March 22, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)
CUMBERLAND, ME – Sunny skies and warmer temperatures brought out a nice crowd for opening day at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (March 21), with several regulars picking up where they left off, along with some new faces also grabbing the spotlight, however, the brightest star of the day was driver Dave Ingraham who secured his 8,000th career victory.
It only took three tries for the 64-year-old veteran Ingraham to find the Cumberland winner’s circle, moving second over with seasoned trotter Little Macabee in the sixth to score comfortably by a 1-1/4 lengths in 2:02.4 for trainer Eric Bickmore.
Given the nickname ‘Double-Digit Dave’ by track announcer and simulcast specialist Gabe Prewitt during his most recent Pompano Park days, Ingraham lived up to his moniker. While steering the 12-year-old son of Chapter Seven to his 45th lifetime win, they returned $29.80.
In the winner’s circle Ingraham was surrounded by family and friends. With wide smiles his wife Kelly Case and daughter Kelsie proudly held up the bright blue and orange banner exclaiming the milestone victory, while his colleagues cheered for the photo op.
Driving harness horses since 1980, the 64-year-old had 72 wins last year with earnings of $607,509. Over his 46-year career he has driven the winners of $32.8 million and enjoyed a dozen seasons with a million or more in earnings. His statistically best year was 1995 where the Maine-native won 403 races and $2.7 million in purses.
Speaking of veterans, driver Mike Stevenson got the day started winning the daily double with Rose Run Yakim (2:04.2, $23.60) and Mulligan Philly (2:02.4, $14.20).
Last year’s leading pilot, Kevin Switzer Jr., got down to business shortly thereafter winning the next two races and the $7,000 featured trot with Big Al M in 2:00.4. The 8-year-old son of Anders Bluestone picked up his 33rd career victory, returning $5.00. Owned and trained by Zach Vickerson, he won 10 races in 2025.
Brutalizer (Andy Harrington) finished second; Smooth Landing (Wally Watson) was third.
Aaron Hall also copped a hat trick on the afternoon card, scoring with Twin B High Tech (2:02, $6.20); Zoes Precious Rn (2:04.1; $8.20); and Commander Cathy N (2:01.1, $6.80).
Harness racing has been held at the iconic Cumberland fairgrounds for over 150 years, and this year marks the sixth consecutive season that ‘First Tracks’ has welcomed the first live racing of the year back to Maine.
The 12-race card originally scheduled for Sunday (March 22) has been postponed until Monday (March 23) due to a winter storm expected to hit the entire region.
The exotic wagering menu remains fruitful with the 50-cent Pick-5 added to the opener. The Pick-4 starts with the last four races on the program (races 9-12) and Pick-3 begins in the tenth race. All boast a low 16% takeout. In addition, the 20-cent Superfecta is available in races four, six and eight, along with a Pentafecta in races five and the finale.
First Tracks Cumberland’s Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring season with regular racing on Saturday and Sunday each weekend through the month of April. During the month of May the track transitions to a Friday-Saturday schedule for those five weeks, after which the calendar reverts back to Saturday-Sunday for the month of June.
First post is slated for 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:
