April 14, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Warrawee Preferred won the $7,500 Jack Frost Preferred Trot at Cumberland on Saturday (April 13), which was his second win of the week.  Driven to victory by Walter Case Jr. for trainer McKenzie Sowers, the 13-year-old son of Federal Flex had just won a $7,500 NAADA amateur event at Monticello on Wednesday.

Scoring from post 7, Case grabbed early position by ducking in the 4-hole heading into a :29.2 opening panel set by Mister Muscle (Aaron Hall).  Approaching the softer 1:02.1 half, Power Mitt (Kevin Switzer Jr.) had pulled first up and Warrawee Preferred benefitted from the live cover second over.

As the field picked up momentum toward the third stanza in 1:32, Warrawee Preferred was three-wide on the outside and had just Power Mitt to contend with around the final turn and through the stretch.  The pair battled down the lane but it was the 6-5 favorite Warrawee Preferred that prevailed by 1-1/4 lengths in the final strides to get his second victory in a row.

Owned by Ryan Berry, it was the 65^th win of his career, pushing his lifetime bankroll to $359,736.  He paid $4.40 to win.  Prescott (Andy Harrington) got up to be second; Power Mitt hung on for third.

A robust crowd enjoyed food and refreshments in the grandstand and enjoyed partly sunny skies on the apron for the fourth annual opening day of the Spring-Summer meet at the iconic Southern Maine oval.  Punters wagered $104,719 on the eleven race card, which was the first of over 50 race dates at the extended pari-mutuel harness track.

The Deslandes clan followed up their big qualifying day with a four-bagger on the afternoon program.  Driver Dan, trainer Jeff and caretaker Kori took home all the bacon with victories by: Fomor (2:06.3, $4.40), J S Peyton (2:02, $4.20), Granny’s Girl (1:59.1, $3.00) and Grand Galop Semalu (2:01, $2.80).

Driver Mike Stevenson enjoyed a double on the card, including a $36.20 score with his own charge Rojas Blue Chip.

Racing returns for Sunday’s (April 14) card which features a Winners Over $10,000 handicap vying for $7,000 in purse money.

The Bird Dance N, fresh off an his 1:57.1 qualifier on Tuesday, has been listed as the 6-5 early choice.  Driven by the red-hot Dan Deslandes (post 5) for trainer Karl Butterfield, the 9-year-old son of a Rocknroll Dance earned $68,491 last season with 10 wins in 27 starts.  He already has 9 starts this season and appears to be in top form.

The second choice is Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall, post 6), who has been freshened up by owner/trainer Kimberly Vafiades and looks to expand upon his 2023 $90,740 seasonal total.

The Maine Amateur Driving Club also makes it’s Spring debut with fan favorite Putnam’s Storm (and 86-year-old Bob Nadeau) taking on the Maine faithful in the $5,000 event sponsored by Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Sunday’s Card features eleven races with post time slated for 3:15 pm.

Horsemen are reminded to check the US Trotting’s online condition sheet for next week’s double draw which will be held Tuesday (April 16) for the Friday & Saturday (April 19 & 20) race dates.  Additional information, plus live coverage and replays and is available on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post continues to be scheduled for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.

April 12, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – When Race Secretary Rob Pennington and his assistant Andrew Topham opened the ‘virtual’ box for Cumberland’s opening weekend, they were pleased to find 160 horses had been dropped in for the double draw for Saturday and Sunday (April 13 & 14).

“With eight qualifiers on Tuesday, and the added purse incentives on the condition sheet, we anticipated full participation from the Maine horse people,” noted Topham.  “And they did not disappoint, as we have carded eleven races for both harness racing dates.”

While the Spring opener has brought the Pine Tree State faithful back to Cumberland, there are a myriad of Standardbreds that show their last starts at Saratoga, Monticello, Buffalo, The Meadows, Pocono, Northfield, Freehold and the Meadowlands.

Saturday’s (April 13) card features three $7,500 divisions of horses who raced in the 2023 holiday series with nine of the day’s races showing full fields of either seven or eight horses with their noses on the Wes Brown starting gate. 

The co-featured $7,500 sixth race carries a host of veteran trotters, led by the McKenzie Sowers-trained Warrawee Preferred.  Coming off a win last week at the Mighty M, the 13-year-old winner of $355,986 will be driven by Walter Case, Jr. from post 7, and has been installed as the 3-1 favorite.

Looking to steal some of his thunder will be Prescott (Andy Harrington, 4-1) who has drawn post 2 and has not missed a check in his last eight starts.  He earned $25,559 last season for trainer Sara Harrington and owner Gibbs Racing.

Sunday’s (April 14) card welcomes a Winners Over $10,000 handicap vying for $7,000 in purse money, with all the usual suspects looking for their piece of the pie in race 8.

The Bird Dance N, fresh off an eye-popping 1:57.1 qualifier on Tuesday, has been listed as the 6-5 early choice.  Driven by Dan Deslandes (post 5) for trainer Karl Butterfield, the 9-year-old son of a Rocknroll Dance earned $68,491 last season with 10 wins in 27 starts.  He already has 9 starts this season and appears to be in top form.

The second choice is Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall, post 6), who has been freshened up by owner/trainer Kimberly Vafiades and looks to expand upon his 2023 $90,740 seasonal total.

The Maine Amateur Driving Club also makes it’s Spring debut in race 6, with fan favorite Putnam’s Storm (and 86-year-old Bob Nadeau) taking on the younger whipper-snappers in the $5,000 event sponsored by Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Sunday’s Card features eleven races with post time for both days at 3:15 pm.

Horsemen are reminded to check the US Trotting’s online condition sheet for next week’s double draw which will be held Tuesday (April 16) for the Friday & Saturday (April 19 & 20) race dates.  Additional information, plus live coverage and replays and is available on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post continues to be scheduled for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.

April 9, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Dan Deslandes took five of the eight qualifying races that went postward at First Tracks Cumberland (Maine) on Tuesday (April 9), with four of the victories coming from his dad’s stable, Jeff Deslandes. 

Sunny skies and warm temperatures in the 50’s enhanced the afternoon action, with Deslandes also taking the swiftest event of the day with local star The Bird Dance N in 1:57.1, who is trained by Karl Butterfield.

Of the ten Deslandes disciples that raced, the four winners were trotter Elegant Dulupin FR (2:02.3) and pacers Next Big Thing (2:00.2), Grand Galop Semalu (1:59.3), and Miss U Big Mike (1:59.2).  The Deslandes clan also had four horses finish second for an overall 10-4-4-0 summary.

Maine Sire Stakes champion Luke McGook made his 4-year-old debut in race five, finishing second in the same race as fan-favorite grey gelding Putnam’s Storm and his 86-year-old trainer-driver-owner Bob Nadeau. 

Opening weekend’s double draw for Saturday & Sunday (April 13 & 14), has the box closing at a special time of 1 pm (EDT) on Wednesday (April 10).  Special classes with higher purses have been written to reward horses who participated in the Winter Late Closing Series at Cumberland. Review the condition sheet on the USTA’s online entry system for more details.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.

April 8, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Eight qualifying races are carded and ready to roll at First Tracks Cumberland (Maine) on Tuesday (April 9).  Sixty horses filled the entry box for tomorrow’s 11:30 am post time, which will be broadcast in its totality on the Racetrack Television Network.

With the upcoming Spring meet at Cumberland taking shape, a host of 3-year-olds all the way up to 15-year-old Putnam’s Storm are ready to take on the teletimer and their peers in the first harness racing action in the state of Maine for 2024.

The continued forecast is for sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s through the afternoon, which has led to a swift melting of the lofty snowfall totals that wreaked havoc on the area last weekend.

The fan-favorite grey gelding Putnam’s Storm, who enters the encore of his career, will be driven by his 86-year-old owner/trainer Bob Nadeau in race five.  Just inside him is Maine Sire Stakes champion Luke McGook who is now four and continues to race for his Leighton Property ownership. 

Race Secretary Rob Pennington orchestrated a very competitive qualifying card, in hopes of attracting much of this talent to the first draw for opening weekend.  A double draw shall be conducted for Saturday & Sunday (April 13 & 14), with the box closing at a special time of 1 pm (EDT) on Wednesday (April 10).  The overnight condition sheet for the first week of racing is now available on the USTA’s online entry system.

First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet will continue throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 3.

QUALIFYING RACE PAGES — click HERE

Friday, April 5, 2024  —  by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

Cumberland, ME — First Tracks Cumberland management has announced that due to the Nor’easter that blanketed the area with a foot of snow and left several hundred thousand Maine residents without power, the opening qualifiers have been postponed until Tuesday (April 9).  The box will remain open until 10 am Monday (April 8).  Post time will be 11:30 am, and will be aired live on the Racetrack Television Network (RTN).

Due to the nature of the storm cleanup, and considering the new qualifying race date, the opening weekend of the Spring-Summer meet will now begin a day later on Saturday (April 13).  This opening day card will be immediately followed by a second day of racing on Sunday (April 14), which is a slight departure from the regular Friday-Saturday schedule.  Post time remains 3:15 pm.

Horsemen should note that there will be a double draw on Wednesday (April 10) for both racing dates.

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

by Chris Lomon The start of Andrew Topham’s horse racing…

Source: Andrew Topham is charting his course in harness racing

March 26, 2024, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME — First Tracks Cumberland is pleased to announce that the initial qualifying races slated for Saturday (April 6) will be broadcast live on the Race Track Network (RTN).  The action starts at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) in a little over ten days. 

Trainers should declare by 9 am on Friday (April 5).  Horses that have a clean line from December 1, 2023, or after, are NOT required to qualify through the first two weekends of racing (until April 20).  Beginning with the draw for the April 26^th program, the 45-day rule goes back into effect.

Race Secretary Rob Pennington stated, “The track crew has done an excellent job maintaining the racing surface over the winter, which will benefit the racehorses and the horse people alike.  By all accounts, everyone in Maine is looking forward to another exciting Spring-Summer meet at the iconic Cumberland oval in Southern Maine.”

Condition sheets for the upcoming meet will be available after the qualifiers, and additional information is always available on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

In addition to the live RTN broadcast, qualifiers will also be streamed live via the internet (free) on our website.  Click on live racing/video replays.  The live racing icon in the player box will be enabled. 

First Tracks Cumberland will remain on RTN channel 9747 this season.  Race fans and horsemen can also go to: www.rtn.tv

Opening day for First Tracks Cumberland Spring-Summer meet is April 12, with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) throughout the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs for 17 weeks (34 race dates) through August 3.

For additional racing information, sign up for the for First Tracks Cumberland text messaging service.  On a web browser, go to the following link: https://eztxt.s3.amazonaws.com/777323/widgets/6084704675f167.16040906.html

December 24, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The final day of the Cumberland’s Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meet included an appearance by Santa Claus in the first race, along with a thrilling dead heat in the $10,000 Holly Late Closer Final on Christmas Eve Sunday (Dec. 24).

In the $7,000 Gingerbread consolation opener the judges approved a late ‘driver change’ on the five horse He Can Rock to Jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself, as the spirit of Christmas hustled his charge to the lead following a feisty :28.2 opening panel.

After clearing before the half in :59, Kris Kringle held on through the third panel of 1:28.2 but was enveloped by fresh horses down the lane with a blanket finish going to Quick Fun N at 20-1.

Driven by Steve Wilson, he paid $42.00 to win in 1:59.2.

Four individual $10,000 late closing finals highlighted the closing card, the first going to Namesmuscle in the Jack Frost Trot in 2:00.4.  Driven by Nick Graffam for trainer Aaron Hall and owner Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, he paid $9.80 to win.

The $10,000 Gingerbread final went to Lucan Hanover and owner-trainer-driver Aaron Hall by a neck from post seven.  Scoring in 2:00, they paid $11.20 to win.

In the $10,000 Rudolph Late Closer the unstoppable Art Of Endurance took his fifth win in a row, scoring in 1:57.4.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr., the 5-year-old son of Artspeak is trained by Benson Merrill and owned by John and Thelma Kiernan and Tom Bemont.  He paid $2.80 to win.

The holiday crowd was treated to an exciting dead heat in the $10,000 Holly final between Pretty Gorgeous (Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Whatchagonnadoboo (Walter Case Jr.).  The latter was bred and is owned and trained by Eric Bickmore, where the former, Pretty Gorgeous, is trained by Benson Merrill and also owned by Thelma and John Kiernan.

The Kiernan’s own a farm in Augusta, Maine, but are originally from Montgomery, New York and now call Gardiner, NY home.  They were also hand for yesterday’s Au Revoir Showcase.

“It’s been a long time coming,” noted John Kiernan when asked about his two victories in the late closing finals.  “The Standardbred industry has been very good to me over the years, so I am happy to give back.”

An educator for 35 years in the Pine Bush (NY) School System, Kiernan was also a trainer-driver at Monticello Raceway. 

“We consider ourselves Mainers now, and look forward to racing the horses we bred in the Maine Sire Stakes in the future.”

Dakota Jackson won the $8,000 winter Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final with Kasey John A in 1:58.4.  As always, the MADC events are sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

Kevin Switzer Jr. had three wins on the program, making him the leading Cumberland’s dash winning driver of the 2023 racing season with 81 victories.  Bruce Ranger was second with 76.  Jeff Deslandes (33) and Benson Merrill (32) were the leading conditioners.

First Track Cumberland enjoyed a $557,000 gross handle over the final weekend, with the percentage of winning favorites at 35% and currently the lowest in North America of all harness tracks.

Racing resumes at Cumberland in April 2024 for another extended pari-mutuel racing season, with over 50 dates already approved the Maine State Harness Racing Commission.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 23, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Retiring pacer Ira Chief made his final official start as a 14-year-old a winning one, conquering his peers in the $6,000 Auld Lang Syne race at Cumberland on Saturday (Dec. 23), which was part of the track’s third annual Au Revoir Retirement Showcase.

Race six on the Winter Festival’s penultimate card was reserved for the soon-to-be retired racehorses.  Four 14-year-olds lined up behind the Wes Brown starting gate and when the wings folded the fastest record holder of the bunch, Cee Pee Panic, was out and pushing to the top.  Driven by Garrett Mosher, he got to the first panel in :29.4 without much urging.  As predicted by announcer Mike Cushing, the half was a much slower 1:02 as the field prepared for their last dash for the cash. 

Nick Graffam driving Ira Chief pulled the pocket into a 1:32 third stanza and used his momentum to cruise through the far turn as the new leader with cousin Bruce Ranger hot on his heels second over with his own Twin B Impressive, the 3-5 favorite.

‘Storming down the stretch for the final time,’ exclaimed announcer Cushing as the son of Chief Silverheels prevailed by a pair of lengths in 2:00.4.  Trained by Mike Graffam, it was the 53^rd win of his lengthy career, paying $6.00 to win.  In the winner’s circle the connections swarmed around the big steed, who stood patiently amidst the fanfare and a visibly moved owner and part-time caretaker Chris Hamilton.

Cee Pee Panic hung on for second; Twin B Impressive was third, with Penney’s Spirit finishing fourth for McKenzie Sowers.  All four horses returned to winners circle following the race to be recognized one final time for their on-track career performances.

The entire day was dedicated to the Maine harness racing industry and the seventeen 14-year-old Standardbreds with Pine Tree State connections.  Throughout the card the horses and their handlers, walked, jogged, were ridden and otherwise paraded in front of the stands while being recognized by the announcer, photographed and feted in the winner’s circle with gifts and prizes, and most of all—admired by the fans. 

The entire day was dedicated to these special horses, with the sixth race reserved for the soon-to-be retirees. Overall, the 17 horses have combined earnings of $5.4 million, which is an average of $316,123.  The combined start total is a staggering 5,200 with an average of 305 starts per horse.  Total combined wins are 761 with an average of 45 victories per horse.  Below is a list of all the 14-year-old participants and their credentials and trainer or current owner.

Cee Pee Panic p,5,1:49.2f       $474,000        John Kiernan, Benson Merrill

Drunk And Dramatic   p,4,1:52.0f       $118,391        Michel Bilodeau

Fuzzylegsandall           p,6,1:51.1f       $356,149        Gretchen Athearn

Ira Chief          p,5,1:50.1        $558,372        Mike Graffam, Chris Hamilton

J J S Jet            p,8,1:51.2h      $315,754        Jaelynn Swan, Drew Campbell

Mountain Rock            p,6,1:53.1f       $79,054          Shelly Basford

Natural Breeze            p,7,1:55.0f       $145,591        Craig Hall, Kirsi Bertolini

Neverdie         9,1:55.0f          $328,417        Mike Cushing, Sara Fernald

Northview Punter N    p,7,1:51.0f       $518,483        Michelle Hardin

Nucular Enemy           p,4,1:52.4f       $245,006        Brian Kelley

Penney’s Spirit            p,8,1:54h         $222,538        McKenzie Sowers

Putnam’s Storm          p,5,1:50.4        $199,548        Bob Nadeau

Remix  p,3,1:53.3f       $148,161        Sharon Hardy

Southern Swan            p,8,1:53.0f       $205,080        Amy Taggart

Stardust Memories     8,1:54.1f          $338,596        Eric Bickmore

Supreme Mach N        p,8,1:50.3f       $446,057        Dalton Lee

Twin B Impressive       p,4,1:51.0        $674,900        Mary Beth Ranger

Two of the participants, Neverdie and J J S Jet, were both former Maine state record holders for their respective gaits and got together before the event for an historic photo op.  Steve Wilson, co-owner of trotter Neverdie, was joined by Jaelynn Swan, a 15-year-old high school student and equestrian enthusiast, the new owner of J J S Jet.

In addition to a half page biography with photos throughout the program, each horse’s connections received a Barbara Dresser-designed and handcrafted name plaque, a Blue Seal Feeds Gift Bag, and a couple of Souvenir Programs.  They will also receive a Joe Shaw photo of the festivities.

The $10,000 featured Winners Over Pace was captured by The Bird Dance N in 1:56.1.  Driven by Dan Deslandes for trainer Karl Butterfield, the 8-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance is owned by Jose Cerventes and paid $6.60 to win.  Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall) finished second; Drinka Beer (Bruce Ranger) was third.

Kevin Switzer Jr. had four wins on the program, pushing him to the lead in the Cumberland’s overall drivers’ standings with 78.  Following close behind with 76 is perennial leader Bruce Ranger, who had a pair of winners.  Dan Deslandes and Nick Graffam also picked up two wins on the afternoon card.

On Sunday’s closing day (Dec. 24) the track will host four $10,000 finals of the various Winter Late Closing series, with five additional $7,000 consolations to compliment the card.  In addition, the $8,000 winter Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) final will be contested as race two.  As always, the MADC events are sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

First Tracks Cumberland will offer a $5,000 guaranteed Pick-5 pool on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), which is carried on races 3 through 7 and have a mandatory payout.

Racing concludes at Cumberland with the final Winter Festival racing date on Sunday (Dec. 24).  First post is 10:50 am.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.