters, it was their first lifetime purse starts.

Nick Graffam led all drivers on the program with three trips to the winners circle.

We were pleased to partner with Harness Elite, as their Track of the Day.  Continue to follow Harness Elite at: https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day

Racing continues on Saturday (July 18) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule.  Next week, First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

July 16, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Leading conditioner Michelle Lefebvre sends Party At Seven into the $6,400 featured overnight race on Friday’s (July 17) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, looking for his second consecutive victory.  The full program also carries two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters.

On July 10 Party At Seven won his first start over the iconic Southern Maine oval, scoring in 1:58.4.  Previously the 6-year-old son of Chapter Seven had been racing at Monticello for owner Ralph Silvestri.  Now in the Lefebvre barn for his third start, and leaving from pylon position, the winner of $115,680 lifetime has been installed as the 9-5 early morning line favorite in race seven.

Also looking for another trip to the winners circle is TCS Brenda, who won her last start in wire-to-wire fashion from post eight.  Listed at 2-1 from post three and getting the return services of Dave Ingraham, the 5-year-old daughter of Triumphant Caviar has been in the Eric Bickmore stable since mid-June.

Certainly local favorites Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) and Jax Spratt (5-1, Aaron Hall) should never be discounted and round out the top contenders.

However, some horses need a start or two to see what they are really made of.  That’s where this next group of horses align.  The Pine Tree State-bred 2-year-old trotters are in town and will be making their first purse starts. Many had taken advantage of the baby races held at Cumberland over the month, with several who had taken qualifying marks in those preliminary events.

The first $14,000 division is an early non-wagering race (12:00 pm) with three 2-year-old trotting fillies getting their first taste of stakes competition.  Dave Ingraham drives a Cantab Fashion filly, with Gary Hall and Heath Campbell each steering a daughter of To The Hilt.

The second $15,210 division for 2-year-old trotting colts and gelding features a full field of six and is slated as race nine.  Several of the youngsters are related to former Maine stars, including: 3-1 co-favorite Pembroke Zagursky (PP 2, Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin), a full brother to Pembroke Breeze 4,1:58h ($211,975); Pembroke Savannah (PP 4, Dave Ingraham-Valerie Grondin), a full brother to Pembroke Lady 3,2:04.2h ($111,761); and Come On Charlie (PP5, Mark Athearn-Gretchen Athern), the first foal from a half-sister to Likeabatoutahell 1:51.3 ($1,035,643).

We are pleased to partner with Harness Elite, a new and exciting team of professional horseplayers, data analysts and influential members of the harness racing community that provide bettors with advanced tools and handicapping, as well as promote the sport through their platform.  For more information about their Track of the Day for Friday (July 17), go to:

https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day/dszghsoy11wnldxfpergk4aq40mpfr-5dha3

Continue to follow Harness Elite’s Track of the Day at:

https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day

Racing continues on Saturday (July 18) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule.  Next week, First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

July 12, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. won nearly half the races on the 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (July 11), including the co-features.

With the Maine Amateur Driving Club Race in the opener (Todd Whitney), Switzer got things going as early as he could—in the second race.

In the late half of the early double Switzer put Rau Ru on the front end in the $4,600 Claiming Pace (6,000 tag) and never looked back.  Winning by 5-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2, it was the swiftest race of the day for owner-trainer Zach Vickerson.  They returned $2.20.

Switzer Jr. came right back in the third with Coach Cutsinger (1:57.2, $3.20) for trainer Randy Bickmore which paid $3.20.  Then the black and blue-clad teamster won the co-featured $5,200 NW2550 with Rock Candy in 1:56.4.  Also owned and trained by Vickerson, he returned $2.40.

In the eighth race Switzer Jr. finished second and was placed first with Quatrain Blue Chip, returning $2.80.

Familiar face Sheriff N took charge in the eleventh and enjoyed a pillar to post rout in 1:56.4.  Also owned and trained by Zach Vickerson, he paid $3.80 with Switzer Jr aboard.

Finally, Switzer Jr. closed out his six win afternoon with an off the pace score behind Mallard.  Getting up under the shadow of the wire in 1:59, the Bob Marston-trained steed paid a whopping $24.40.

Driver Nick Graffam enjoyed a hat trick on the program, and veteran driver-trainer John Nason won a pair with his own Ridgecrest Dan (1:57.4, $5.00) and Cheri’s Choice (1:58.1, $3.80).

Kevin Switzer Jr. continues his reign atop the leader board with 74 seasonal victories at First Tracks Cumberland.  Nick Graffam (58) and Aaron Hall (49) round out the top three.

Michelle Lefebvre has 49 training wins for current conditioner honors, followed by Bob Marston who has 36.

Racing resumes on Friday (July 17) in concert with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:https://firsttrackscumberland.com/racing-info/

July 11, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – With their seasonal hopes on the line, the Maine faithful sent this year’s group of freshmen sidesteppers out onto the Cumberland Raceway on Friday (July 10) for three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

With nothing but a qualifying race or two under their belts the fresh-faced youngsters provided some thrills, and some anxious moments, for the Downeast crowd at the iconic Southern oval.

Despite being rough gaited as the wings folded Agent James Bond (9-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) rolled on aggressively and then inherited the point when the favorite Dudeisadelight (4-5, Ron Cushing) made a speed break down the backstretch as the first division headed toward their very first pari-mutuel :30 opening panel.

Agent James Bond led the single file pack to a 1:00.4 half-mile marker with Dudeisadelight back on-stride tracking along in the pocket and Survive The Ride (6-1, Aaron Hall) poised in third.  At the paddock draw gate Painter’s Treasure (13-1, Andy Harrington) tipped from fifth and nine lengths in arrears to start the outer flow.  They reached the third stanza in 1:30.4 with Survive The Ride providing Painter’s Treasure with second over cover as they rounded the turn for home.

Harrington tipped Painter’s Treasure three-wide for the stretch drive and reeled in his combatants to prevail by a neck in 2:02.1 for trainer Sara Harrington.

Owned and bred by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, the son State Treasurer is a half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).  He paid a whopping $28.60 to win the first race of his career.

Agent James Bond finished second; Dudeisadelight was third.

The second $14,000 division was a gate-to-wire romp by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr.

Setting strategic early fractions of :29.1 and 1:01.1, the son of Dude’s The Man was able to gain separation after a 1:30.4 third panel and win by 6-3/4 lengths in 2:00.2, the swiftest division of the 81 degree afternoon.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, the 2-1 second choice returned $6.00 while posting a :29.3 final quarter.  Harriman (9-1, Nick Graffam), a half-brother to Cousin Margie p,3,1:54h ($126,532) finished second; favorite Rustysonlytreasure (8-5, Aaron Hall) was third.

In the third and final $14,000 division of the Maine Sire Stakes it was another wire-to-wire triumph for Top Notch Treasure who completed the circuit in 2:02.2.

Driver Mike Stevenson set comfortable fractions of :30.4, 1:03, and 1:32.4 before drawing off to win by six lengths as the 3-5 favorite.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, Top Notch Treasure is a State Treasurer half-brother to This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).  He was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $3.20.

Justcallmebuddy (8-5, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960) finished second; Two Bolts (16-1, Mike Cushing) was third.

Driver Nick Graffam led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race program, including a victory in the overnight featured $6,400 NW5000 Trot with Party At Seven (1:58.4, $12.80).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

July 9, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Chris Tully photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings bolster Friday’s (July 10) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, with the freshmen sidesteppers all making their first pari-mutuel starts.

The first division is slated as race three and features several full- or half-brothers to previous Maine Sire Stakes stars.  Many had taken advantage of the baby races held at Cumberland over the last several weeks, with several who had taken qualifying marks in those preliminary events.

The co-favorite from post two is part of a tandem from the Tardif Taskforce is Survive The Ride (3-1, Aaron Hall) who is a Deuce Seelster full brother to Mrs Foxy Roxy p,4,1:57h ($111,990).  Scoring from pylon position is Dudeisadelight (7-2, Ron Cushing) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Hesjustadelight p,4,1:52.4f ($221,169).  In addition, Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps sends Painter’s Treasure (5-1, Andy Harrington) into the mix, who is a State Treasurer half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).

The second $14,000 division is led by Rustysonlytreasure (5-1, Aaron Hall) who is the first foal from the successful racemare Rusty’s Treasure p,4,1:55.3f ($192,258).  Tardif also sends One Last Deal (9-2, Andy Harrington) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Deal With It Roman p,1:55.1h ($214,082), who he also owns and bred.  M&L Of Delaware, who had an ownership interest in Dude’s The Man while he raced, bred Duderrific (7-2, Heath Campbell), a half-brother to Manador p,2,1:54.4.f ($102,155).

The third and final division of the Maine Sire Stakes features Justcallmebuddy (5-1, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to 4 in 1:55 or faster and the winners of nearly a million dollars, including Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960).  Tardif sends out They Call Me Jaws (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), a Thirty Two Red half-brother to Whisper Of Luck p,4,1:57.2h ($100,662).  Rounding out the top three is Top Notch Treasure (7-1, Mike Stevenson) who is a State Treasurer half-brother to  This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

July 5, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Sophomore trotting filly Hayden put her name in the record books on the country’s 250^th birthday, equaling the track record in her division on Saturday (July 4) at Cumberland Raceway.

In the $14,000 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old distaff trotters the daughter of Cantab Fashion wasted little time taking command with trainer-driver Gary Hall sending the 2/5 favorite out for an early lead.   With 9-5 second choice Pembroke Lady (Heath Campbell) tipping out and challenging the leader going to the :30 second first panel, the bold move lasted a only few strides before ducking back in the two hole. 

Hall let out a notch on Hayden after heading into the softer 1:01.2 midway point, prompting Mike Cushing to pull Our Last Quote and begin the outer flow.  That challenge was relatively short-lived as that 6-1 third choice ducked back into the gap left open by a stalling Pembroke Lady as the field passed the third station in 1:31.1.

Around the turn and down the stretch Hayden and Hall continued to put distance between themselves and their pursuers, drawing off by 4-1/2 lengths to score in a track record equaling 2:01.1.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the second seasonal victory for Hayden, along with a new time badge.  She returned $2.80 for the fourth win of her career.

Our Last Quote finished second; Race Me Boomer was third.

In the other $14,783 Maine Sire Stakes division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, last week’s victor Wilder N Idy continued to show his racing prowess.  Cutting early fractions of :30 and 1:01.4 the son of To The Hilt showed no signs of slowing down.

As is par for the course, Athearn gave his colt a second-quarter breather and then tapped the accelerator and brushed through a 1:31 third panel.  Down the stretch, the duo continued to gain separation and sprinted home a 4-3/4 length winner in 2:00.2, a new lifetime mark.

Wilder and Ivy is trained by Gretchen Athearn and owned by Patricia Leavitt.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he now has $122,322 in lifetime earnings.

The early, non-wagering race was the second seasonal outing, and victory, for Wilder N Idy.  Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) finished second; Trottinfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Racing resumes on Friday (July 10) and will continue with a Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

June 29, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Leading driver Kevin Switzer Jr. padded his lead in the drivers standings with a seven dash-win day at Cumberland Raceway on Sunday (June 28), scoring in all but four races on the program.

Switzer Jr. started his reign of supremacy in the second race where he went wire-to-wire with Rau Rau (1:56.1, $3.80) for trainer Zach Vickerson.  In the third he went three-wide down the backside to swoop the leaders in the stretch and prevail with Beyond The Past (1:56.4) and return a whopping $29.20 on a two-dollar win ticket.  The 7-year-old son of JK Endofanera is trained by Bob Marston.

He came right back in the fourth with Marston’s Circling The Prey (1:55.4, $4.20) who is owned by Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) president Joe Burke.  All three horses took new seasonal marks in the process.

Switzer Jr. got a break in the fifth while Todd Whitney won his umpteenth MADC event with a horse trained by Michelle Lefebvre.  This week it was Gotafoolishdesire who prevailed in 1:56, returning $2.80.

In the sixth race $5,800 feature it was another wire-to-wire score for blue and black adorned teamster, who scored with Ali in 1:55.2.  Owned and trained by Chris DuBois, the 11-year-old son of Dali paid $5.20.

In the seventh and eighth races Switzer Jr. finished third on both occasions.

After which Switzer Jr. won the final three races on the program.  Former Maine Sire Stakes star Dawn To Dark went from pillar to post in 1:56.3, obtaining a new time badge for owner-trainer Marc Tardif in race nine.  The heavy 1-9 favorite and 4-year-old son of Deuce Seelster returned just $2.10.

In the tenth Switzer Jr. sat a pocket trip with Jet Wills and tipped down the backstretch to grab the win in 1:58.2 for another Bob Marston pupil.  They paid $3.00.

In the 11^th race finale Switzer Jr. found himself right where he likes to be–on the front end with the favorite.  Leaving swiftly from post five the Sheriff N made every call a winning one, tripping the timer in 1:57 for trainer Zach Vickerson, returning $2.60.

When the dust settled from the hot afternoon harness racing Kevin Switzer Jr. had increased his place atop the leaderboard with 61 seasonal victories at First Tracks Cumberland.  Tied for second with 48 apiece are both Nick Graffam and Aaron Hall.

With a little over a month to go in the Spring-Summer meet Michelle Lefebvre leads all conditioners with 42 wins.  Bob Marson sits second with 35 wins and Chris DuBois (20), Sara Harrington and Autym Sowers (19) round out the top five trainers.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 4), as there will be no racing on Friday, July 3, a federal holiday.  After this weekend First Tracks Cumberland reverts back to a Friday-Saturday schedule, with the exception of the three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

June 28, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Real Horrorshow was able to get back into the win column with a victory at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (June 27) after surviving a thrilling, stretch-long battle with Rebel’s Revenge in the second leg of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Last season’s Pine Tree State-bred freshmen champion Real Horrorshow had never tasted defeat until last week when Rebel’s Revenge sat a pocket trip and stormed down the lane to catch the colt with the previously unblemished record in his first start of the year.

Fast forward a week and the script was the same in the $15,434 Maine Sire Stakes event where Real Horrorshow was, once again, bet down to the heavy favorite at 1-5.  Regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. sent him right out from the start, blazing to an early lead.  Second choice and last week’s victor Rebel’s Revenge (9-5, Aaron Hall) ducked into the pocket and proceeded to give chase through a :29.1 opening panel and a softer 1:00 half.

Rebel’s Revenge was headstrong in the garden spot while heading down the backside the final time, with the pacesetter hitting the third panel in 1:29.2 and looking to gain some separation.  Off the turn Hall tipped Rebel’s Revenge and began to apply steady pressure on the leader.  Gaining ground with every stride the pair were locked in another furious clash down the stretch, with Rebel’s Revenge advancing within a neck of Real Horrorshow.

For the respective connections, the race was a real nail biter–right down to the wire, but ultimately the day belonged to Real Horrowshow who showed the necessary grit and fought back to retain the lead and split the beam in 1:58.2, a new lifetime best.

Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer, who also co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man returned $2.40 for his first win of the season.  He was bred by Luke and Patricia Varnum, and now has $110,664 in lifetime earnings.

Dude’s The Jet (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

In the other $15,659 division the early morning line favorite Daytoremember (9-5, Heath Campbell) rolled out aggressively to take command from post six.  From that point the son of Dude’s The Man set comfortable fractions of :29.2 and 1:00 to the mid-station. 

Down the backside and heading to the third stanza Itsjustmoney (5-1, Switzer Jr.) maintained a tight pocket as the favorite hit that marker in 1:29.3.  Around the turn the aggressor tipped and began to gain ground on the leader.  As they turned for home the pair were neck and neck with the momentum favoring the outside swinging Itsjustmoney who had a full head of steam.

With nothing but racetrack in front of him Itsjustmoney overpowered Daytoremember to break his maiden and score by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:58.4.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif the son of Thirty Two Red got his first win in 12 lifetime starts.  Bred by Bobbi Jean Carney, he returned $13.20.

Deuces Red (Mike Stevenson) got up for third.

Driver Aaron Hall started his day with a score aboard Maggie At Bat (1:57.3, $11.40), which was his 1,000^th career victory.  Hall won two more on the afternoon program with Zoes Precious RN (2:00, $19.00) and Head Of The Table (1:59.1, $12.60).  Kevin Switzer Jr. also enjoyed three wins on the program.

Racing resumes on Sunday (June 28) with another 11-race card featuring a $5,800 NW3500 Pace pitting early mild favorite Ali (3-1, Switzer Jr.) against last week’s victor Instant Replay (4-1, Hall).

This is First Tracks Cumberland’s final June weekend of Saturday-Sunday cards. During July the schedule reverts back to Friday-Saturday, with the exception of the three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  In addition, there will be no racing Friday, July 3, a federal holiday.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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

Racing Info

June 26, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings highlight the Saturday (June 27) card at Cumberland Raceway with the formerly unbeaten Real Horrorshow looking to avenge his only lifetime loss.

Last week’s 1-9 favorite and freshmen champion, Real Horrorshow, got caught at the wire by Rebel’s Revenge in 1:58.4 at Bangor.  Matched up again in the $15,434 first division of sophomore colts, also known as the ‘glamour boys’ group, the pair square off in race seven with the Marc Tardif’s Rebel’s Revenge listed as the 9-5 co-favorite from post two with Aaron Hall.  The senior Kevin Switzer co-owns and trains Real Horrorshow (9-5, post six) who gets the services of Kevin Switzer Jr. in the bike.

What happens when the gate closes is anyone’s guess, but the wagering public may be willing to give Real Horrorshow a mulligan for last week’s loss and bet him down to the heavy favorite, once again.  Despite being saddled with an outside post, the son of Dude’s The Man has shown that he can get off the car in a hurry and position himself where he likes to be—on the front end.

In addition, Rebel’s Revenge may have been a little tighter, having had two additional starts under his belt prior to the opening round of the Maine Sire Stakes.  Alas, it will be a long season and it will be interesting to see how these two match up in the weeks and months to follow.

Dude’s The Jet (3-1, Dave Ingraham) also hails from the Tardif Taskforce, was third against this group last time out, and rounds out the top three in the first split.

In the other $15,659 division the early morning line favorite is Daytoremember (9-5, Heath Campbell, post six).  The Valerie Grondin-trained, owned and bred son of Dude’s The Man won last week’s second division and looks to repeat against a similar cast of characters. 

Marc Tardif sends three into this mix, including second choice Itsjustmoney (3-1, Switzer Jr.) whose ‘off the pace’ style may suit him well from post five.  Ghost Of Winter (7-2, Hall) and Nuh Uh (12-1, Andy Harrington) round out the Tardif troika.

Looking ahead to the following race date, the Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore trotters sees two $14,000-plus divisions going postward on Sunday (June 21). 

This is First Tracks Cumberland’s final June weekend of Saturday-Sunday cards. During July the schedule reverts back to Friday-Saturday, with the exception of the three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  In addition, there will be no racing Friday, July 3, a federal holiday.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

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