April 27, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Spring Fling Late Closing Series finals highlight the weekend programs at Cumberland Raceway, with Bruce Ranger and Nick Graffam set to drive the favorites in the $35,000-combined events. 

On Friday (April 28) Bruce Ranger sends his own PBR Street Gang postward in the $15,000 Spring Fling No. 1 Final.  Trained by his wife Mary Beth Ranger, the 5-year-old son of JK Endofanera has been installed as the 3-2 morning line favorite.  He leaves from post three in the featured sixth race, which is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feeds Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

The next day, Saturday (April 29) Nick Graffam competes as part of an ownership entry with The Bird Dance N in the $20,000 Spring Fling No. 2 Final.  Along with Dragonology (Dan Deslandes), the Jose Cerventes-owned and Karl Butterfield-trained entry finished 1-2 in last week’s $7,500 elimination race. The Bird Dance N scores from post three in the featured seventh race, which is also sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.

Both reinsmen wear the familiar gold, red and black stable colors of Norton Farm, which is one of the oldest continuously working farms in Maine.  Nick’s dad Mike Graffam owns and operates the farm in Falmouth, and he and Ranger are cousins.  As of Thursday morning (April 26) both drivers were neck-and-neck in their respective races to reach career milestones in the ‘family business.’ 

Veteran pilot Ranger is just 18 wins away from becoming the 19^th driver in the history of harness racing to collect 10,000 victories.  Graffam is just 19 scores from his 1,000^th win.  They each have a host of mounts at both Plainridge and Cumberland over the next few days.

While Ranger has 89 starts this season with a summary of 17-15-13 and $141,741 earned, his UDR is an impressive 0.333.  Graffam is not far behind with 64 starts and WPS stats of 7-9-6 ($65,020, 0.219).

Friday’s (April 28) card kicks off with the $6,000 fillies and mares winners over pace, which is also the start of our 50 cent pick five.  The program also contains a handful of trotting events peppered throughout the eleven race program.  Every race has a 50 cent trifecta, and the card also carries a host of 20 cent superfectas (races 4, 7 and 9), a 50 cent pick 4 (starts race 8) and the final race delivers our 20 cent pentafecta (super high five) with a low 16% takeout. 

Saturday’s (April 29) program carries twelve races, all but two with full fields, and includes the $6,000 winners over pace with post time for both days slated for 3:15 pm.   

Looking ahead to next week, the public can watch and wager on the 149^th renewal of the Run for the Roses from Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.  The highly anticipated Kentucky Derby is next Saturday (May 6), with programs, big screen television viewing and betting all available at the Fairgrounds, provided by First Tracks Cumberland. 

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/

April 23, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Nick Graffam continued his quest to reach the 1,000 win plateau on Saturday (April 22) at Cumberland, winning the featured $7,500 Spring Fling Late Closer #2 elimination with The Bird Dance N in grand fashion.

Leaving from post seven as part of a common ownership entry, Graffam flew right to the top in a swift 27.2 opening panel.  Moving to the half in the nine-horse field, the other half of the heavily favored (1-9) entry Dragonology (Dan Deslandes) had moved first over and the pair paced through middle splits of 58.2 and 127.3.

Ultimately, Graffam was able to maintain his well-rated one length margin to win in 1:57.  The 8-year-old imported son of A Rocknroll Dance is owned by Jose Cerventes and trained by Karl Butterfield.  Entry-mate Dragonology finished second; Soho Leviathan A was third.

The top eight finishers in the elimination race (that enter) are eligible for the $20,000 Spring Fling #2 final next Saturday (April 28) at First Tracks Cumberland.

Three $6,000 sub-features saw victories from some new talent and some fan favorites, all taking their second win in as many starts.  Western Stepp (Drew Campbell) scored in 1:58.4 to take the fillies and mare Winners Over for driver Drew Campbell and trainer James Dunn.  The 10-year-old Maine-sired Western Maverick mare is owned by Diane Dunn and picked up her second win in a row.  She paid $13.40 to pick up her 54^th lifetime victory.

The $6,000 top trot was captured by Little Macabee with a driver change to Drew Campbell.  It was the second win in a row by the 9-year-old son of Chapter Seven, who is trained by Eric Bickmore for owner Maryann Tompkins.  He won in 1:59.4 and paid $6.80 to win the 30^th race of his career.

All the top pacers, and all of their men, couldn’t topple Lexus Witha View A again.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. to his second win in a row, the 9-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere scoffed at the assigned eight-hole and scampered off to victory in 1:58.1.  Sent off as the heavy favorite, the Aussie-import is a recent acquisition for trainer and co-owner Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable.

Drew Campbell led all drivers with three wins on the card, and is now tied with Bruce Ranger at seven victories in the fledgling season after four programs.  Kevin Switzer had two wins bringing his dash total to six, which places him in third place among Cumberland reinsmen.  Trainer Chris Lefebvre is the leading conditioner with six victories.

Looking ahead, the public can watch and wager on the 149th renewal of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 6) at the Fairgrounds.  Last year, First Tracks Cumberland had a local fan hit big on a “hunch” wager placed on longshot winner Rich Strike.

Racing resumes Friday (April 28) with the $15,000 final of the Spring Fling #1.  Live Harness racing from First Tracks Cumberland continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post remains 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

April 22, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Nick Graffam didn’t let a little thing like the eight-hole and odds of 49-1 get in the way of victory.  The 32-year-old Maine-born reinsman went from last to first with Sixby Hanover in a thrilling stretch drive to score in the second race at Cumberland on Friday (April 21), resulting in a $100.60 winning ticket.

The 5-year-old Pet Rock gelding trailed the field through opening fractions of 28.1 and 59.1.  At the three-quarter pole he was still positioned dead last, but was parked and moving, back six lengths from tempo setting War Daddy (Dan Deslandes) in 1:28.1. 

As the field entered the head of the stretch Graffam had reduced the margin to 3-1/4 lengths and was gaining ground with every stride.  With a strong closing kick Sixby Hanover used a 29.3 final quarter to win by a quarter length for a 1:59 blanket finish.

Owned by the Ivory Pine Syndicate (John Morgan) and trained by Nick’s dad Mike Graffam, the horse surprised everyone but his connections to pick up the 16^th win of his career.  By the end of the day, Nick Graffam had moved two wins closer to the 1,000 win threshold, now at 978.

War Daddy finished second; Riproy (Gary Mosher) was third.

Other double digit winners on the day’s card were: race four, Shaw Town (Wally Watson, $11.60); race five, Rockin Lisa (Bruce Ranger, $26.00); race seven, Denver Seelster (Walter Case Jr., $20.00); and race 10 CBF Star Power, (Mosher, $19.60).

The Spring Fling Late Closer Series #1 went postward with two $6,000 legs which will give the top eight money earners the opportunity to compete for a $15,000 final purse next Friday (April 28).

The first division was won by PBR Street Gang (Bruce Ranger) in 1:56.2, where the veteran reinsman enjoyed a perfect garden spot drive to victory with his new acquisition.  Racing from the barn of Ranger’s wife Mary, PBR Street Gang is owned by their nom de course The Starter’s Call, LLC.  The 5-year-old son of JK Endofanera paid $6.60 to win. 

Infinite Symbol A (Kevin Switzer Jr.) cut the mile and had to settle for second; Ira Chief (Graffam) got his hopples and his form back to be third.

The second Spring Fling #1 went to heavy (1-9) favorite Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall) in 1:56.2, who drew off by 9-1/2 lengths to capture the $6,000 elimination co-feature.  Owned and trained by Kimberly Vafiades, the 6-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven is new to the states (this year) and his connections. 

Seeley Man (Switzer Jr.) finished second; Bolt Ruler (Ranger) was third.  Both are eligible to return for the $15,000 final next week.

Bruce Ranger picked up three wins on the card and is inching closer and closer to his historic 10,000 win benchmark.  Now at 9,978, he will become just the 19^th driver in the history of harness racing to eclipse that lofty plateau.  The Maine-born 63-year-old shows no signs of slowing down and is currently 12^th on the all-time active drivers dash win list.

Wagering showed another big increase for the third day of Cumberland’s Spring meeting.  Bettors pushed $188,482 through the windows, which was up approx. $66,000 from the same date last year, despite two fewer races.

Racing continues on Saturday (April 22) which features three Winners Over $10,000 handicaps vying for $6,000 in rewards each.  In addition, an ownership entry gets the early favorite status in the nine-horse field for the lone $7,500 leg of the Spring Fling # 2 for TM 72 pacers, carded as race eight. 

Looking ahead, the public can watch and wager on the 149th renewal of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 6) at the Fairgrounds.  Last year, First Tracks Cumberland had a local fan hit big on a “hunch” wager placed on longshot winner Rich Strike.

Live Harness racing from First Tracks Cumberland continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post remains 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

For additional information, go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

April 20, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Spring Fling Late Closing Series is set to begin at Cumberland Raceway this weekend, featuring several legs going postward on Friday (April 21) and Saturday (April 22) at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Friday’s (April 21) card showcases a full card of eleven races on the program.  The co-featured events of the day are the third and sixth races, both $6,000 legs of the Spring Fling # 1 for TrackMaster 65 pacers.  Two divisions split evenly at six apiece with the top eight elimination money winners that race in the leg and enter eligible for the $15,000 final next Friday (April 28).

Infinite Symbol A (Kevin Switzer Jr.) has been installed as the favorite in race three.  The 9-year-old Aussie-bred mare earned $37,459 last season, and gets some post position relief.  She is followed by Bet On Success (Drew Campbell) and PBR Street Gang (Bruce Ranger), both of whom come into this race fresh and ready.

Race six sees some new blood in Alex Having Fun (Aaron Hall) as the early favorite.  Renewed off a win in last week’s qualifier, the 6-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven emanates from north of the border for his new connections.  Oceanview Echo (Dan Deslandes), and Bolt Ruler (Bruce Ranger) round out the top three contenders.

The eighth race on Friday marks the start of the Pick 4, and carries a $3,000 guaranteed pool.

Back by popular demand, and in effect through the month of May, fans and punters that attend Friday’s races and buy a program on-track, will receive a free program for Saturday’s card.

Saturday’s (April 22) card features three Winners Over $10,000 handicaps vying for $6,000 in rewards each.  In addition, an ownership entry gets the early favorite status in the nine-horse field for the lone $7,500 leg of the Spring Fling # 2 for TM 72 pacers, carded as race eight. 

Dragonology (HN 1, PP 4, Deslandes) and The Bird Dance N (HN 1A, PP 7, Nick Graffam) make up the Jose Cervantes-owned, Karl Butterfield-trained coupled entry and may be looking at a big payday in the $20,000 Spring Fling #2 final on Saturday (April 29).

Second choices The Next Big Thing (HN 2, PP 1, Andy Harrington), and Bay Brute (HN 7, PP 8, Aaron Hall) will look to upset the apple cart for next week’s rich final.

Cumberland welcomes back our local heroine and 2022 Maine Sire Stakes Champion Wolverina.  Trained and co-owned by Mike Graffam (with Bill Arnold) and driven by Nick Graffam, the now-4-year-old pacing mare earned $192,886 last season winning 12 of 15 seasonal starts and crushing her opponents at nearly every venue.  The daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood leaves from post seven in the sixth race, $6,000 FM Winners Over/Handicap pace in her first test as a ‘graduate.’

The seventh race is the $6,000 Winners Over Trot and is led by Prescott (Harrington) and last week’s winner McStoned Again (Switzer Jr.).  They will be challenged by Mister Muscle (Graffam) and Broadway Giant (Ranger) for Maine’s ‘top trot’ bragging rights.

Race nine brings back the top male pacers in the Winners Over group, led by last week’s victor Lexus Witha View A (Switzer Jr.).  Havoc-wreaking hopefuls include: Grand Galop Semalu (Deslandes), Bush Man N (Gary Mosher) and Calvin B (Mark Athearn) who gets some much needed post assistance in this outing.

Saturday’s loaded program carries eleven races with full fields, and post time for both days remains at 3:15 pm.   Looking ahead, the public can watch and wager on the 149^th renewal of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 6) at the Fairgrounds.  Last year, First Tracks Cumberland had a local fan hit big on a “hunch” wager placed on longshot winner Rich Strike.

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 5.

April 16, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Local reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. won three races on the Saturday (April 15) program at Cumberland, including both $6,000 features.  Known to extract speed from a horse, Switzer Jr. already owns the track record for an aged pacing horse, and was back to his old tricks setting the fastest mile of the early meet on opening weekend.

Switzer began his three-bagger by sending McStoned Again right to the top from the dreaded eight-hole in the Winners Over Handicap Trot in race five.  Parked to the quarter in 31, “Switz” settled in to take command and led the 5-year-old son of Wishing Stone through comfortable fractions of 1:03.3 and 1:34.3 before the outer flow started to threaten his grasp on the lead.

At the head of the stretch he found another gear and the wagering favorite rolled to a 30.1 final quarter to best Inukchuk Chuck (Gary Mosher) by a measured neck in 2:04.4.  Massive Lightning (Nick Graffam) finished third.

This was McStoned Again first start in Maine, having made a dozen seasonal starts at Miami Valley (OH).  Now with trainer Christopher Hitchcock, it was the trotter’s second victory of the year.  McStoned Again paid $6.20 to win and is owned by Michael Pease.

Two races later Switzer Jr. came right back to take the $6,000 Winners Over Handicap Pace with Lexus Witha View A in 1:55.4, which was the fastest mile of the fledgling season at Cumberland.  Leaving from post six, the 9-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere led every step of the way in 27.2, 57.3 and 1:26.2, never having an anxious moment.

The heavy favorite cruised home a winner by 2 lengths and paid $2.80.  Trained and co-owned by Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable, it was the second triumph of the season for Lexus Witha View A, who is now a few thousand dollars shy of $300,000 in lifetime earnings.

The co-feature provided a ‘Down Under’ Triple with The Bird Dance N (Nick Graffam) finishing second and Bush Man N (Gary Mosher) was third.  The 6-8-2 trifecta paid $40.10 on a $1 ticket.

Speaking of payouts, several favorites faltered on the day’s program, with longshot bettors enjoying double-digit win tickets.  Race three witnessed Bruce Ranger score with Liewhentruthwildo at 12-1 and paid $26.20 to win.  Aaron Hall scored with Little Macabee in race six, paying $22.60 to win.  Race eight went to Gary Mosher and Go Sandy Go who got back $29.00 ‘on the nose.’  In the finale, Steve Wilson steered 17-1 longshot Lucky Michael home to a $39.40 winning ticket.

Switzer Jr. also won race nine with Foxy Trottin Stick to complete the winning troika.  Perennial leading reinsman Bruce Ranger had two wins on the program, bringing the ‘Ranger-watch-10,000’ count to -30.  Conditioner Jamie Gerard enjoyed two training victories.

Wagering was strong, once again, for the second day of Cumberland’s opening weekend.  Punters pushed $128,000 through the pari-mutuel system, which was up $53,000 from last year despite two fewer races.

Horsemen are reminded to check the condition sheet for our two ‘Spring Fling’ late closing series which starts this coming weekend.  The Track Master Rating conditioned events vie for an impressive $15,000 and $20,000 final purse respectively, the following weekend, and is listed on our condition sheet on the USTA’s online entry system.

Racing resumes on Friday & Saturday, April 21 & 22. First Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer continues throughout the Spring and early Summer months with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post remains 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

For additional information, go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

April 15, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Driver Dan Deslandes and his father, trainer Jeff Deslandes, took Cumberland by storm and won four of the nine races on Friday’s (April 14) opening day program at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Looking back to last week, when the Deslandes Family loaded up their trailer for the initial qualifiers and shipped down east from the Bangor area, it was evident that their horses were ready to race.  With twelve Standardbreds on board, they help fill the entry box, and in turn, won the first three out of four events.  Truly a family affair, Dan’s wife Kori is also on the team and helps get their large contingent of horses ready to race in the paddock.

Fast forward to opening day and it was like déjà vu all over again.  Deslandes, Inc. had eight horses in to go, and once again, came to town ready to rumble.

Driver Dan Deslandes wasted little time finding the Blue Seal Winners Circle, sending Pay Later right to the top from post five in race one, a place he is very comfortable.  While setting the tempo, Deslandes didn’t have an anxious moment until the wire where Perfect Force (Gary Mosher) tried to steal the show but fell short by a nose.  Winning in 1:57.3, the 13-year-old son of Western Terror paid $8.20 to win.  Owned by Moo Coo Inc., he is trained by Jeff Deslandes.

The Deslandes clan also scored in race five with SG Alexia ($4.40), and finished one-two in race six with Mighty American N (Dan Deslandes) and Scouts Report (Bruce Ranger).  Scoring from pylon position, the 11-year-old son of American Ideal never had a horse in front of him and drew off to win by 3-3/4 lengths in 1:58.  Owned by Ron Dinsmore, Mighty American N paid $7.20 to win.

Ten Beaches Later won the finale for the Deslandes Clan, holding on to win by a neck over P L Pasquale (Kevin Switzer Jr.) in 1:58.1.  Also owned by Moo Coo Inc., he paid $3.00 to win.  All told, the Deslandes’ had four wins, a second, and a fourth place finish.  Seven checks from eight starters, which is a pretty good day by any calculation.

When reach for comment about his ‘Grand Slam Afternoon’ Dan Deslandes stated, “Four wins makes for a fun day at work.  But honestly, I’m just happy to be back racing and especially driving horses. As with everyone, it takes a team to get the horses ready. I’m just a small piece of the puzzle.”

The all-source wagering handle hit $119,000 for Cumberland’s opening day, which was up from $108,000 last year on the same date with 12 races programmed.

Saturday’s (April 15) card welcomes two Winners Over $10,000 handicaps vying for $6,000 in purse money, one for each gait.  The fifth race has an Ohio invader, McStoned Again (Kevin Switzer Jr., 8-5), making a significant class drop to be assigned the outside post position for the diagonally gaited set.  For the pacers in race seven, Lexus Witha View A (Kevin Switzer Jr., 1-1) also emanated from the Buckeye State and will look to grab this one having found a much softer landing Down East.

Saturday’s card features ten races with post time at 3:15 pm.

Horsemen are reminded to check the condition sheet for our two ‘Spring Fling’ late closing series, to be raced the weekend of April 21 & 22.  The Track Master Rating conditioned events vie for an impressive $15,000 and $20,000 final purse respectively, the following weekend.  A complete condition sheet for the upcoming series 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 remains 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

April 13, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – When Race Secretary Rob Pennington opened the box for Cumberland’s opening weekend, he was pleased to find over 150 horses had been dropped in for the double draw for Friday & Saturday (April 14 & 15).

“We had anticipated robust interest, and we were not disappointed,” noted Pennington.

Presiding Judge Charles Malia echoed those sentiments, “These guys are eager race after being off for the last three months.  Saturday’s qualifiers were strong, which is always a good indicator of preparedness.”

While Pennington, and his new assistant race secretary/charter Andrew Topham, sorted through the myriad of entries, one thing was abundantly clear, “Overall, the racehorses entered represent a large group of dedicated Maine horse people.” Certainly with over forty different conditioners represented, the Spring opener has brought the Pine Tree State faithful back to Cumberland.

Friday’s (April 14) card features nine races on the program, with every event carrying a full field of either seven or eight horses with their noses on the Wes Brown starting gate.  The co-featured events of the day are the fourth and seventh races, both $4,800 conditioned paces.

The fourth, for Fillies and Mares, pits Patajali N (Bruce Ranger, 5-2) against Electrocuted (Dan Deslandes, 2-1), who score from posts one and two respectively.  Both mares earned nearly $55,000 last season with a combined win total of 37 lifetime.

Race seven sees the boys version of the non-winners of $2,500 last 5 back to the fairgrounds, with Lovethewayyoulie (Aaron Hall, 2-1) leading the charge with $33,921 earned in 2022.  Second choice is Jo Pa’s Sweet Lout (Wally Watson, 4-1) who was 1-2-3 in 14 of 32 outings last season.

Fans and punters that attend Friday’s opener and buy a program on-track, will receive a free program for Saturday.

Saturday’s (April 15) card welcomes two Winners Over $10,000 handicaps vying for $6,000 in purse money, one for each gait.  The fifth race has an Ohio invader, McStoned Again (Kevin Switzer Jr., 8-5), making a significant class drop to be assigned the outside post position for the diagonally gaited set.  For the pacers in race seven, Lexus Witha View A (Kevin Switzer Jr., 1-1) also emanated from the Buckeye State and will look to grab this one having found a much softer landing Down East.

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

Horsemen are reminded to check the condition sheet for our two ‘Spring Fling’ late closing series, to be raced the weekend of April 21 & 22.  The Track Master Rating conditioned events vie for an impressive $15,000 and $20,000 final purse respectively, the following weekend.  A complete condition sheet for the upcoming series 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 is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.

There are 11 qualifying races slated for Saturday, April 8. First Post 11 am.

PROGRAM

March 24, 2023, 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 8) will be broadcast live on the Race Track Network (RTN).  The action starts at 11 a.m. (EDT) in a little over two weeks. 

Horsemen should declare by 9 am on Friday (April 7).  Horses that have a clean line from November 15, 2022 or after are NOT required to qualify through the first three weekends of racing (until April 29).  Beginning with the draw for the May 5^th program, the 45-day rule goes back into effect.

Race Secretary Rob Pennington stated, “I am excited to join the First Tracks team, and I am hoping to bring positive changes that benefit both horsemen and the track.  Good luck and safe trips around the oval.”

Pennington is also pleased to provide for two ‘Spring Fling’ late closing series, which is set to begin on April 21 & 22.  The Track Master Rating conditioned events race for an impressive $15,000 and $20,000 final purse respectively, the following weekend.  A complete condition sheet for the upcoming series is available on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/

In addition to the live RTN broadcast, qualifiers will also be streamed via the internet live (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 Track’s Cumberland Spring/Summer meet is April 14, 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 through August 5.

Cumberland will have a special guest announcer for the opening qualifiers.

For additional racing information, sign up 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 29, 2022 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine horse people raised $3,000 on behalf of Futures For Standardbreds and presented the funds to the New England-based aftercare organization on Monday’s (Dec. 27) final day of racing at First Tracks Cumberland.

It all started rather innocently for Mary Beth Ranger, the wife of leading New England reinsman Bruce Ranger.

“I noticed a lot of returnable bottles and cans being thrown into trash cans in the paddock at the track,” noted the registered nurse and horse trainer.  “I asked the management of First Tracks if we could start a bottle drive as a benefit, and they happily agreed.”

And so the ambitious task began during the spring racing season, which started simply as collecting the five cent returnable bottles and cans from the paddock.  With the yeoman’s work of Maine horseman Craig Coffin, receptacles and requests for recyclable separation spread throughout the tight-knit Maine horsemen’s community.

“The project took on a life of its own.  Before we knew it, we were overwhelmed with donated bottles and cans, in addition to what Craig collected in the paddock,” Mary Beth Ranger recalled.  “Then First Tracks agreed to match whatever money we could raise.”

Ranger continued, “People at the fairs would say, ‘Hey Mary Beth, we left a bag of cans by your horse trailer.’  It really was a community effort.  My neighbor Judd Merrill had an entire stall full, and said, ‘please take them all.’  Wally Watson, Adam Gray and Kim Ireland were also instrumental in providing additional loads of drink canisters.”

Craig Coffin, a proud member of the ‘Green Wave’ and former caretaker for the William R. Haughton Stable, was an integral part of the collection process.  Providing and cleaning the saddle pads for each race card at Cumberland, Coffin utilized his truck to haul an ever-growing stream of returnable bottles and cans, and assisted in the collection of the items in the paddock.  Coffin, also an identifier and track crew member at several of Maine’s pari-mutuel fairs, helped facilitate the summer-time assemblage.  Along with a host of other horse people who also gathered large parcels of recyclables for the group, the resultant mountain of plastic and aluminum objects was a testament to the dedication of equine enthusiasts throughout the Pine Tree State.

 “About half way through Craig [Coffin] thought we should keep the money in Maine, so we selected Futures For Standardbreds (FFS) as our beneficiary.  Word got out that we were collecting on behalf of the retired racehorses and other tracks got on board.  Paddock Judge Brenda Brown set up a receptacle at Bangor’s historic Bass Park.” 

Helping the retirees was something everyone in harness racing could personally relate with.  Cumberland’s Au Revior Retirement Showcase attracted 18 horses this year, and all the Maine horse people look forward to honoring their favorite storied racehorses.   FFS was a perfect match for their year-long efforts. 

Futures For Standardbreds was founded in 2014 with a mission of retraining and rehoming Standardbred racehorses.   The organization works with horse owners and trainers who want to ensure that their horses have the opportunity to transition into pleasure horses and enjoy a comfortable life after racing.

Ann Ewing, one of the many active volunteers for the program, noted, “Since our inception, we have rehomed close to 75 horses.  We are fortunate that Robyn Cuffey, our executive director and founder, has a lifetime of experience with Standardbreds and has authored books on the retraining process.”

Futures For Standardbreds is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization based in Southern Maine.

Ewing continued, “We are grateful to First Tracks for their generosity and willingness to match the horse people’s bottle drive funds.”

All told the local trainers, drivers, owners and caretakers had collected some $1,500 worth of 5¢ returnable bottles and cans, that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.  That is 30,000 individual items!  This amount was matched by First Tracks Cumberland, and with the raceway’s check for $1,500, brought the total donation to $3,000.

Impressed by their efforts, and pleased with the results, First Tracks CEO Mike Cianchette was on hand to present the funds to Mary Beth Ranger on behalf of the Cumberland Racetrack.  “We always like to support the initiatives that the horsemen undertake,” Cianchette stated.  “Whether it is food donations for the local community, or supporting our retired Standardbreds, we know that their efforts are helping the people of Southern Maine, as well as organizations in need.  It is our pleasure to participate.”

Racing will resume in April 2023 at First Tracks Cumberland, which will likely reignite the bottle and can collection efforts.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.