December 11, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – A foggy winter morning made it impossible for fans and racing officials to see the backstretch, however, that didn’t slow down amateur reinsman Hunter Lofthus from getting his first pari-mutuel victory aboard Martaritaondarocks on Sunday (Dec. 10) at First Tracks Cumberland.

With the entire card’s results charts listing FOG at the quarter and three-quarter placements, the entire day was a challenge for the judges, announcer, television crew, race charter as well as invested and casual observers.  Nonetheless, all ten of the day’s races went off without a hitch, despite the lack of a clear field of vision.

When the wings folded and the field disappeared into the mist through the first turn, Lofthus had allowed all the early speed to leave and get position while he was content to sit back and let the race develop.  The opening panel was in :29.2, with no official running order published.

At the half Alex Richardson had Four Finger Floyd on the point and controlling the tempo, with Road Untraveled and Benson Merrill sitting in the two-hole.  Favored Patanjali N (Todd Whitney) was tracking closely in third with Hunter Lofthus and Martaritaondarocks moving first over from fifth position into the 1:00.3 half-mile marker.

According to Lofthus, he was able to flush the cover of Todd Whitney past the half.  It would have been anyone’s guess what happened next, so the winning driver provided his own account of the action as the race unfolded.

“I moved three-wide at the three-quarter pole, ahead of Todd Whitney” noted Lofthus.  “Coming around the last turn I was still three-wide and passed Benson Merrill and Alex Richardson.”

Track announcer Mike Cushing, who made lemonade out of lemons by filling in the gaps of invisibility stated, “emerging from the fog, it is Martaritaondarocks and Hunter Lofthus grabbing his first lifetime win!”

Lofthus recounts, “We cleared by the head of the stretch.  I never had to touch her.  I just spoke to her and she went faster and drew off until we won by five.”

Funny thing about fog is that it is a great equalizer…no one can see.  The horsemen on the backstretch were also hampered by the lack of visibility, so when Cushing announced that Hunter Lofthus had won, he heard “everyone in the paddock going crazy.”

Lofthus recalls the good-natured ribbing of his colleagues, “everyone was teasing me and giving directions to winners circle and asking if I cut through the infield to win.”

When Lofthus entered the winners circle, his girlfriend Emily Burgess was there to greet him.  In addition, several of the top drivers came to show their support, including Kevin Switzer Jr., Nick Graffam and Aaron Hall. 

Brandy MacKenzie the caretaker and wife of trainer Cain MacKenzie held the mare’s head following the mare’s third win in four starts.

“We are so thrilled for Hunter.  To be part of his first ever win has brought us so much joy and happiness, and we are so proud of him.  He has worked hard and improved a little with every race.  I can’t wait to keep watching him and see where he goes in the future,” said MacKenzie.

But this mare also holds a special place in Brandy MacKenzie’s heart.  “She has come into our barn and stole my heart and has proven her spot and that she belongs there.  She is a beast on the track and loves to win.  I think she is the best horse ever, but I might be a little biased.  She is the only female in the barn, and I am the only female at home, so us girls have to stick together!”

Aimee Nichols of Blue Seal Feeds was also on hand to provide the swag bucket trophy that has become synonymous with winning a Maine Amateur event.

One of the best sideshows in harness racing, these amateur events are wildly popular, well supported by the bettors, and are taking place weekly across multiple jurisdictions throughout the northeast and Midwest.  The Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC ) is no exception, as this $4,400 leg enjoyed its sixth week of winter-time competition. 

MADC events are proudly sponsored by Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

For Lofthus, it was his first victory in 22 attempts since 2022, with 17 starts this year.  The 35-year-old was born in Seattle, Washington, but now makes Monmouth, Maine his home and is a professional electrical lineman and tree expert.

Sunday’s card also included several legs of the Holly and Jack Frost late closing series, with purses increasing for next week’s divisions, and $10,000 finals slated for Dec. 24.

The two $5,000 Holly LC Pace legs were captured by Humor Me (1:58.4, $4.00, Aaron Hall) and (Whatchagonnadoboo (2:00.3, $3.80, Kevin Switzer Jr.).

Three $5,000 Jack Frost LC Trots went to: Knight Angel (2:01.2, $2.80, Aaron Hall); Inquiring Mind (2:02.1, $5.60, Steve Wilson); and Namesmuscle (2:02.3, $5.60, Aaron Hall).

Aaron Hall had three wins on the program, with Walter Case Jr. getting a driving double.

Racing resumes Friday (Dec. 15) as the Winter Festival continues at First Tracks Cumberland with our ‘December to Remember’ three-day weekends of racing.  The remainder of the holiday month enjoys a three-peat of Friday-Saturday-Sunday programs.  First post is 10:55 am each day, and runs through Christmas Eve, 2023. 

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 10, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (JOE SHAW PHOTOS)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Alex Having Fun enjoyed storming down the stretch to catch his colleagues at the wire to capture Saturday’s (Dec. 9) $6,500 featured winners over handicap pace in a swift 1:56 at First Tracks Cumberland.

Driven by Aaron Hall, the 6-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven was saddled with post position seven but managed to get away fourth in the early going.  High-energy wagering favorite The Bird Dance N (Dan Deslandes) scooted away from the car like an upbeat Tango performer, setting a blistering :27.4 opening panel.

As the field settle down and the gaps began to close, Hall moved Alex Having Fun first over into a ‘breath-catching’ :58.2 half.   The challenger continued to bear down on the leader through an up-tempo 1:26.3 third stanza, with the pair heads apart as they rounded the final turn for home.

Hall let out a notch and let Alex Having Fun have his head as the pair paced swiftly down to the wire, winning by 2-1/4 lengths.  Owned and trained by Kimberly Vafiades, it was the sixth victory of the year for the top pacer.  His seasonal earnings now exceed $88,000, and he paid $5.60 to win.

The Bird Dance N finished second; Ranaldi (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

The program also included three $5,000 divisions of the Rudolph Late Closing Pacing Series.  The first division was captured by Art Of Endurance, who scored in a season’s best 1:56.  Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Benson Merrill and owners John and Thelma Kiernan and Tom Bemont, the 5-year-old son of Artspeak picked up his third win in a row at Cumberland.  He paid $16.80 for the triumph.

The remaining Rudolph divisions were captured by Tim McMiki (1:59.3; $3.00) for driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Randy Bickmore; and Nagle (1:58.1, $14.20) with Dan Deslandes driving for Jeff Deslandes.

The next round of Rudolphs will compete for $6,000 purses next week, with the $10,000 final slated for Dec. 24.

Bruce Ranger had three wins on the program, with Dan Deslandes and Aaron Hall getting driving doubles.

Trainer Benson Merrill harnessed two winners.

Racing continues Sunday (Dec. 10) at Cumberland with a $554.86 carryover in the Pick-5, which starts in race three.

The Winter Festival continues at First Tracks Cumberland with our ‘December to Remember’ three-day weekends of racing.  The entire holiday month enjoys a three-peat of Friday-Saturday-Sunday programs.  First post is a now few minutes earlier, slated for 10:55 am each day.

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week through Christmas Eve, 2023. 

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 9, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (JOE SHAW PHOTOS)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Veteran reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr. put on a driving clinic on Friday (Dec. 8) at First Tracks Cumberland, winning five races on the 11-race program, including half of the six divisions of the first leg of the Gingerbread Late Closing series.

Wasting little time, Switzer got the party started in the opener with Readyfortheladys who sat a two-hole trip behind favorite Miss U Big Mike (Dan Deslandes) and popped out to win the first $4,800 Gingerbread in 1:58.2.  Owned and trained by Eric Bickmore, the 5-year-old son of Always A Virgin paid $9.40 to win.

Collusion Illusion (Walter Case Jr.) finished second, with the aforementioned favorite hanging on to be third.

Under sunny skies Switzer continued his assault on the finish wire, grabbing the early double with Novella Seelster in 1:58.4.  The 4-year-old daughter of Sportswriter is trained by Mike Stevenson, owned by Dana Whittemore, and paid $3.00 to win that $4,000 conditioned pace.

In the second $4,800 Gingerbread division Switzer copped a natural hat trick with Bet On Joe.  Coming from off the pace, the 8-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight posted the fasted mile of the day, scoring in 1:57.3.  Owned by Sharon Goding and trained by Bob Marston, punters cashed a $13.00 ticket.

Always A Mystery (Dan Deslandes) finished second; He Can Rock (Aaron Hall) was third.

Switzer’s fourth victory came aboard No Humble Jumble (2:01, $12.20) for owner-trainer Wilbur Brown.  Then ‘Mr. Hot Hands’ came right back in the following race to finish out his quintet with Rockinwitharythm in 2:00.  Paying $31.60 in the fifth Gingerbread div., the 4-year-old son of Rockin Image gave trainer Mike Stevenson his second win on the card.

Wagering favorite Head Of The Table (Aaron Hall) finished second; Cache All The Way (Steve Wilson) was third.

In other news, bettors who support young talent have found up-and-coming driver Garrett Mosher to be sort of a ‘cash cow’ on Friday.  Mosher, the 34-year-old son of veteran New England reinsman Gary Mosher, won the fourth race with Amarittigone which paid $18.00 for trainer Hunter Moody.  Then he came right back in the next race to win with his own Ultimate Flyer N in 1:57.4, paying $39.60.  Benson Merrill was the conditioner in that Gingerbread div.

Aaron Hall won the remaining two Gingerbreads, scoring with his own Lucan Hanover (1:58, $2.40) and his dad’s (Craig Hall) Mr Blissfull (1:58.3, $13.60).  The purse for this series will increase to $5,500 next week with a $10,000 final on Christmas Eve.  The series drew a total of 46 entrants for the preliminary round.

Racing continues Saturday (Dec. 9) at Cumberland.

The Winter Festival continues at First Tracks Cumberland with our ‘December to Remember’ three-day weekends of racing.  The entire holiday month enjoys a three-peat of Friday-Saturday-Sunday programs.  First post is a now few minutes earlier, slated for 10:55 am each day.

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week through Christmas Eve, 2023. 

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 7, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Race secretary Rob Pennington hit a home run with his holiday-themed winter late closing series, resulting in the presentation of over a dozen legs of four individual series being contested over the upcoming three-day (Dec. 8 – 10) weekend at First Tracks Cumberland.  With a total of $68,800 in first leg purses alone, the series conditions were obviously a big hit with the Maine horsemen, as well as soon-to-be retirees.

Mike Cushing, president of the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association agreed.  “These Late Closer Series offered by First Tracks Cumberland have offered our hearty Maine Horsemen and women the opportunity to race for decent money right through the closing weekend.”

Cushing, who also serves as track announcer during the winter months concluded, “The fact that trainers have entered 14 full fields of horses in these series shows their commitment to what was once considered off-season racing in the state of Maine.”

Friday’s card boasts six divisions of the first leg of the Gingerbred Late Closer for pacers that were non-winners of $20,000 this year as of Nov. 30, etc.  Each leg goes for $4,800 this week and will increase to $5,500 next week with a $10,000 final on Christmas Eve.  The series drew a total of 46 entrants for the preliminary round, with several horses that last raced at Plainridge enjoying a shorter commute this week.

The third race features veteran pacer Twin B Impressive being handled by veteran driver-owner Bruce Ranger.  The 8-5 morning line favorite scores from pylon position in the second division of the Gingerbred series.  The 14-year-old son of super sire Bettor’s Delight is also slated for our Au Revoir retirement ceremonies on Saturday (Dec. 23).  Although Cumberland will host a special race for 14-year-old retirees on that date, it is likely the Twin B Impressive will have to wait an extra day to close out his career in the Gingerbred final.

Another duel Gingerbred-Au Revoir participant is Ira Chief who will score from post four in race seven with Nick Graffam handling the lines.  Trained by Mike Graffam and owned by Chris Hamilton, the 14-year-old son of Chief Silverheels has 52 wins lifetime and amassed in $558,372 in career earnings.  He is listed as the 7-2 second choice in his division.

Rounding out the Gingerbred fields is Cee Pee Panic, the third horse in the twilight of his career that is also scheduled for retirement honors this season.  The 14-year-old son of Perfect Union is trained by Benson Merrill and is owned by Hudson Valley residents John and Thelma Kiernan and Tom Bemont.  At 9-2 on the morning line in the 11^th race finale, Garrett Mosher gets the call on the seasoned veteran making his 398^th career start.

Saturday’s (Dec. 9) card features three $5,000 divisions of the Rudolph Late Closer Pace, Leg 1, for NW $25,000 in 2023, etc., which bumps up to $6,000 next week and includes a $10,000 final.

In addition, fan favorite gray horse and soon-to-be retired Putnam’s Storm will race for his 85-year-old owner-trainer-driver Bob Nadeau.  Much has been written about the sport’s fastest Maritime-bred ghostly pacer, and shall suffice to say that many a tear will be shed when we bid Au Revoir to this proud sidestepper.

On the Sunday (Dec. 10) program the Holly Lane and Jack Frost late closers also enjoy two and three divisions respectively.

The $5,000 Holly Lane Pace for fillies and mares NW $25,000 in 2023, etc. is filled with veteran mares along with a few sophomore fillies looking to remain active now that their state programs have concluded.  That series jumps to $6,000 a division next week and goes for a $10,000 final on Dec. 24. 

The trotting counterpart Jack Frost Trot also enjoys $5,000 divisions this week, $6,000 next week with a $10,000 final.  In fact, all four of the above listed late closing series have the potential for $7,000 consolation races, if entries permit, making this one of the most lucrative programs ever offered at First Tracks Cumberland.

Another highly anticipated event is the $4,400 sixth leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race and is slated for Sunday, which includes Au Revoir participant Supreme Mach N.  Owner-trainer-driver Dalton Lee guides the winner of 46 races lifetime in the opener from the outermost post 8.  As always, the MADC events are sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham.

Neverdie rounds out the six 14-year-old Au Revoir horses that continue to put in the miles.  Co-owned by trainer Mike Cushing and driver Steve Wilson (with Mike Graham), the veteran son of Credit Winner boasts 52 lifetime victories, and as his name suggests, will never say die.

Sixteen horses in all have committed to the Au Revoir retirement ceremonies.  The above mentioned horses will also be joined by: Drunk And Dramatic, Fuzzylegsandall, J J S Jet, Mountain Rock, Natural Breeze, Northview Punter N, Nucular Enemy, Penney’s Spirit, Remix and Stardust Memories.

The Winter Festival continues at First Tracks Cumberland with our ‘December to Remember’ three-day weekends of racing.  The entire holiday month enjoys a three-peat of Friday-Saturday-Sunday programs.  A total of 32 races will be offered over the upcoming Dec. 8 – 10 span.  First post is a now few minutes earlier, slated for 10:55 am each day.

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week through Christmas Eve, 2023. 

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/ Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland

December 4, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Kevin Switzer Jr. won four and Walter Case Jr. won three races, including the feature, giving the veteran reinsmen over half of the victories on Sunday’s (Dec. 3) soggy twelve race card.

Case got busy immediately winning the second race with Cinco Senorita from post seven.  Parked out the last half, the 5-year-old Pet Rock mare scored in 2:01 and paid $6.20 for trainer McKenzie Sowers and owner Marianna Monaco.

Trainer McKenzie Sowers sent out another winner with Walter Case Jr. driving in race four.  Jumpshot jumped right out for the lead from post four and never looked back.  Tripping the timer in 2:02.2, the 7-year-old son of E L Titan paid $5.00 for owner Room4040 LLC Stables.

Kevin Switzer Jr. got things rolling in race seven, coming from off the pace with Pembroke Booboo in 2:05.1.  The 4-year-old daughter of Pembroke Slugger paid $12.20 to win for owner-trainer Jason Leal.

Switzer came right back in race eight to score with Martaritaondarocks in 2:02.2 for owner-trainer Cain MacKenzie.  The 4-year-old Pet Rock mare paid $4.00.

In the $6,500 ninth race winners over trot, Walter Case Jr. was three wide down the backside with Ice Breakers K and grabbed the feature in 2:00.3 by a quarter of a length, getting up in the final strides for the victory.  It was also the third win of the day for trainer McKenzie Sowers.  The 4-year-old son of Winning Mister is owned by Room4040 LLC Stables, and picked up his fifth win of the year.

Kevin Switzer Jr. came back to win the final two races on the card with Foxy Trottin Stick (2:04.3, $11.80) and Whatchagonnadoboo (2:00.4, $8.00), giving the top driver four wins on the afternoon card.

There was a $453.29 carryover in the finale’s High Five Pentafecta, which will be added to Friday’s (Dec. 8) pool.

Bruce Ranger leads all drivers at Cumberland with 67 victories this year.  Switzer Jr. follows with 61 victories, then Drew Campbell (51), Nick Graffam (49), and Aaron Hall (48) round out the top five.

Todd Whitney won the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) event with Patanjali N in 2:01.4.  Owned and trained by Michelle Lefebvre, the 10-year-old mare by American Ideal picked up her seventh win of the season and paid $4.80 to win.  The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.

Horsemen are reminded that Cumberland’s Winter Late Closing Series starts next week, with the potential for over $150,000 in purses being offered.  For more information, please go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/horsemen/

In addition, the last day to enter a horse in the Au Revoir Retirement Ceremony is Wednesday (Dec. 6), also sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds.  For more information contact Chris Tully.

Racing at Cumberland resumes on Friday (Dec. 8) and continues with our regular three-day weekend schedule, Fridays through Sundays, up until Christmas Eve.  Post time remains 11 am.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 3, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Lexus Witha View A jumped up in the final strides to capture the $6,500 winners over feature at First Tracks Cumberland on Saturday (Dec. 2), winning by a nose over betting favorite The Bird Dance N.

With half of the field tracing their origins to ‘Down Under’ the well-traveled group of top pacers made for an exciting race with the winner hanging in the balance until the very last moment.

At the start, driver Dan Deslandes put local fire engine The Bird Dance N right where he likes to be…on the front end.  The 7-5 favorite was on the muscle at the :27.3 opening panel, with Ranaldi (Kevin Switzer Jr.) grabbing the garden spot and Dontbothermenone N (Ron Cushing) riding shotgun first over from post eight.

Going to the :57.2 half-mile marker the tempo had eased momentarily, allowing the outer flow to build with Bush Man N (Bruce Ranger) now second over and Lexus Witha View A (Nick Graffam) locked in the box fourth.

As the field dashed down the backstretch for the final time, Dontbothermenone N was stalling forcing Bush Man N three wide.  The Bird Dance N accelerated into a 1:27.1 third panel and gained some separation on the rest of the pack.  That was all the daylight that Graffam needed with 9-1 longshot Lexus Witha View A as he tipped out of the three-hole and was now charging first over around the final turn.

Down the stretch the leader was being tracked down with every stride, with the pursuer eliminating his 3-1/2 length head of the stretch deficit to a mere whisker.  Lexus Witha View A scored in 1:57.1, getting up by a nose in the final stride over The Bird Dance N.  Ranaldi hung on for third.

Trained and co-owned by Jamie Gerard with Strategic Racing Stable, the 9-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere paid $20.40 to win.  It was the second win in a row for Lexus Witha View A, who now has six wins with $54,258 earned this season.

Graffam had a driving hat trick on the twelve-race card, with Drew Campbell and Aaron Hall each grabbing doubles.

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for the Sunday (Dec. 3) program with another dozen races on the card.   First post is 11 am.

Horsemen are reminded that Cumberland’s Winter Late Closing Series starts next week, with the potential for over $150,000 in purses being offered.  For more information, please go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/horsemen/

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week, Friday through Sunday, up until Christmas Eve.  Post time remains 11 am.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

December 2, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – They couldn’t catch local favorite Airspinder as driver Wally Watson guided the $4,800 feature winner to a wire-to-wire victory at Cumberland on Friday (Dec. 1).

Scoring from post three, Watson fed the 7-year-old son of No Spin Zone plenty of racetrack when the wings folded, while being pushed to a swift :28.2 opening panel, with Reys N A Ruckus (Dan Deslandes) ultimately conceding and ducking into the two-hold. 

The first to move was the sophomore pacer So Rock N’ Roll (Kevin Switzer Jr.) who helped urge the pack to the :58.4 half-mile marker.  As the field straightened out down the backside So Rock N’ Roll looked the 8-5 favorite Airspinder right in the eye, with 21-1 longshot Jaxson R Brown (Nick Graffam) poised to pounce second over at the 1:27.2 third stanza.

Announcer Mike Cushing exclaimed “Airspinder is a tough horse to pass” as Watson urged his charge through the turn, thwarting the advances of So Rock N’ Roll.  With the latter horse fading, Jaxson R Browne made his thrust for the wire, but could not catch the victorious Airspinder.

Tripping the timer in 1:57.1, Airspinder prevailed by three parts of a length and paid $5.40 to win his seventh race of the year.  Earning $31,058 this season, he is owned and trained by David Sawyer.  Jaxson R Browne finished second; So Rock N’ Roll hung on to be third.

Both Bruce Ranger and Dan Deslandes enjoyed driving doubles on the nine race card, and conditioner Benson Merrill harnessed a pair of winners: Southwind Terror (2:00.2; $6.40) and Ultimate Flyer N (1:59.2; $10.00).

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for the Saturday (Dec. 2) and Sunday (Dec. 3) programs, with a dozen races each day.  There is a $710.75 carryover in the High-5 Pentafecta in Saturday’s finale.  First post is 11 am.

Horsemen are reminded that Cumberland’s Winter Late Closing Series starts next week, with the potential for over $150,000 in purses being offered.  For more information, please go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/horsemen/

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week through Christmas Eve, 2023.  Post time remains 11 am.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

November 30, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – For the third season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 23.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or have retired within the last four years, and have Maine connections. 

Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with photograph in the program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate.  This shall serve as the tracks ‘last call’ for entries.  Trainers or owners must ‘declare’ their horse by Dec. 6.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

First Tracks Cumberland has transitioned to a three-day weekend of racing, adding the Friday (Dec. 1) card, which compliments the Saturday (Dec. 2) and Sunday (Dec. 3) programs.  A total of 33 races will go postward over the three-day span.  First post, 11 am.

Horsemen are reminded that Cumberland’s Winter Late Closing Series starts next week, with the potential for over $150,000 in purses being offered.  For more information, please go to: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/horsemen/

Racing at Cumberland continues three days each week through Christmas Eve, 2023.  Post time remains 11 am.

For more information go to our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com/ Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland

November 27, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Apex trotter Broadway Giant made his third appearance in the First Tracks Cumberland winners circle in as many weeks, taking Maine’s top $5,500 conditioned trot once again on Sunday (Nov. 26) by open lengths.

Driven by veteran reinsman Bruce Ranger, the 9-year-old son of Broadway Hall coasted to the top from post six and never looked back, scoring untested in 2:01.2.  Owned and trained by Ron Patoine, it was his ninth victory of the season and fifth win in his last six starts.  Winning by 3-3/4 lengths, he paid $4.40 as the wagering favorite and increased his yearly earnings to $30,660.

Osprey Delta (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Mister Muscle (Aaron Hall) was third. 

This season’s fourth leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) witnessed owner-trainer-driver Jason Bertolini pick up his fifth win of the year with his trusty Led Schneppelin.  While waiting patiently to pounce from mid-pack, the 12-year-old son of Memphis Flash won by a head in 2:02.1 while closing swiftly to catch the tiring leaders.  The pair paid $11.20 to win.

American Fighter (Dalton Lee) finished second; Causway (McKenzie Sowers) was third.

The MADC series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

Nick Graffam and Aaron Hall each enjoyed driving doubles on the thirteen race card.

Cumberland transitions to three days of live harness racing each week beginning this Friday (Dec. 1) and continuing through Christmas Eve Sunday (Dec. 24).  The draw for Friday is Tuesday (Nov. 28), with a double draw of Wednesday (Nov. 29) for Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 2 & 3).

For the third season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 23.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or retired and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with photograph in the program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate and must ‘declare’ by Dec. 6.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

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

Follow us on Facebook at @FirstTracksCumberland.

November 25, 2023 – by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Before the so-called “Race of the Year” with likely Horse of the Year Confederate facing older foes at the Meadowlands in tonight’s $350,000 FanDuel Championship, Cumberland will host what could be described as Maine’s Thanksgiving Tussle as some of the best pacers in New England go head-to-head in the $6,500 Winners Over Pace on Saturday (Nov. 25).

Assigned the six and seven post positions respectively, Nineteenth Man A (2-1, Ron Cushing) and The Bird Dance N (5-1, Dan Deslandes) highlight a field of sharp sidesteppers in the holiday weekend’s featured event.  Nineteenth Man A has six wins on his card this season, and earnings of $58,856.  The 5-year-son of Captaintreachersous is in good form and is coming off a win at Plainridge.  He is trained by Heidi Cushing.

The Bird Dance is looking for his tenth win of the year while earning $60,241, and has won some of the signature events at both Maine pari-mutuel tracks, including the $25,000 Fred Nichols at Bangor and the $10,000 Bruce Ranger Open at Cumberland.  The 8-year-old son of A Rocknroll Dance is trained by Karl Butterfield.

The field also contains De Chirico (Drew Campbell) and former track record holder Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham), making this a strong set of upper echelon performers.  Carded as the eighth race, first post for Saturday’s (Nov. 25) twelve race card is 11 am.

The following day on Sunday’s (Nov. 26) program the top trotters meet in the $5,500 conditioned feature.  Broadway Giant (2-1, Bruce Ranger) will look to keep his winning streak alive from post six.  Winning his last four out of five with two in a row, the 9-year-old son of Broadway Hall is trained by Ron Patoine.  He will have to contend with Mister Muscle (7-2, Aaron Hall) who scores from pylon position for trainer Jamie Gerard.

Sunday’s card also features the fourth $4,400 leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), with last week’s victor Martaritaondarocks (2-1, Cain MacKenzie) assigned post eight.  The MADC series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

A total of 25 races will be offered over the Saturday and Sunday cards, all with full fields.  Wagering options include our Pick 5 starting with the third race; the Pick 4 highlights the ninth, and our High-Five Pentafecta in the finale. 

For the third season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, December 23.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or retired and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with photograph in the program.  Equine honorees must be present to participate and must ‘declare’ by Dec. 6.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an Email of interest to Chris Tully at: tullytrot@yahoo.com.

First Tracks Cumberland in Maine will transition to three days of harness racing each week (adding Fridays) beginning December 1 and continuing through Christmas Eve, 2023.  Post time remains 11 am.

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

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