July 14, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Saturday’s (July 15) $6,000 featured pace at Cumberland looks to be a clash of the region’s top pacers fighting against one another, with the successful perpetrator looking for a summons to the $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational Pace on August 5. 

Already the two top finishers in the $25,000 Fred Nichols at Bangor on July 2 have been tapped, while racing secretary Rob Pennington is watching the area’s top pacers carefully to select the next invitees.

Saturday’s $6,000 eighth race is where the track’s upper echelon will collide, with the trackman installing Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing-Heidi Gibbs) as the early morning line favorite at 3-1 from post 3.

The recent immigrant from Down Under has two wins and a third since landing on American soil, and has his sights set on another victory while leaving from his inner-most post position to date.  A 5-year-old gelding by Captaintreacherous, on June 16 he won his first start of the season at Cumberland, and came right back to score in a lifetime best of 1:54.4 at Bangor nine days later.

Just outside the early favorite is Dragonology (Nick Graffam-Karl Butterfield) who has been seven times 1-2-3 in 11 seasonal starts.  He is listed at 7-2 from post 4.  Last week’s victor, Rocksapatriot (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) drew post 7 and is just inside El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Candace Brandstatter) who is always a threat with three wins in his last five outings.

With the closing day of the Spring-Summer meet just three weeks away, and running concurrently with Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, First Tracks Cumberland has pulled out all the stops and is offering a bounty of attractions for horsemen and fans alike.

In addition to the aforementioned featured invite on August 5, there will also be a pop-up series with an increased purse structure, as well as a substantial prize for the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) Spring-Summer Final.  Plus, all the Maine Sire Stakes eligible trotters are slated for several divisions that afternoon.  In fact, with all of the on-track activities, coupled with import wagering from both Saratoga Race Course (flats) and the entire Hambo Day card, first post has been set an hour earlier at 2:15 pm.

But wait, there’s more!  For fans there will be a Hambletonian hat giveaway, as well as the return of our popular Cumberland Derby.  Patrons who enter the contest select a horse in a designated race and will have a chance to win a total of $500 in cash.

This week’s $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) carries full field of eight horses and drivers, many of whom are looking to increase their point total for a spot in the lucrative final in three weeks. 

Luke Varnum, who won last week’s edition, is back with his own Pembroke Ranger (Post 3, 3-1), as is the second choice behind Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N who is listed at 2-1 from the rim.  Last year’s MADC champion Benson Merrill brings A List (5-1) into the mix and is looking to catch lightning in a bottle, once again.  The MADC is carded as race 2, and as always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

Saturday’s (July 15) program carries 12 races, plus one early $14,948 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes event for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, which goes off at 2:45 pm. 

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

With the NYRA Thoroughbred platform switching to upstate New York, Cumberland will offer Saratoga viewing, programs, and wagering every Saturday until Aug. 5.

Live harness racing continues at Cumberland on Saturday (July 22) and then offers a three-day weekend of racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 28, 29 & 30.  Regular post time is 3:15 pm (EDT).  The final Summer weekend of racing is scheduled for Friday (Aug. 4, 3:15 pm) and Saturday (August 5) with a special early post time of 2:15 pm.

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

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

–30—

July 9, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Luke Varnum guided his own Pembroke Ranger to a mild upset victory, winning the $4,400 Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), defeating the horse’s former owner on Saturday (July 8) at Cumberland.

Known as the ‘Greatest Side Show’ in Harness Racing, this week’s event did not disappoint.  Scott Farley driving his own Dylan’s Future (7-1) dashed out for an early lead, with an eye-popping 27.3 opening panel. 

As the field settled in for the ride, and Farley tapped the brakes, Todd Whitney and Quick Fun N (2-5) sat comfortably in the garden spot, with Hurricane Bunny (35-1, Brian Kelley II) rushing up to get in third position, leaving Varnum in fourth. 

Just past the 3/8’s marker David Crochere pulled Go All Night Joe (24-1) first over from back in seventh.  Sensing the urgency of the situation Kelley II pulled Hurrikane Bunny from the three-hole and gave Crochere some tentative cover. They hit the half in a pedestrian 59.3, with the second quarter in a gentle 32 seconds.

As the field rounded the third turn, Hurrikane Bunny had called it an afternoon and was backing up through the field, forcing horses three-wide to avoid the slowdown.  Varnum started to close the gap into the 1:29 third panel, while favored Quick Fun N and Whitney pulled the pocket on Dylan’s Future and Farley, as their lead and momentum began to diminish. 

Around the final turn Pembroke Ranger and Luke Varnum had set their sights on the wire and began to bear down on the new leaders Quick Fun N and Todd Whitney.

Wheel to wheel, nose to nose, the pair battled down the length of the Cumberland home stretch.  Interestingly, Pembroke Ranger was purchased by the 69-year-old trainer-driver Luke and his wife Patricia in 2021, from none other than Todd Whitney.  Half-way down the lane Luke Varnum could be heard hollering, “Hey Todd, here comes your boy!”

They hit the wire in 1:59.3, which was the fastest winning time in two years for the 6-year-old son of Western Maverick, who won by a head and paid $15.80. Go All Night Joe finished third.

When asked after the race if Varnum had to get after his charge to get the job done, he replied, “I gave him a couple of taps.  We won’t be paying any fines.”

The Maine Amateur Driving Club is always graciously sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

The featured $6,000 conditioned pace was captured by former track record holder Rocksapatriot in 1:56.1.  Driven by Dave Ingraham for trainer-partner Kelly Case and owner-breeder Stephen Farrell, the 8-year-old son of Rockincam picked up the 26^th win of his career.  He paid $5.20 to win.   El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; slight favorite Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing) was third.

Driver Mark Athearn and trainer Gretchen Athearn swept the two early non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 2-year-old trotters.  My Saving Grace, a frosh filly by Shake It Off Lindy scored in the first $14,017 distaff trot, defeating Bernies Legacy (Ivan Davies) in 2:08.4 by three parts of a length.  Owned by Margaret Thyng and bred by Leighton Property, it was the second ‘official’ time behind the starting gate for both participants.  

The $13,796 Maine-bred 2-year-old colt trot was a walkover in 2:11.3 by a son of Boy Band named Carrabassett.  Owned by Patrick Leavitt and bred by the late Mike Andrew, it was the gelding’s third circuit in a professional setting.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 15).  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.  The final day of the meet features a Hambletonian hat giveaway, wagering on all the action from The Meadowlands, our popular Cumberland Derby with $500 in cash prizes, the MADC final, and a new $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational. 

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

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

July 8, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Often referred to as the ‘Greatest Side Show’ in harness racing, amateur harness driving clubs compete everywhere from the Meadowlands and Yonkers, to Oak Grove and the Meadows; and, of course, Cumberland, Maine.  Participants in this Saturday’s (July 8) Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race have done particularly well in the annual Tim Fouts Memorial Driving Championship in Delaware, Ohio.

Amateur driving clubs from all over the United States each send a representative to compete in the Fouts Memorial, which serves as the U.S. Trotting Association’s Amateur Club Championship.  Know the world over as the home of the home of the Little Brown Jug, Delaware is the perfect piece of real estate to showcase the passion and excitement of these part-time teamsters.

In fact, over the last few decades, two Maine representatives have won the race.  In 2008 Todd Whitney won the event and went on to be named the USHWA Amateur Driver of the Year.

Luke Varnum, grabbed the event in 2015 while wearing his rain colors in the blazing Ohio sunshine.  His wife, Patricia ‘Tuffy’ Varnum recalls, “I had forgotten Luke’s colors in the dryer at home, but had already packed his rain colors.”  And so goes the life of a traveling harness driver.

Most recently, Derek Howes represented the Mainers and finished a solid second in the event two years ago.  The current series leader Jason Bertolini, who is absent in Saturday’s event, set blistering opening fractions last year at Delaware, but unfortunately couldn’t maintain his torrid pace.

While series newbie Scott Farley has been listed as the morning line favorite with his own Dylans Future (HN 2, 2-1), Whitney is the second choice at 7-2 with Quick Fun N and scores from post 5.  Luke Varnum has the rail with his own Pembroke Ranger (4-1) and Howes drives Alero Blue Chip (HN 3, 12-1) in the full field of eight.

Last week’s MADC victor, David Zuckerman and his own Rest Assured (HN 7, 6-1) didn’t draw so well this week.  Fan favorite Putnam’s Storm (8-1) and tribal elder Bob Nadeau score from post four.  The Maine Amateur Driving Club is slated as race 7, and as always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

The featured $6,000 conditioned pace is carded as the 3:15 pm post time opener and pits El Jacko N (Kevin Switzer Jr., 2-1) against Nineteenth Man A (Ron Cushing, 3-1).  Both top sidesteppers are coming off of wins, and have not met until now.  The faithful Rocksapatriot with ‘Double Digit’ Dave Ingraham scores from pylon position and is the third choice at 7-2.

Saturday’s (July 8) program carries 12 races, plus two early $13,500 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 2-year-old trotters, which start at 2:00 pm. 

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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/

–30—

July 1, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – David Zuckerman, a 67-year-old lifetime harness racing participant, won the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC) race at Cumberland on Saturday (July 1), which was his first trip back to the winners circle in over 40 previous attempts.

A Massachusetts native, Zuckerman was a licensed teamster in 1977 at age 21, where he earned a whopping $35 in two starts at the Scarborough Fair. 

The next year he had nine starts and then won his first race at Topsham in 1982.  He also raced at Lewiston, Cumberland, Skowhegan, and other Maine fairs during his fledgling career.  Bitten by the bug, he has been driving horses sporadically ever since. 

“I got involved with a guy named Jeff Strong who offered a class in harness racing. From there I bought a horse, and took care of him before and after work,” recalls Zuckerman.

A dental supply salesman and company owner, he has 189 driving starts over the last 45 years and claims to participate just for fun. 

“It’s a hobby and an honor to be out there…wherever I finish,” exclaimed Zuckerman.  “Mike [Stevenson] and Bruce Ranger were happier than I was [after the win]!”

Today’s triumph was the first time Zuckerman has found pay dirt since 2018, however he has finished third on three occasions earlier this season.  In today’s race Zuckerman left from pylon position with his own Rest Assured and let Jarred Laughlin and Pay Later take command through opening fractions of 29 and 1:00.1.

With Zuckerman comfortable in the two-hole, the only challenge to the leaders came from Benson Merrell with Cee Pee Panic down the backside into a 1:29.2 third quarter.  When the field rounded the turn for home Zuckerman’s Rest Assured felt the pressure from the outside and responded to urging and began to gain ground on the leader.

Getting up in the final strides, owner and driver Zuckerman grabbed the victory by three parts of a length in 2:00.3 with Rest Assured.  They paid $11.80 to win.  The trainer of record is Mike Stevenson.  Pay Later hung on to be second; Cee Pee Panic was third.

The Maine Amateur Driving Club is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.

Two $15,209 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings were contested before the regular card.  Thrice winner Luke McGook scored again in 1:59.4 for owner Leighton Property, trainer Marc Tardif and driver Kevin Switzer Jr.  The second division went to Twice The Ice who is owned and trained by Tardif and was driven to a 1:58 victory by Andrew Harrington, a new lifetime mark.

Bruce Ranger won four races on the afternoon card and remains atop the drivers’ standings.

Racing resumes on Saturday (July 8).  First post is slated for 3:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 5.  The final day of the meet features a Hambletonian hat giveaway, wagering on all the action from The Meadowlands, our popular Cumberland Derby with $500 in cash prizes, and a new $25,000 Pine Tree Invitational.  The first two finishers in tomorrow’s Fred Nichols at Bangor get an automatic invitation.

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

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

June 30, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Fans showed Maine harness racing some love on Friday (June 30) at First Tracks Cumberland with an all-time record handle of $265,000.  In addition, trainer-driver Ivan Davies swept both $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-olds, with both trotters being bred by the late Mike Andrew, sired by Boy Band and owned by Anita Anastosopolous.

The early $14,502 non-wagering event witnessed Davies cruising toward the front with his sophomore filly Wild Ending, while navigating several breakers to finally capture the lead past the 33.2 opening panel.  With a snappy 1:03.4 half, Davies had put 8 lengths between himself and the rest of the field.  Last week’s winner She’salilbitmouthy (Aaron Hall) caught the field at the 1:36.2 third panel, after an earlier miscue just past the start.

As the field turned for home Davies let out another notch and cruised to victory in 2:06.2, with a final quarter in 30 seconds flat.  It was the first lifetime victory for Wild Ending who is also trained by Ivan Davies.  She’salilbitmouthy finished second; Another Adventure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

A little over an hour later Ivan Davies came right back to capture the $14,641 Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trot with Wabanaki in 2:01.1. 

As the wings folded all the boys behaved, putting six sophomore trotters into contention through the tight Cumberland first turn.  Davies and Wabanaki (3-1) benefitted from pylon position and held sway through the bend and onto the backstretch.  Stealin Money (Nick Graffam, 6-1) tracked closely in second, with Outlawofthevalley (Kevin Switzer Jr, 2-1) in third.

Davies and Wabanaki continued to call the shots at the 1:00.3 half, but when the leader hit the third panel in 1:30.4, Outlawofthevalley pulled first over to make a bid for the top.  However Davies had other ideas as he and the son of Boy Band used that cue to quicken the pace.  When the pair hit the head of the stretch Wabanaki drifted out, but had sufficient distance on the field to score by 3-1/2 lengths at the wire. 

Wabanak paid $8.20 to win for owner Anita Anastosopolous.  Stealin Money finished second, Pembroke Traveler was third.

The $6,000 overnight feature was captured by Broadway Giant in 2:00 for driver Bruce Ranger.  He paid $12.80 to win for owner-trainer Ron Patoine.

Reliable sources confirm that the $265,000 total handle for Friday’s card at Cumberland was the largest handle wagered in the state of Maine in over four decades.  The previous high was $191,000 set on December 26, 2022.

Dave Ingraham and Kevin Switzer Jr. each won three races on the 13-race card.

Saturday’s (July 1) program carries 11 races, plus two early $15,209 non-wagering Maine Sire Stakes events for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.  In addition, the Maine Amateur Driving Club is slated as race 9.  As always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine. 

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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/

June 24, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Despite an early miscue Outlawofthevalley overcame his inaugural round jitters to grab the lone $14,491 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old male trotters on Friday (June 23) at Cumberland Raceway.

Sent in as 7-5 favorite in the opener, driver Kevin Switzer Jr had to help steady the gait of the sophomore gelding by Pembroke Slugger as the pair were three lengths off the gate when the starter called ‘go.’  Once the field hit the first turn, Switzer Jr. hit the accelerator and moved past the other three participants in a quick brush of speed to reach the quarter-mile marker first in 30.3.

As the field approached the half, Outlawofthevalley was showing the way with Stealin Money (Nick Graffam) right there second.  A gap of nearly six lengths separated the leaders from Eustis (Mike Stevenson) and Pembroke Traveler (Heath Campbell), who were third and fourth respectively at the 1:02 half.

The pace quickened going toward the 1:32.1 third stanza, with Pembroke Traveler finally tipping to the outside as time was running out to make a closing bid.  With both of the aft-placed trotters gaining ground, the wire found Outlawofthevalley still on top, with Stealin Money second and Pembroke Traveler getting up for third.

It was a new lifetime mark of 2:03.1 for Outlawofthevalley, who picked up his fourth career victory for owner-breeder Leighton Property and trainer Marc Tardif.  He paid $4.80 to win.

Friday’s early non-wagering race featured the first purse start for three Maine-bred sophomore filly trotters, competing for a purse of $14,277.  Winning from pylon position in a wire-to-wire tour was She’salilbitmouthy in 2:08.  The daughter of Victor Blue Chip was driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Mike Cushing, and is owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps.  Second by three parts of a length was Another Adventure (Kevin Switzer Jr.).

The Graffam Stable swept all of the ‘Learn and Earn’ baby races on the early card, giving driver Nick Graffam and trainer/father Mike Graffam three victories with three different freshmen pacers:  Crimson Pine, a colt by So Surreal in 2:05.3; Mrs Foxy Roxy, a filly by Deuce Seelster in 2:07.1; and The Marvinator, a colt by Mysharona Bluechip in 2:08.4.  Each race carried a nominal purse of two hundred dollars.

With a total of 15 ‘purse’ races being held on Friday, the winningest driver of the afternoon was Nick Graffam who captured three early races plus one overnight.  He was followed by Kevin Switzer Jr. who had a hat trick, and then with Aaron Hall, Bruce Ranger, Mike Stevenson who each grabbed a pair.

Saturday’s (June 24) program carries 11 races, and features the triumphant return of the Maine Amateur Driving Club in the opener.  As always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.  In addition, the $5,500 race 10 top trot carries the match up of Plainridge invader Vesuvio Bi (Walter Case Jr.) against home-town stalwart Broadway Giant (Bruce Ranger).

There is a $929.48 carryover in the Pentafecta, with betting options including a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the regular assortment of attractive exotic wagers with low 16% takeouts sprinkled throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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/

June 23, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Two $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters will be contested early on Friday (June 23) at Cumberland Raceway, along with the annual baby races for 2-year-old freshmen Standardbreds.

Three divisions of ‘Learn and Earn’ baby races will be held before Friday’s card starting at 1:15 pm.  The races go for $200 each and give the youngsters a chance to experience the sights and the sounds of racing, before their freshmen Maine Sire Stakes divisions begin in early July.  For several of the 18 listed starters, it is their second educational outing.

An early non-wagering race scheduled for 2:30 pm features the first purse start for three Maine-bred sophomore filly trotters, vying for a purse of $14,277.  Scoring from pylon position is She’salilbitmouthy, a daughter of Victor Blue Chip that earned $90,647 last season, which included a victory in the freshmen final at Cumberland.  Now driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Mike Cushing, she is owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps.

The boys follow shortly thereafter at 3:15 pm in the pari-mutuel card opener.  Four fellas compete for $14,491 in the Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trot.  The Trackman has given a slight edge to Outlawofthevalley (6-5, Kevin Switzer Jr., post 3) over Pembroke Traveler (3-2, Heath Campbell, post 4).

Outlawofthevalley is much faster than his record would indicate, having been race timed in 2:03.2 when he finished third in his freshman final.  Owned by Leighton Property and trained by Marc Tardif, the son of Pembroke Slugger earned $39,873 last season.  Outside of him is the horse, Pembroke Traveler, that finished before the former in that 2yo final, race timed in 2:03.  He is trained by Valerie Gronden for owner Bill Varney, and earned $42,617 last season.

The first weekend card on Friday (June 23) boasts an 11-race program.  The co-featured overnights are a pair of $5,000 conditioned pacing races slated as races 5 & 6. 

Saturday’s (June 24) program also carries 11 races, and features the triumphant return of the Maine Amateur Driving Club in the opener.  As always, this series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.  In addition, the $5,500 race 10 top trot carries the match up of Plainridge invader Vesuvio Bi (Walter Case Jr.) against home-town stalwart Broadway Giant (Bruce Ranger).

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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/

June 17, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland (Stephanie Gray photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – On a track listed as ‘good,’ the Maine faithful waited patiently in inclement weather for one of their favorite sons, Kevin Switzer Jr., to snag his 3,000^th lifetime victory.  It finally arrived in race seven, where his sister, Candace Brandstatter harnessed the horse El Jacko N and provided the well-known New England driver with his career benchmark. 

Friends and a large, enthusiastic extended family swarmed the winners circle to help the 35-year-old third generation horseman celebrate the momentous occasion. 

Following the festivities, Switzer Jr. shared his excitement with track photographer Stephanie Gray.  “I am very happy to reach this milestone at my home track, with my sister’s horse,” he exclaimed.

“Having my family, friends and colleagues here in the rain makes it much more special for me,” the talented teamster added.  “Thank you to First Tracks [Cumberland] for the recognition today and leading up to today.  I am very grateful to do what I love, in the place that I grew up.”

El Jacko N, the 11-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Elsu, was the 9-5 favorite and paid $2.60 to win.  Owned by P T Stable and trained by Brandstatter, it was 34^th win of his career, and second in a row at Cumberland.

Two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies went postward as races one and nine.  The first split saw sophomore filly South St Dottie (Nick Graffam, 5-2) come from off the pace to score over the pacesetting favorite La Mambacity (Heath Campbell, 2-5) to score 2:02.  Trained by Mike Graffam for owner Jan Donaway, the 3-year-old daughter of Western Maverick paid $7.60 to win for just the second time in her career.  Janie finished third.

The second Maine-bred division was captured by the favorite Pickmepickme in wire-to-wire fashion.  Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-trainer-breeder Marc Tardif, the daughter of Western Maverick was the top freshman filly in the state of Maine last season.  She paid $2.60 to win the ninth race of her career.  Katelyn’s Angel (Switzer Jr.) finished second and was also trained by Tardif.  Justcallmemimi (Bruce Ranger) was third.

Leading reinsman Bruce Ranger enjoyed three wins on the 12-race program, with Nick Graffam and Andy Harrington each collecting a pair of victories.

Racing resumes Friday (June 23) at 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/

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

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

CUMBERLAND, ME – Call Me Maverick returned home to Cumberland and returned back to his winning ways, as driver Mike Stevenson gave the Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old male pacing champion of 2021 a coast-to-coast victory for his trainer Alison Hynes and her partner Gordon Corey.

The 5-year-old son of Western Maverick picked up the 24^th victory of his career, and pushed his lifetime earnings to $247,162 for his Upland Farm owners.  Just the third start of the year for the former local hero, the wagering favorite tripped the timer in 1:56.1 to win the opener and pay $2.80 to his many backers.  The Bush Man N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Drinka Beer (Andy Harrington) was third in the $6,000 featured conditioned pace.

The $5,500 featured trot was another wire-to-wire romp for Mouthpiece and driver Mark Athearn.  Repeating his ‘go to the front and don’t look back’ routine from last week, the 8-year-old son of Noble Venture never had an anxious moment as the pair strolled home a winner in 2:01.  Owned and trained by Gretchen Athearn, he paid $7.60 to win.  Muscle Gene (Aaron Hall) finished second; L Dees Yoyo Ma (Mike Stevenson) was third.

Four drivers enjoyed doubles on the 13-race program, including Walter Case Jr., Dan Deslandes, Aaron Hall and Kevin Switzer Jr.  The first three listed all won back to back races, but Switzer Jr. won the 4^th and the 13^th which put him at just one victory away from reaching the 3,000 career dash win threshold.   Switzer Jr. is loaded for bear tomorrow (Saturday) with 8 programmed drives.

Saturday’s (June 17) program carries 12 races, and features two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies, carded as races one and nine.

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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/

June 15, 2023, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Josie Hall is no stranger to harness racing.  Having been married to trainer/driver Aaron Hall for the last five years, the daily routine of the Standardbred is quite familiar.  However, the title ‘Josie Hall: Horse Owner,’ is something completely new and exciting for the life-long Maine resident.

“It all started when our racing partner Mike McGee was looking for a horse to race this summer in Maine,” noted the 30-year-old pre-school teacher from the quaint, small town of Gardiner.  That’s when they contacted bloodstock agent Marc Reynolds.

Always on the lookout for new horses, Reynolds found a maiden New York-bred filly racing in Delaware with Andrew Stafford.  Unraced last year at two, and now three with eight starts this season, it was evident to her previous owners that she may benefit from a softer landing spot. 

Enter the Halls and their partner McGee who jumped at the chance to acquire Jazzville.  A well-bred Huntsville sophomore, she was a $60,000 yearling purchase in 2021.

“Mike asked if I would like to be a partner on Jazzville and I immediately said yes,” Josie recalled.  “I go to the races all time, and I love to support my husband when he catch drives and races the horses from our stable.  I thought this would be a fun way to get more actively involved.” 

The filly arrived at the Hall’s stable on Monday and was out on the track first thing Tuesday morning.  “She’s a nice filly, perfect size for a half-mile track.  She pops along with two fingers,” noted Aaron Hall.  “I have been jogging her lightly since she arrived.  But we’re going to have Josie go with her next week.”

Mrs. Hall certain knows her way around the barn and can drive a pitchfork with the best of them.  Of course, Josie and Aaron Hall are high school sweethearts that have been together for the last fifteen years, so being immersed in the horse business was not really an option for the former High School Basketball star.  But, this will be the first time that Josie has owned one of her own.

“Don’t get too attached,” her husband joked, “we have a partner.”  But McGee is more than just a partner.  He and Aaron are good friends and have owned horses together for quite some time.  In fact, McGee was the best man at the Halls’ wedding in 2018.

All the Halls stable in Gardiner where their barn of 18 houses stock for Aaron and Josie, as well as his father Craig, brother Ryan Hall and step brother Jason Bertolini.  One could bet that all the Halls will be ‘striking up the band’ when their newest stable-mate makes her debut on Saturday.

Josie Hall and Mike McGee’s Jazzville (5-2) drew post two in the $4,000 maiden pace on Saturday (June 17) with her hubby listed as both trainer and driver.  Slated as race 11, there are six distaffs in the race, with the morning line favorite McSizzla (post one, Andy Harrington) listed at 7-5.  Trained by Sara Harrington, she is the only 4-year-old in the field.  Ironically, a filly by the name of Bet On Jozie (6-1, Bruce Ranger) occupies post five.  Could this be an omen?  Only time will tell.

Racing starts for the weekend at Cumberland on Friday (June 16) with a packed 13-race program.  The feature kicks things off with a $6,000 conditioned pace, led by Bush Man N (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) scoring from post three, and followed closely in the trackman’s selections by Nagle (3-1, Dan Deslandes, post 5).  Getting some post relief this week is Call Me Maverick (4-1, Mike Stevenson, post 2) a former Maine Sires Stakes champion and a proud graduate of the Gordon Corey Institute of Equine Erudition.  Alison Hynes will check him up.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. is tied for second place in the drivers’ standings, and is currently at 2,997 wins lifetime going into the Friday-Saturday programs.  The local trainers must also be feeling the excitement build toward the latest Cumberland driver milestone as Switzer Jr. has 19 mounts over the weekend’s 25 scheduled races.

Two divisions of ‘Learn and Earn’ baby races will be held before Friday’s card starting at 1:15 pm.  The races go for $200 each and give the youngsters a chance to get behind the gate before their freshmen Maine Sire Stakes divisions start in earnest in early July.

Saturday’s (June 17) program carries 12 races, and features two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies, carded as races one and nine.

The wagering menu always includes a 50 cent trifecta in every race, as well as the standard collection of lucrative wagers with low 16% takeouts scattered throughout the card. 

Cumberland will offer Belmont viewing and programs, as well as all the pertinent wagering options every Saturday.

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.

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