Muscle Gene conquers Cumberland

June 10, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland *(Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Trotter Muscle Gene took the $5,500 top trot at Cumberland on Friday (June 9) afternoon, winning his second start in row at the Southern Maine oval.  In keeping with previous statements, the horse has done nothing but improve since arriving back in the Pine Tree State in mid-May. 

When the wings folded on the Wes Brown starting gate owner/driver Ron Cushing was content to let the ‘leavers leave’ and take a seat in the middle of the pack.  Me Three (Kevin Switzer Jr.) took the early lead with Thruway (Shawn Thayer) immediately pulling and re-taking command before the 29.2 opening panel.

As the field settled in to round the second turn Thruway (12-1) continued to set the pace with Me Three (6-1) second, Warrawee Preferred (Wally Watson, 12-1) was up close in third with Cushing and Muscle Gene (7-5) sitting comfortably in fourth position.  As soon as the field got to the head of the stretch heading to the half Me Three went off stride and left the course. With the remaining combatants stretched out past the 59.3 half mile marker, Dave Ingraham pulled first over with Midnight Zette (2-1).

Following the third turn Ingraham had ranged up enough to flush the cover of Cushing and Muscle Gene who pulled at the head of the backstretch going into a 1:29.2 third quarter.  Stacked up around the final turn with Thruway’s lead diminishing, Muscle Gene trotted powerfully to the front and never looked back.

Tripping the timer in 2:00.1, the 5-year-old son of Musclesprinctonian paid $4.80 to win.  Trained by Heidi Gibbs, wife and partner of owner/driver Ron Cushing, it was the eleventh victory of the horse’s career, and equaled his seasonal best clocking.  Midnight Zette closed swiftly to be second; Warrawee Preferred was third.

Another local horse with his second win in a row was See You Friday, who did just that.  Driven by Bruce Ranger for trainer Chris Lefebvre, the 9-year-old son of Western Terror took the overland route to take the featured $6,000 conditioned pace in 1:56.3.  Second over at the half, while three-deep at the third panel, See You Friday saw his connections in the winner’s circle of both Maine racetracks in a span of ten days.  Owned by Michelle Lefebvre, it was the 22nd win of his career, and he paid $9.40.  Call Me Maverick (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Four Finger Floyd (Nick Graffam) was third.

In other news, Steve Wilson took the second race $4,400 trot with Muscle Star, a horse he co-owns with trainer Mike Cushing.  Paying $18.40 to win from post seven, it was a ‘blanket’ photo finish for place with Mo Mo Fashion, J-S For Justice and Foxy Trottin Stick were inches apart.  The 7-year-old son of Muscle Hill demonstrated, in more ways than one, that sometimes ‘back class’ prevails.

Nick Graffam had three wins on the program. Bruce Ranger had a pair of victories, both trained by leading conditioner Chris Lefebvre.  All source wagering exceeded $160,000 for the afternoon card, which was double the amount bet on the same date last year.

Saturday’s (June 10) program carries 11 races, and is highlighted by the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes.  The track offers Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all of the relevant wagering choices, which will continue throughout the summer.  Every Saturday Cumberland will host racing from Belmont or Saratoga, culminating with the Meadowlands on Hambletonian Day (Aug. 5) and a Hambo hat giveaway.

The featured live race is the $5,500 top pace, with local favorite Ry’s Red Rocket (Mark Athearn) trying to get off the schneid from pylon position.  Local betting options include a 50 cent trifecta on every race, as well as the usual assortment of exotic wagers with low 16% takeout scattered throughout the card. 

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Muscle Gene looks to overpower his foes again at Cumberland

June 9, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Ron Cushing’s Muscle Gene has done nothing but improve since arriving back in the Pine Tree State in mid-May.  Previously the trotter had been toiling in tougher conditioned events at Pocono and Plainridge for his owner/driver Cushing and his trainer Heidi Gibbs.  Picking up checks and paying his way, but the winners circle was seemingly elusive.

That all changed when the horse came to Cumberland, where he has finished third, then second, and then was victorious over the course of his last three starts.

A 5-year-old son of Musclesprinctonian, his sire is hardly a household name, but hails from a family of Grand Circuit champions.  Originally standing in Indiana, but now in Michigan, Musclesprinctonian is a son of the incomparable Muscle Hill.  “Prince’s” dam is the Dan Patch and Hambletonian Oaks champion Broadway Schooner 3,1:53.3 ($885,933).  This makes Musclesprinctonian a half-brother to Broadway Donna 3,1:51.1 ($1,434,735), a Breeders Crown champion and multiple Grand Circuit stakes winner.

Muscle Gene, already the winner of $96,277 lifetime, is from Musclesprinctonian’s second crop of just 12 foals, with the top three starters earning nearly $450,000 combined.

Will his royally-bred sire help Muscle Gene ascend to greater heights?  Only time will tell.  But Cushing has noticed the increased development of the horse, and feels that his recent maturity will only help.

“He really is coming into himself now,” noted Cushing.  “Shaping up and filling out, he is a nice honest horse.  He has gate speed, but we don’t really need to use it too much because he can trot home so strongly.”

“You don’t get paid at the three-eighths pole,” added Cushing with a laugh.

During Friday’s (June 9) 11 race program, Muscle Gene is leaves from pylon position in a field of seven that goes postward in race 8, which is also the start of the pick 4.  Betting options also include a 50 cent trifecta, as well as the usual assortment of exotic wagers with low 16% takeout scattered throughout the card. 

Saturday’s (June 10) program also carries 11 races, and runs concurrent with the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes.  The 155th renewal marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance.  Cumberland offers Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Todd Whitney takes Maine Amateur event at Cumberland

June 4, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Veteran amateur reinsman Todd Whitney boldly got Iwillmakeyousaywow into the Blue Seal Feeds winners circle at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (June 3) to celebrate his first seasonal victory in the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race.

Whitney, a former national amateur driving champion, was not afraid to take in some of that good Southern Maine air as he sent even-money wagering favorite Iwillmakeyousaywow first over just past the quarter in 29.3.  As the he continued to range up toward the leaders, Southern Terror (Benson Merrill) cutting the fractions, and Led Schneppelin (Jason Bertolini) in the pocket, Whitney’s head-strong steed was just a half-length off of the front at the 1:00 half.

Shortening his margin to a tight neck into a 1:29.3 third panel, the credentialed 11-year-old son of Manhardt continued to dig in through the final turn while at the throat latch of the equally distinguished leader, Southwind Terror.  As the field entered the home stretch several fresh horses swarmed around the leader, but it was Whitney and Iwillmakeyousaywow that strode away and emerged victorious in 2:01.1 over the rain-soaked surface.

Owned and trained by James Heap, it was the 61st career victory for the lifetime winner of $451,578.  Iwillmakeyousaywow paid $4.00 to win, while Meetmeatthedance (Derek Howes) finished second, and Southwind Terror hung on for third.  The MADC is proudly sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

The $5,500 top trot of the day was captured by Broadway Giant in 2:02.3.  Driven by Bruce Ranger for owner/trainer Ron Patoine, the 9-year-old son of Broadway Giant paid $5.20 to win in a coast-to-coast tour of the fairgrounds facility.  Favorite Northern Skyway (Drew Campbell) was second; Inukchuck Chuck (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Wally Watson lit up the virtual tote board in his 1:59.2 score with De Chirico in the $5,500 top conditioned pace of the week.  The 6-year-old son of So Surreal came first over at the half, and never looked back.  Trained by Chris Lefebvre for owner Michelle Lefebvre, he paid $36.00 to win for the twelfth time in his career. 

Leading driver Bruce Ranger had three wins on the card, and remains in first place in the drivers’ standings with 27 seasonal victories.    Nick Graffam moved into the second spot with 23 victories over Kevin Switzer Jr. with 22.  Chris Lefebvre is the leading trainer with 15 wins.

Next week, Cumberland will offer live viewing and wagering on the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park, which is located in the New York City borough of Queens.  Saturday, June 10th marks the 155th renewal of the third and final jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, which is a mile and a half test of endurance and stamina.  This year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance.  Cumberland will offer flats programs, as well as all of the fashionable wagering opportunities.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

Muscle Gene takes opener at Cumberland, racing cancelled after four

June 2, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Muscle Gene came from off the pace to capture the opening race trot on Friday (June 2) at Cumberland, with his owner Ron Cushing in the bike.  Trained by Heidi Gibbs, the 5-year-old son of Musclesprinctonian tripped the timer in a swift 2:00.1, giving the husband and wife team their first win of the season with the horse.

At the start, 19-1 longshot Commemorative (Drew Campbell) was anxious to leave and grabbed the top in just a few strides.  Wally Watson pushed his charge Mackworthy toward the front end, albeit briefly, and then slipped into the pocket.  With evenly rated opening panels of 30 and 1:00, Watson pulled Mackworthy out of the garden spot to challenge for the lead while heading to the three-quarter marker.

Past a 1:29.3 third panel Mackworthy took command and tried valiantly to gain some separation on the field around the final turn, while 1-5 heavy favorite Muscle Gene moved from his position in fourth to make his presence known.  By the head of the stretch Cushing had Muscle Gene in full flight and had reduced the leader’s margin to two lengths.

Trotting up a storm down the stretch, Muscle Gene caught Mackworthy at the shadow of the wire, much to the relief of his many backers.  It was the tenth lifetime victory for Muscle Gene, who paid $2.60 to win the $4,800 conditioned trot by a measured length.  Commemorative hung on for third.

The swiftest race of the day was captured by Tonianne, winning the $5,000 FM conditioned pace in 1:56.4.  Driven by Nick Graffam for trainer James Dunn, the 5-year-old Somebeachsomewhere mare is the property of distinguished local horse owner Linwood Higgins.  She paid $4.60 to win the 21st start of her career.

Immediately following the fourth race, lightning strikes moved into the area and took out the electrical power to the region, resulting in a cancellation of the remainder of the program.

Saturday’s (June 3) card carries eleven races, and his headlined by the popular Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), which is scheduled for race four.  Now in its fifth week, Jason Bertolini (driving his trusty steed Led Schneppelin) will look to redeem his sole defeat in the last edition.  The series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. Also on the card are two $5,500 features, a trot and pace, for some of the faster horses on the grounds.

Looking ahead to next week, Cumberland will offer live viewing and wagering on the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes from New York City.  Saturday, June 10th marks the 155th renewal of the third and final jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown, which is a mile and a half test of endurance and stamina.  This year also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance.  Cumberland will offer flats programs, as well as all the applicable wagering options.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For more information, check out our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

PBR Street Gang looks for fourth win in Maine

June 2, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bruce and Mary Beth Ranger’s PBR Street Gang has been a model of consistency since arriving in their stable in early March.  If you throw out the line on Cinco de Mayo, where he made an uncharacteristic break at the three-quarter pole, he has been pretty close to perfect.  The 5-year-old son of JK Endofanera won his qualifier at Cumberland in early April.  Then, he won his first start, was second in the Spring Fling #2 final, and won his last two starts.

During Friday’s (June 2) 11 race program, PBR Street Gang leaves from post six in the fifth race $5,500 featured conditioned pace.  Of course he has the services of top reinsman Bruce Ranger, and has been installed as the 4-1 second choice by the trackman odds maker.  His primary threat is the Plainridge invader Something Bettor A (post 1, 7-5, Ron Cushing) who has faced tougher foes at the Bay State oval.   A field of seven goes postward where the betting options include a 50 cent trifecta, as well as the usual assortment of exotic wagers with low 16% takeouts sprinkled throughout the card. 

Saturday’s (June 3) program also carries eleven races, and his headlined by the popular Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), which is scheduled for race four.  Now in its fifth week, Jason Bertolini (driving his trusty steed Led Schneppelin) will look to redeem his sole defeat in the last edition.  The series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine. Also on the card are two $5,500 features, a trot and pace, for the better horses on the grounds.

Looking ahead, Cumberland will offer live viewing and wagering on the $1,500,000 Belmont Stakes from New York City.  This is the 155th renewal of the third and final jewel of the Thoroughbred Triple Crown is a mile and a half test of endurance and stamina.  This year marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s world record and Triple Crown winning performance.  Cumberland will offer flats programs, as well as all the applicable wagering options.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Ranger wins three during Cumberland’s Bruce Ranger weekend

May 28, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bruce Ranger won three races on Saturday (May 27), which was the second afternoon of harness racing action at Cumberland that was named in his honor.

After the first race Ranger was interviewed in the winner’s circle by Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association president Mike Cushing.  When asked why he chose to come back to Maine when there was opportunity all over the nation, the perennial leading reinsmen noted, “A lot changes when you go over that big green bridge [in Portsmouth, NH].  I love Maine, and I still love to win races.  But it’s the people here that make me feel at home.”

Then Ranger was swarmed with fans looking for an autograph on their copy of the commemorative program.  Of course, people brought their kids and their dogs for ‘selfies’ and photo ops with the top driver too.

Ranger had the second race off duty, as that was the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) event, so he was happy to meet and greet fans on the apron while club president Joe Burke took matters into his own hands.

Leaving from post four Burke came first over at the half, three-wide down the backside to score with his own Plus One and become the only driver this season not named Jason Bertolini to win a $4,400 MADC race.  Tripping the timer in 1:58.2, Plus One is trained by Bob Marston and owned by Burke.  They paid $3.40 to win.  Everyone’s favorite gray horse, Putnam’s Storm, finished second with owner/trainer/driver Bob Nadeau at the controls.  Librado Hanover and Ryan Hall were third.  The Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Falmouth and Windham sponsor the series.

But once the starter’s call for the third race was sounded, Ranger went back to work.  He won that race with S R Willpower in a coast to coast adventure in 1:58 and paid $28.40.  Trained by Wayne Smith for owners Courtney Pitts and Adalberto Silva, the 7-year-old son of Badlands Hanover picked up his first win of the season to get the 14th win of his 100-start career.

Ranger won the sixth race $5,500 featured FM cond. pace with Amini, using a three-deep move to secure the victory in 1:55.4.  Trained by Elisha Lafreniere, the 5-year-old Sportswriter mare is owned by Karma Racing and paid $6.80 to win.  It was also her first seasonal win in five outings.

Coming right back to nab the hat trick, the judges placed Airspinder and Ranger first over Art Of Endurance (Kevin Switzer Jr.) because the latter ‘carried out’ the former.  The time of the mile was 1:57.1 with just a head’s distance separating the two at the wire.

Nick Graffam also won three races on the card.  Ranger now leads Kevin Switzer Jr. by one win following the weekend, with Graffam in third place.  The tight dash win totals are 23-22-21.  Chris Lefebvre and Jeff Deslandes remain in a dead heat for training wins at 13 all.

Racing resumes Friday (June 2) with live harness racing throughout the Spring and early Summer months.  Regular racing at Cumberland is held 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 5.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

The Bird Dance N hops to victory in Bruce Ranger Open

May 27, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The $10,000 for 10,000 Bruce Ranger Open Pace turned out to be a battle of the Pine Tree State’s pacing stars as The Bird Dance N defeated some of the area’s swiftest sidesteppers on Friday (May 26) at Cumberland.  The centerpiece of the track’s Bruce Ranger Weekend, the race was named in tribute to the leading reinsman’s recent five-figure win total.

Slated for race eight, the six top pacers lined up behind the Wes Brown starting gate with The Bird Dance N (Nick Graffam) blasting out for the lead from post four.  Grand Gallop Semalu (Dan Deslandes) guarded his pylon position and forced the early leader into a little tap dance to get the top before the quarter pole.  Lexus Witha View A (Kevin Switzer  Jr.) was out and moving immediately and poked a nose in front of a begrudging The Bird Dance N into a 27.2 opening panel.

With Switzer now controlling the tempo, Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham) moved first over going to the 56.2 half, with Graffam boxed in and full of pace heading down the backstretch the second time.  The pacers hit the third panel in a steamy 1:25, and with the action fast and furious, fans were thinking, ‘could this be a track record?’

As the field turned for home a leg weary Lexus Witha View A drifted out from the pylons, giving The Bird Dance N just enough racing room to squeeze up the inside.  However, Lexus Witha View A found another gear and fought back valiantly and the two pacers battled down the stretch with Graffam and The Bird Dance N prevailing by a nose in 1:54.3, which was just a fifth of a second off the divisional benchmark.

Sent off at even money, the 8-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance paid $4.00 to win for trainer Karl Butterfield and owner Jose Cervantes.  It was the fourth win of the year and a new seasonal mark for The Bird Dance N, who has earned $26,750 in 11 springtime starts.  Rocksapatriot finished third.

Following the race, Bruce Ranger, along with his a handful of friends and family members joined the perennial leading dash champion in the winner’s circle to help celebrate ‘Bruce Ranger Weekend’ at Cumberland.  The horse people participating in the day’s racing program also enjoyed a cook out in the paddock, sponsored by Silver Streak Starters.

Walter Case Jr. grabbed a wire-to-wire score in the $5,500 top trot, winning with Vesuvio Bi in 1:59.4.  Trained by Joseph Nelson and owned by Michele Nelson and Eric Everett, the 9-year-old son of Manofmanymissions paid $4.20 to win.

Aaron Hall, fresh off his 500th driving win at Bangor on Wednesday, picked up two more victories on the card, as did Drew Campbell and Wally Watson.

Racing resumes Saturday (May 27), where First Tracks Cumberland and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association will continue the ‘Bruce Ranger Weekend’ at the fairgrounds.  The affable driver will be signing autographs on his special commemorative program on the apron after the first race.  The second race is the ever-popular Maine Amateur Driving Club race, sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

$10,000 Open highlights Bruce Ranger weekend at Cumberland

May 25, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The $10,000 Bruce Ranger Open Pace is the centerpiece of a fun-filled weekend (May 26 & 27) at First Tracks Cumberland, which is dedicated to one of Maine’s favorite sons who recently went over the 10,000 win threshold.  Just the 19th driver in harness racing history to reach that lofty total, the Cumberland County native hails from a long line of harness racing legends that helped put the historic Norton Farm on the map.

Opening Day (Friday) will start with a cookout in the Cumberland paddock area for local and participating horse people, which is generously sponsored by ‘Silver Streak Starters.’

Friday’s (May 26) 11 race program features the $10,000 for 10,000 Bruce Ranger Open Pace, with six of the area’s top sidewinders vying for the five-figure purse.  The wagering menu includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the usual assortment of exotic wagers with low 16% takeouts.  The Bird Dance N (post 4, 2-1) has been installed as the morning line favorite, and will be driven by Nick Graffam.  Former track record holder Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham, post 3, 4-1) is the trackman’s second choice.  Ranger himself has a mount in the race named in his honor, and will be driving Paternity Suit A (post 5, 6.-1).

To commemorate the distinctive weekend, a collectable color cover program wrap has been printed and is loaded with seven pages of old and recent photos of Ranger.  These special editions will only be available on track, at the regular program price of $2. 

Saturday’s (May 27) program carries ten races, and Bruce Ranger will sign autographs on the apron with fans and admirers immediately following the first race.  During that time, the popular Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) will go postward in the second race.  Now in its fourth week, no one not named Jason Bertolini has visited the winners circle in any edition of the MADC this year.  The series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Campbell brothers 1-2 in track record at Cumberland

May 22, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

Heath Campbell set a track record in the $5,000 opener with Pembroke Ideal BJ while his older brother Drew Campbell finished second in that mile.  Later in the day, Drew Campbell captured the $6,500 featured trot with Little Macabee, to give the orange-clad products of the Canadian Maritimes bookend victories on Sunday (May 21) at Cumberland.

Heath Campbell got away third in the opener and gave the lightly raced 4-year-old daughter of American Ideal a patient, but effective steer in the $5,000 conditioned pace.  The pacesetting Hired Hand (Bruce Ranger) trail-blazed opening fractions of 27.4, 57.2, and then posted an eye-popping 1:24.4 third panel.  Down the stretch, the younger Campbell fed the mare racetrack and she got up to win by a quarter length over Perfect Force and the elder Drew Campbell to set a new benchmark for 4-year-old pacing mares of 1:55.3.

Owned by Bill Varney and trained by Campbell’s partner Valerie Grondin, it was the fifth lifetime victory for the wagering favorite, who paid $5.40 to win the fastest race of the afternoon and take new lifetime mark.  Perfect Force (Drew Campbell) followed that fast two-hole trip for second money; Hired Hand was third.

Fast forward to the $6,500 featured finale and Winston ‘Drew’ Campbell had his eyes on the prize as he blasted Little Macabee from post 7 into the third position behind rail sitting pacesetter Mister Muscle (Kevin Switzer Jr.).  As the leader set hasty fractions of 29.1 and 1:00.2 in the initial half, Campbell was not content to sit and allow things to unfold. 

Pulling first up heading into the third turn, Little Macabee challenged for the lead into a 1:29.3 third stanza.  As the trotters were head and head around the final turn it was a ‘tooth and nail battle’ according to track announcer Scott Ehrlich.  As the field was poised for the final stretch duel, Campbell shifted his 9-year-old son of Chapter Seven into another gear and gained some separation from Switzer Jr. and Mister Muscle.  But the race was not won as of yet.  Following a three-wide bid around the final turn, McStoned Again (Nick Graffam) was gaining ground on the new leader, and getting closer with every stride.

The wire arrived just in time for Drew Campbell and Little Macabee, as the pair prevailed by a nose to stop the timer in 2:00.  Owned by Maryann Tompkins and trained by Erik Bickmore, it was the fifth seasonal victory for the ultra-consistent trotter, who paid $8.80 to win by a whisker over McStoned Again.  Broadway Giant (Ranger) was third.

Bruce Ranger copped a three-bagger and Dan Deslandes had a driving double on the program, with the former moving back to the top of drivers’ standings with 20 trips to the winner’s circle, over Kevin Switzer Jr. who has 19.  Ranger scored in three of four races in a row, including: American Fighter (2:01.2, $13.60), Shaw Town (1:59.2, $5.20), and his own PBR Street Gang (1:57.3, $2.60).

Jeff Deslandes and Chris Lefebvre are tied at 12 wins apiece in the Cumberland trainers’ standings after 13 racing programs with a total of 138 races contested.  28 winners have come from post position five, followed by post four with 24 and pylon position with 23, since the meet began on April 14.

Racing resumes Friday (May 26) and Saturday (May 27), where First Tracks Cumberland and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association are proud to present ‘Bruce Ranger Weekend’ at the fairgrounds. 

To commemorate the special weekend, a collectable color cover program wrap will be filled with seven pages of old and recent photos of one of Maine’s favorite sons.  This, coupled with interviews and autograph sessions with leading reinsman Bruce Ranger, is a rare event that fans will not want to miss.

In honor of the occasion, First Tracks Cumberland will offer the Bruce Ranger Open Pace $10,000 for 10,000.  Horses that have made a purse start in the state of Maine this season will be given preference.  Horsemen should note that the box now closes an hour later at 10 am on Tuesday (May 23) for the double draw.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.

Maine’s Nick Graffam gets win number 1,000 at Cumberland

May 20, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Homegrown reinsman Nick Graffam started Saturday’s (May 20) Cumberland program needing just one victory to push him over the edge to the 1,000 lifetime win threshold.  That moment finally arrived in the eighth race, where a horse named Four Finger Floyd put the Maine-native into the four-figure win category.

“I am grateful for every opportunity I’ve had, everywhere I race.  But I am glad [the 1,000th win] was at my home track,” stated the lanky 32-year-old.

Born and raised just down the road at the historic Norton Farm, Graffam works with his parents Mike and Lori and sister Bethany at the family’s iconic local stable and training center.  He and his fiancé Natalie live in a house right next to the farm.

Graffam continued, “Growing up on the farm meant a lot of long days and hard work.  But days like today feel really great when all that time and effort pays off.”

And it took some time and effort to get to the winners circle today, as Graffam had driven in four races prior to hitting pay dirt.  In that mile Graffam sat a perfect pocket trip to draw off and win by two lengths in 1:57.2 with Four Finger Floyd.  Trained by Karl Butterfield and owned by Jose Cerventes, the 5-year-old son of Sportswriter paid $6.60 to win.

One race later, Graffam came right back to get win number 1,001 with Black Hawk Down.  A wire-to-wire score in 2:01.3.  The favored 5-year-old Kadabra trotting gelding was trained by Sara Harrington and owned by Robert and Beth Gibbs.  He paid $3.60 to win.

The featured $6,500 FM winners over pace was captured by Newsy N for driver and co-owner Ron Cushing (with Kevin Sywyk) and trainer Heidi Gibbs.  Scoring in the opener in 1:55.3, it was the fourth seasonal victory for the 6-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight.  She paid $3.40 to win.  Lydia’s Liberty (Dan Deslandes) finished second; Ry’s Red Rocket (Mark Athearn) was third.

In Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) action, Jason Bertolini continued his reign of terror, winning the $4,400 event for the third straight week.  Back behind Bailey’s Legacy, the horse he won with two weeks ago, Bertolini drove a tactically savvy race, allowing his fellow competitors to tussle on the front end before pouncing down the backside for the final time. 

Bailey’s Legacy scored in 2:00, a new seasonal mark, for trainer Sherry Cushing and owner/breeder Bruce Inch.  A 6-year-old son of Western Maverick, he paid $5.40 to win.  Jaxson R Brown (Dalton Lee) finished second; A List (Benson Merrill) was third.  The MADC is faithfully sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

Dan Deslandes and Kevin Switzer Jr. both had driving doubles on the program, with the latter moving to the top of drivers’ standings with 18 trips to the winner’s circle, one more than Bruce Ranger who has 17.  Taking the finale with Uptown Lover (2:01.3, $10.60), Aaron Hall moved to within one win of his 500th career victory.

Racing resumes Sunday (May 21) and features the $6,500 NW $5000 Trot, with post time set at 3:15 pm.   

Looking ahead to Friday (May 26) and Saturday (May 27), First Tracks Cumberland and the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association will present ‘Bruce Ranger Weekend’ at the fairgrounds.   A special color cover program wrap will be filled with seven pages of old and recent photos of one of Maine’s favorite sons, along with interviews and autograph sessions with Bruce Ranger.  Fans will not want to miss this opportunity to share in the Norton Farm driver’s special ceremonies, which will honor his racing accomplishments, including his recent 10,000th career victory. In honor of ‘Bruce Ranger Weekend,’ First Tracks Cumberland will offer a Free For All Pace, with a lofty purse of $10,000.  Horses that have made a purse start in the state of Maine this season will be given preference, with many of the aforementioned pacers likely to participate.  See race secretary Rob Pennington’s condition sheet for further details.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland 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 5.