October 13, 2024, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a $380,000-plus extravaganza for 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred harness horses on Saturday (Oct. 12) at Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway in Bangor, Maine. 

While the historical significance of the series was marked with the necessary fanfare at the iconic Bass Park, a quartet of divisional leaders also reinforced their individual places in the chronicles of New England Standardbred sport. 

Marc Tardif’s Two Fold Cold made an uncharacteristic first-over grind to secure his victory in the $96,132 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old male pacers while extending his unblemished season to an even dozen victories. 

Scoring from post six, regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. took a seat instead of his usual point position with the son of Deuce Seelster.  Stable mate Arts Flight (8-1, Andy Harrington) took the spread-out field to the opening panel in :28.2, with Justcallmebuck (16-1, Heath Campbell) in the pocket and the 4-5 favorite Two Fold Cold sitting fifth nearly 10 lengths back.

Tipping off the pegs at the 3/8’s marker, Switzer kept Two Fold Cold rolling past the :58.2 half and ranging up on the leaders into a 1:27.4 third panel.  Whats For Suppaah (27-1, Aaron Hall) picked up the live cover and followed the aggressor through the final turn as track announcer Mike Sweeney exclaimed, “throw a blanket over this stakes field.”

Thundering down the stretch the two Tardif-trained challengers fought valiantly to the wire while whiskers apart.  The judge’s photo finish determined that the favorite, Two Fold Cold prevailed over Arts Flight by a neck in 1:58.2.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif and bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall, it was the colt’s twelfth consecutive victory, which extended his perfect season.  In his career of 21 starts, Two Fold Cold now has 16 wins and $185,046 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $3.60 for the score.

Justcallmebuck finished third, who ironically, is trained by Gary Hall for owner-breeder Kristina Hall.

For the sidestepping sophomore distaff $96,143 Maine Sire Stakes Final, Gowestyounggrace also picked up her twelfth win of the season, albeit by overcoming some hardball racing action in the process.

At the start, the Fred Ward Jr.-trained divisional leader and 1-9 heavy favorite took the lead from post two, but had to contend with the hard-charging Emma Rozze (8-1, Heath Campbell) who blasted up to take command into a :28 opening panel.

Driver Dave Ingraham had Gowestyounggrace right back out at the 3/8’s marker and looking for a re-take.  However Heath Campbell was not so eager to relinquish the point and hung the favorite out to dry past the :57.1 half and through the third turn.

Regaining the advantage before the 1:27.1 third stanza, Ingraham had the daughter of Western Maverick on her toes and fending off another bid by Who’s Perfect (8-1, Aaron Hall) as the field rounded the final bend.

Gaining separation with every stride the series standout secured the win, which was a back-to-back Maine Sire Stakes finals triumph.  Gowestyounggrace now has year-end victories at both ages two and three. 

Winning by 2-1/4 lengths, she paid $2.20 to win for owners-breeders Sharon Ward and Fred Ward Jr., and now has $208,645 in career earnings and 17 victories in 24 lifetime starts.

Emma Rozze finished second; Who’s Perfect was third.

Trainer Valerie Grondin swept both trotting divisions of the 3-year-old Maine Sire Stakes finals, with the Campbell brothers each grabbing their own piece of the familial pie.

Heath Campbell secured a wire-to-wire conquest while driving Pembroke Breeze in her $95,708 filly trot division, scoring in 2:03 by 6-3/4 lengths.  Owned and bred by Bill Varney, she paid $2.20 to win for trainer Grondin.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger grabbed her eighth seasonal victory and boosted her career bankroll to $175,209.  It was also her second Maine finals victory, having also captured the race at age 2.

It was a bittersweet victory for all of the connections as the filly’s prominent owner-breeder William L. Varney had died in his sleep the day prior.  Well known through his ‘Pembroke’ farm moniker, Varney has owned and bred hundreds of racehorses, many of which have made an indelible mark on harness racing in Maine, and across the country, over the last several decades.  Varney was 83.

Bernie’s Legacy (Dave Ingraham) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn) was third.

The $95,583 trotting colt and gelding Maine Sire Stakes final went to Chipper Dale and driver Drew Campbell.  Drawing off by 8-1/4 lengths, they tripped the timer in 2:02.3 in the non-wagering, early race. 

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe, the son of Shake It Off Lindy secured his tenth win of the season, amassing $214,498 in career earnings.

The Maine Sire Stakes Finals, now fifty years in the making, represent a culmination of years of hard work and dedication on behalf of dozens of industry stakeholders, including, but not limited to the owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of these equine athletes.

Not only do these horses represent a significant individual and collective investment in harness racing and agriculture in the state of Maine, but the peripheral revenue generated by the truck and trailer sales and maintenance, fuel suppliers, feed companies, hay producers, tack shops, blacksmiths, farm owners, and racetracks that give them a place to compete, generously exceeds seven figures annually.

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

October 11, 2024, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway at historic Bass Park welcomes the $380,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Finals with four 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred events on Saturday (Oct. 12) in Bangor, Maine. 

Looking to put an exclamation point on an already perfect season is Marc Tardif’s Two Fold Cold (5-2) in the $96,132 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.  The son of Deuce Seelster has 11 wins in as many starts this year, and retains the services of regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. from post six.

However, the early morning-line favorite is Hesjustadelight (2-1) from post three.  Ron Cushing drives the gray son of Western Maverick for trainer Heidi Cushing who won his last start at Fryeburg and is peaking at the right time. 

The third choice from pylon position is Arts Flight (7-2) with Andy Harrington at the controls.  Also owned and trained by Marc Tardif, the son of Artistic Fella could get a big piece of this one with a good trip.

Another Maine-bred star is Gowestyounggrace (8-5) who has been the principal dominant force in her division of sophomore distaffs.  Scoring from post two in the $96,143 final, the homebred daughter of Western Maverick has 10 straight victories to her credit for owner-trainer-breeder Fred Ward Jr.  Veteran reinsman Dave Ingraham will continue to drive the talented lass.

Rounding out the top contenders is Valerie Grondin’s Who’s Perfect (7-2), who has been 1-2-3 in her last seven starts and will be driven by Aaron Hall.  Stable mate Emma Rozze (4-1) retains driver Heath Campbell who steered her to a decisive 6-1/2 length score last week at Fryeburg.

The diagonally gaited filly set features another Grondin pupil in Pembroke Breeze.  The 3-year-old daughter of Pembroke Slugger is listed as the 4-5 favorite in the $95,708 Maine Sire Stakes final.  Driver Heath Campbell has guided her to seven wins in nine seasonal outings for owner-breeder Bill Varney. 

Team Athearn’s My Saving Grace (3-1) will also look to grab the lion’s share of the lofty prize, as the daughter of Shake It Off Lindy put down a string of three straight wins over August and September.

The state-bred action begins thirty minutes before the regular 2:00 pm post time with an early non-betting event, which is the $95,583 Maine Sire Stakes Final for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings.  Four males go postward, with the current point leader Chipper Dale (Drew Campbell) leading the charge.  With nine wins in 12 seasonal starts for trainer Valerie Grondin, the son of Shake It Off Lindy is the proud homebred property of Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

The Maine Sire Stakes Finals represent a culmination of years of hard work and dedication of behalf of dozens of industry stakeholders, including, but not limited to the owners, breeders, trainers, drivers and caretakers of these equine athletes.

Not only do these horses represent a significant individual and collective investment in harness racing and agriculture in the state of Maine, but the peripheral revenue generated by the truck and trailer sales and maintenance, fuel suppliers, feed companies, hay producers, tack shops, blacksmiths, farm owners, and racetracks that give them a place to compete, generously exceeds seven figures annually.

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

October 6, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – Trainer Valerie Grondin swept the Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore trotters at the Fryeburg Fair on Saturday (October 5) as the popular and well-attended meet comes to a close.

The first division for 3-year-old trotting fillies was captured by divisional leader Pembroke Breeze, who took command early and never looked back.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger cruised through moderate fractions to score by 3-1/4 lengths in 2:03.2.  Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, it was the talented filly’s seventh win in nine starts for owner and breed Bill Varney.

The early non-wagering race carried a purse of $19,708.  Bernie’s Legacy (Dave Ingraham) finished second; My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn) was third.

The boys were up next for a three-horse race with a similar purse, where driver Drew Campbell got the drive back aboard Chipper Dale, who also made every call a winning one.  Sprinting away from the field to win by 5-1/2 lengths in 2:03.3, the son of Shake It Off Lindy is trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe.

Carrabasset (Mark Athearn) finished second; Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) was third.

The previous afternoon (Oct. 4) witnessed Two Fold Cold (Kevin Switzer Jr.) grab his 11^th straight win of his career, holding off the late charge of Whats For Suppaah (Aaron Hall) to win by a neck in a pedestrian 2:01.

He is owned and trained by Marc Tardif, and was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall. 

That division of 3-year-old pacing colts and gelding went for a purse of $19,691, as did the other split captured by Hesjustadelight by a head in 1:58.4.

Driven by co-owner Ron Cushing for trainer Heidi Cushing and partners Lynn-Marie Plouffe (breeder) and Anthony & Joseph Romanelli, the son of Western Maverick picked up his third victory of the year.

Just Call Me Buck (Heath Campbell) finished a close second; Arts Flight (Andy Harrington) was third by a neck.

The final seasonal races for all of these Pine Tree State-bred Standardbreds are four divisions of the 3-year-old Maine Sire Stakes Finals, which will be held at Bangor Raceway on Saturday (Oct. 12).

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

October 3, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Joe Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – When the famous Fryeburg Fair welcomed Maine’s 3-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (October 2), the fans were treated to another dynamic performance by divisional standout Gowestyounggrace, who soared to her tenth consecutive victory.

Expertly handled this season by veteran reinsman Dave Ingraham, the daughter of Western Maverick-Gracie Gracie left from post three and made every call a winning one.  Posting moderate fractions of :30, 1:01 and 1:31, the top filly coasted home in 1:59.2, winning by 2-3/4 lengths.

Owner-trainer-breeder Fred Ward Jr., along with his wife Sharon, have managed the filly with care.  With their eyes focused ahead, toward the lucrative sophomore finals at Bangor on Oct. 12, getting to this point has also been prosperous.  The homebred distaff has earned $160,574 with 16 lifetime wins.

While she will assuredly be the heavy betting favorite in her divisional final, this recent victory in the $19,696 Maine Sire Stake event was a non-wagering event.

Pembroke Red (Heath Campbell) finished second; My Sweet Revenge (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

The second equally-prized division witnessed, Emma Rozze also take a wire-to-wire tour of the iconic Fryebug oval, known by many as the ‘Delaware (Ohio) of Maine’ for its big crowds and passionate fan base.

The daughter of Artistic Fella-Pembroke Violet, led every step of the way for Heath Campbell in the bike for trainer Valerie Grondin. 

Winning in 1:58.4 by 6-1/2 lengths she is owned and was bred in Maine by Valerie Grondin and now includes William Underhill as co-owner.  It was the filly’s first lifetime win, giving her a sub two-minute time badge.

Ghost Of You (Switzer) finished second; Animore Sass (Harrington) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes resumes at the Fryeburg Fair with 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday (Oct. 4), and the sophomore trotters on Saturday (Oct. 5).

Looking ahead, four divisions of the 3-year-old Maine Sire Stakes Finals will be held at the Bangor Raceway on Saturday (Oct. 12).

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

September 29, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Maine’s $300,000-plus 2-year-old finals witnessed two unbeaten youngsters remain as such, with a few surprises in the other divisions Saturday (Sept. 28) on the closing day of the 152^nd Cumberland Fair.

Champion colt Whatawonder cruised to an easy victory in his $75,753 Maine Sire Stakes final for freshmen male trotters.  Leaving from the outer most post position six, driver Ken Watson wasted no time to get his talented charge to the top.

Dropping a 29.4 opening panel, which was his fastest ever, the gelding proceeded to carry his four-length advantage through the remaining splits of 1:01.3 and 1:31.3.  Looking stronger with every stride, the son of Whataworkout strode home in 2:02.4, a new lifetime best and a track record.

Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, it was Whatawonder’s tenth straight victory, paying $3.40.  He is trained by Lisa Watson.

Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; stable mate Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) was third.

In the $76,023 Maine Sire Stakes final for 2-year-old male pacers, the heavy 2-5 favorite Massive Speed did not disappoint.

Thrusting out from behind the starting car driver Walter Case Jr. smartly let early speedster Race Me Celtic (Drew Campbell) assume command, albeit briefly.  A give-and-go release gave Massive Speed the top again just past the 27.4 swift opening panel.

At the 58.4 half-mile marker a cavalry charge of sidesteppers were stacked up three high as they passed the stands the second time, with Jax Attack (Aaron Hall) first over and Gracies Tough Guy (Dave Ingraham) applying pressure alongside three wide.

While Massive Speed was on top by three at the 1:28 third stanza, Race Me Celtic was gapping his cover in the pocket with Gracies Tough Guy now first over and looking to duck to the pylons.

As the field turned for home, Massive Speed had gained considerable separation on the rest of the field.  Only Gracies Tough Guy had stayed within two lengths of the son of Dude’s The Man, as Case held his whip high while crossing the wire and broke the divisional track record with the 1:58.2 triumph.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was the tenth consecutive victory for Massive Speed, who was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.  He paid $2.80 to win.

Race Me Celtic finished third.

Little Shot took a big shot and prevailed in the $75,916 final for 2-year-old trotting fillies.  Driven by conditioner and co-owner Ivan Davies, the daughter of Noble Venture was sent right out for the lead from their pylon position at the start, and proceeded to make every call a winning one.

Tripping the timer in 2:04.1, Little Shot was the second choice on the board and paid $7.40 to win her second race of the season.  Also co-owned by Shirley Hutchins, she was bred by Dr. Douglass Hutchins and Paul Kinnear.

Barbella (Bruce Ranger) finished second; Race Me Bombshell (Drew Campbell) was third.

For the $75,821 Maine Sire Stakes final for freshman pacing fillies, it was Leanne Marie that crossed the wire first for driver Mike Cushing.  However, the judges determined that Leanne Marie interfered with Chasing Dudes (Nick Graffam) in mid-stretch, therefore the latter was declared the winner, with the former being placed second.

Chasing Dudes, a daughter of Dude’s The Man, is trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder Bob Marston and paid $7.80 to win.

Audry (Steve Wilson) finished third.

The day’s fastest race was the $10,000 Winners Over class, where Lifes A Puzzle triumphed for driver Kevin Switzer Jr. in 1:54.4.  Trained by Alison Hynes for owner Richard Humphrey, the 4-year-old son of Lazarus N is another successful graduate of the Gordon Corey Institute of Equine Erudition.

The day also witnessed a plethora of $10,000 pop up series finals which were well received by the large crowd of fans and bettors on hand for the final day of the fair.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 28, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $19,00-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old trotters and pacers went postward on Friday (September 27) at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair, with the usual suspects cementing their place in the divisional hierarchy.

In the early $20,432 non-wagering race for sophomore male pacers, which was rescheduled due to Thursday’s cancelation, it was the indomitable Two Fold Cold who made his signature gate-to-wire supremacy known to all who bore witness.

Leaving from post four the son of Deuce Seelster continued his reign of terror on his classmates and rolled through 28.1 and 58.3 early fractions, before turning on the afterburners into a 1:27.2 third panel.  Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. had to keep the gelding on his toes as Gary Hall’s Justcallmebuck and Heath Campbell were breathing down his neck as they stormed down to the wire.  The precocious pacesetter held on to prevail by a quarter length in 1:57.3.

Ironically, Two Fold Cold was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall, but is now the property of conditioner Marc Tardif.  It was his tenth straight seasonal victory and remains undefeated this year.

Stable mate Art’s Flight (Andy Harrington) finished third.

Valerie Grondin grabbed a back-to-back victory aboard Chipper Dale, sitting a two-hole trip behind stable mate Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) in the $19,483 Maine Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and gelding trot.  The son of Shake It Off Lindy tripped the timer in 2:04.4, winning by 2-3/4 lengths. 

Owned and bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, it was the gelding’s eighth seasonal victory and third in a row.  He paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite.

Pembroke Will finished second; Carrabassett (Mark Athearn) was third.

Next up were the sophomore trotting distaffs vying for $19,708, with divisional leader Pembroke Breeze resuming her previous form for the triumph.

Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the filly made quick work of the field as she made every call a winning one, scoring in 2:05 by 1-3/4 lengths.  The daughter of Pembroke Slugger was riding a five-race win streak when she finished third in her last start in mid-August.  After some time off she has returned to her winning ways for owner breeder Bill Varnery, grabbing her sixth race of the season, paying $2.20.

Bernie’s Legacy (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes at the Cumberland Fair the 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).  Post time is 1:00 pm.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 27, 2024, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Once again, First Tracks Cumberland welcomes the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old Pine Tree State-bred harness horses on Saturday (Sept. 28), which is being held on the final day of the 152^nd Cumberland Fair.

The first final for 2-year-old pacing fillies, is probably the most completive on paper.  The current point leader Chasing Dudes (3-1, Nick Graffam) leaves from post seven, giving her combatants Whisper Of Luck (2-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Leanne Marie (5-2, Mike Cushing) a distinct advantage from post one and two respectively. 

Leanne Marie comes into the race off a win in the final leg of the series, and also the fastest record (2:01.3) which she took at Farmington on Sept. 17.  The homebred daughter of Artistic Fella is trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing, who also co-owns with owners-breeders Pamela Smith and Jane Dipompo.

The freshmen filly trotters have Pandemic Princess as their point leader, who hails from the powerful Valerie Grondin Stable and gets the services of Heath Campbell.  Fresh off a win at Farmington, the daughter of Whataworkout was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, who still maintains ownership.  She will score from post six and is listed at 5-2. 

The early morning line favorite in that division is Blizzard’s Fury (2-1, Switzer) who also hails from a powerful stable in the Tardif Taskforce.  Despite early-mile miscues, she regularly regains her composure and trots home with purpose to be 1-2-3 in nearly every start.

While the Maine-bred fillies seem to be evenly matched, the boys are led by a distinct standout in their divisional battles.

The sidestepping colt and gelding pacers have been chasing Massive Speed (6-5, Walter Case Jr.) all season long.  The son of Dude’s The Man brings an unblemished record of nine wins in nine starts to the contest, and leaves from post two.  He sports a mark of 1:58 at Bangor, is trained by Marc Tardif, owned by Leighton Property, and was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding.

Several of the race’s top contenders also hail from the Tardif Taskforce, as Marc and Peggy have five in this final.  Due to a favorable post position, Valerie Grondin’s Keenan Star (5-2, Heath Campbell) also has a punchers change at divisional glory.

Like his pacing counterpart, Whatawonder, has dominated his male trotting division. A son of Whataworkout, the Lisa Watson-trained wunderkind has a perfect 9-for-9 record. 

Ken Watson has driven the gelding perfectly all season for owner-breeder Barbara Watson, and is the even money favorite from post six.  While the talented high-stepper has never seen the back of a helmet, a few would-be spoilers are poised to pounce should any there be any unforeseen opportunities. 

Liberty’s Wildcard (9-5, Switzer) has seven second-place finishes behind the divisional leader, and has gotten to Whatawonder’s wheel on several occasions.  Stable mate Katahdin Victor (3-1, Wally Watson) also knows the top dog’s tricks and could be right there also.

The full card of harness racing action begins at 1 pm, with the four $75,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes events being carded as races two, four, six and eight on the 12 race program.

Including the Maine Stakes, First Tracks Cumberland has added several pop up series finals to the day’s festivities, bringing the total purses on the program to nearly $380,000.  The track is also holding its popular Cumberland Derby where fans can enter to win up to $500 by picking the correct race winner.

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

September 26, 2024, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Gowestyounggrace and Mrs Foxy Roxy both took their respective $19,921 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday (September 25) at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair.

It was the ninth straight victory and tenth on the season for Gowestyounggrace who has been unstoppable since late-June.  Owned and bred by Fred and Sharon Ward and trained by Fred Ward, the swift daughter of Western Maverick gave Emma Rozze and Heath Campbell a re-take into the 29 first panel.  It was the first time that the filly had seen the back of a helmet in months, so Ingraham wasted little time re-establishing command before the 1:00.2 half.

By the third stanza in 1:30.2, with the rest of the field following intently, it was only a matter of how fast he would let ‘Grace’ pace down to the wire.  Ultimately the final time was a reserved 1:59.4, winning by 1-3/4 lengths.  She paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite.

Who’s Perfect (Aaron Hall) finished second; Emma Rozze was third.

In the other division, Mrs Foxy Roxy and Walter Case Jr. led every step of the way, scoring in 2:00.3 by neck over a fast closing Pembroke Red and Heath Campbell. 

It was the third seasonal victory for the daughter of Deuce Seelster, who paid $11.60.  Trained by Bob Marston for Bill McElvaine Jr., Diane Dunn and Brad Veilleux, she was bred in Maine by Kristina and Gary Hall.

My Sweet Revenge (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished third.

Before the Wedneday card the Maine Standardbred Breeders Association held a special on-air draw at First Tracks Cumberland, where Saturday’s (Sept. 28) four $75,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes finals for 2-year-olds were drawn.

CUMBERLAND RACEWAY

Saturday, September 28, 2024, First Post 1:00 PM

Second Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Filly Pacers  

Purse: $75,821     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Pace         Dis: 1 Mile    

HN    Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   WHISPER OF LUCK    Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

2   LEANNE MARIE       Mi Cushing          Ch Cushing           

3   RUFF DUDE’S JENA   Da Ingraham         Ke Case              

4   AUDRY              St Wilson           Ch Cushing           

5   THINKIN BOUT LIFE  Wa Case Jr          Ma Tardif            

6   GLORILLA           Ro Cushing          He Cushing           

7   CHASING DUDES      Ni Graffam          Mi Graffam           

Fourth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Filly Trotters  

Purse: $75,916     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Trot         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   LITTLE  SHOT       Iv Davies           Iv Davies          

2   KATAHDIN MISTRESS  Wa Watson           Li Watson          

3   BLIZZARD’S FURY    Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

4   RACE ME BOMBSHELL                      Wi Childs          

5   BELABELLE          Er Bickmore         Er Bickmore        

6   PANDEMIC PRINCESS  He Campbell         Va Grondin         

7   BARBELLA           Br Ranger           Ke Andersen        

8   LADY LAKE MARTY    Ke Watson           Li Watson          

Sixth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Colt & Gelding Pacers  

Purse: $76,023     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Pace         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   CHEATIN FATE       Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

2   MASSIVE SPEED      Wa Case Jr          Ma Tardif          

3   RACE ME CELTIC     Wi Campbell         Wi Childs          

4   KEENAN STAR        He Campbell         Va Grondin         

5   ELLA V DUDE        Br Ranger           Ma Tardif          

6   DAWN TWO DARK      An Harrington       Ma Tardif          

7   GRACIES TOUGH GUY  Da Ingraham         Fr Ward Jr         

8   JAX ATTACK         Aa Hall             Ma Tardif          

Eighth Race

MAINE SIRE STAKES FINAL 2 Year Old Colt & Gelding Trotters  

Purse: $75,753     Class: ME SS FIN*     Gait: Trot         Dis: 1 Mile    

PP  Horse              Driver              Trainer            

1   JUST FOOLIN        He Campbell         Da Crochere        

2   IRON MIKE          Ma Athearn          Gr Athearn         

3   ENCHANTED PRINCE   An Harrington       Ki Ireland         

4   LIBERTY’S WILDCARD Ke Switzer Jr       Ma Tardif          

5   KATAHDIN VICTOR    Wa Watson           Li Watson          

6   WHATAWONDER        Ke Watson           Li Watson          

The Maine Sire Stakes continues, along with a full cards of harness racing action, at the Cumberland Fair with the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).  Post time is 1:00 pm each day.

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

September 21, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – While winning races is nothing new for veteran conditioner Valerie Grondin, driving the 3-year-old male trotter Chipper Dale to victory on Friday (September 20) at the Farmington Fair is also familiar territory.

Grondin, who has amassed 2,256 victories and over $11 million in purse earnings as a trainer decided to get back in the bike and pick up where she left off last season.  The Maine native had been riding a five-race win streak with the son of Shake It Off Lindy-Bibbidi Boo when the colt was two, just one year ago.

In fact, Grondin picked up her benchmark 500^th career driving victory at the 2023 Windsor Fair with Chipper Dale.  The pair ended up finishing second at Farmington the following week. 

Earlier this season, trainer Grondin decided to hand the lines over to veteran reinsman Drew Campbell. The Maritime-native is the brother of Grondin’s partner Heath Campbell, and seems to get along well with the gelding, having won six of nine races with him this year.

But that all changed this year at Farmington where Grondin stated, “Drew is lucky that I let him drive Chip!”

She added with a chuckle, “He hasn’t ruined him, yet!”

So, with Winston ‘Drew’ Campbell racing at Plainridge Park on Friday, Grondin was pleased to get back behind the Lynn-Marie Plouffe-owned and bred winner of $145,412 in purse earnings.

Leaving from post three, Grondin was content to let Chipper Dale follow stable mate Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell) through the first two panels (31.4, 1:03) in the non-wagering event.  She pulled first over going to the third stanza in 1:34 and proceeded to draw off from the field to win by five lengths in 2:03.3.

“I was very happy to drive him [at Farmington].  Chip is very handy and needs a light hand,” Grondin noted.  “He loves his job.”

The score gave sophomore trotter Chipper Dale career win number 13, and for Grondin it was driving win number 501.  She is now 1-1 and batting 1.000 for the season.

In that event Pembroke Will finished second, and Carrabassett (Mark Athearn) was third.

Trainer Valerie Grondin and owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe got another victory on the day’s program as Chipper Dale’s 2-year-old half-sister Pandemic Princess got back to her winning ways.

The daughter of Whataworkout raced parked-out for the last half-mile to score in 2:07 for driver Heath Campbell.

Blizzard’s Fury (Kevin Switzer Jr.) cut fractions of 32, and 1:04.2 to half, prompting Campbell to come first over and challenge for the lead.  By the 1:36.2 third panel ‘Princess’ was poised to pounce and charged home in 30 seconds to win by a length over the pacesetter.  She paid $9.20 to win for the third time in her young career.  Grondin returned to the winner’s circle with tears of joy to celebrate the victory.

Barbella (Walter Case Jr.) finished third.

The distaff sophomore trotting class witnessed Bernie’s Legacy scoring a pocket trip triumph for driver Dave Ingraham in 2:08, while breaking her maiden and giving her a new lifetime mark. It was the filly’s first win in 17 lifetime starts, as she had been first or second in ten previous outings.

Trained by David Crochere for owner Teri Toubeau, the 3-year-old daughter of Shake It Off Lindy was also bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, which was her third Maine Sire Stakes breeder win of the afternoon.

Pacesetter My Saving Grace (Mark Athearn) finished second, Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing) was third in that non-bettor.

To no one’s surprise, freshman trotting sensation Whatawonder continued his reign of terror, securing his tenth straight victory and bringing an unblemished record into the 2-year-old finals next week at Cumberland.

Driven by Ken Watson for trainer Lisa Watson and owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, the son of Whataworkout rolled to a wire-to-wire, length and a quarter victory in 2:04.1.  He paid $2.80 to win, and now has $71,573 on his card.

Liberty’s Wildcard (Switzer) finished second; Katahdin Victor (Wally Watson) was third.

The four trotting events of the Maine Sire Stakes each carried $19,000-plus in purses.

The Maine-bred action resumes at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old sire stakes racing starting on Wednesday (Sept. 25) and culminating with the Freshmen Finals on Saturday (Sept. 28).

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

September 20, 2024 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Hollianne Niles photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – Massive Speed got his ninth career victory at the Farmington Fair on Thursday (September 19) in the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old male pacers, which was also his ninth consecutive score. 

The unblemished record of Marc Tardif’s Massive Speed added another notch to his belt on Jug Day.  The Dude’s The Man colt made every call a winning one as driver Walter Case Jr. rolled right to the top and never looked back.  The top colt in his division won his non-wagering event by a length and quarter in 2:00.1, with a final quarter in 28.1.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, Massive Spped was bred in Maine by Laurie Harding and increased his career bankroll to $71,658.

Gracies Tough Guy (David Ingraham) finished second; Cheatin Fate (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

In the other division Valerie Grondin’s homebred Keenan Star grabbed his second lifetime victory in just his fifth seasonal outing.  Driven by Heath Campbell, the son of Western Maverick looped the Farmington oval and left all would-be challengers in his wake.  Winning in 2:01 by a measured length, he is also owned and was bred by Valerie Grondin.

Jax Attack (Aaron Hall) finished second; Race Me Celtic (Bill Childs) was third.

The pair of non-wagering events of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings carried $19,000-plus purses.

The Maine Sire Stakes concludes at the Farmington Fair with harness racing Friday (Sept. 20) carrying all divisions of the Maine-bred trotters. 

The next stop will be the Cumberland Fair with Sire Stakes racing starting on Wednesday (Sept. 25) and culminating with the Freshmen Finals on Saturday (Sept. 28).

For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow our Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com