September 14, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – A pair of $17,000 divisions of freshmen female pacers splashed into Bangor Raceway on Sunday (September 13) for the Maine Sire Stakes with the unbeaten rookie No Small Wonder increasing her winning streak to seven.

The pacing phenom was sent right to the top in the traditional manner by front-end favoring reinsman Kevin Switzer Jr.  Scoring from post four No Small Wonder hit the opening panel in a moderate :29.1 during the first, early $16,983 non-wagering event for Pine Tree State-bred 2-year-old pacing fillies. 

The daughter of State Treasurer continued to show the way through middle splits of 1:00 and 1:29.3, while Bettor’s Treasure (McGwire Sowers) kept a tight pocket.  Down the backside the final time Feel The Fury (Aaron Hall) came first over to challenge the leaders, but eventually broke stride.

At the head of the stretch Switzer Jr. gave the filly free reign and she scampered off to win by 2-1/4 lengths over the wet, but fast track in a new lifetime best 1:58.3.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., she was bred by Luke and Patricia Varnum and has earned $57,248 in seven straight victories in as many career outings. 

Bettor’s Treasure finished second; Bad Bunny T (Nick Graffam) rallied for third.

In the second $16,983 division a series of give and takes resulted in Siri, the horse, getting her first lifetime victory, and a new time badge for her efforts.

Leaving from post four the daughter of State Treasurer grabbed the lead for regular driver Heath Campbell, hitting the opening panel in :28.4.  While advancing to the 1:00.3 half Lillian G (Dakota Niles) took command by a head while Wine For The Lady was first over and charging hard for Aaron Hall.

Soon thereafter Lillian G jumped off stride allowing Wine For The Lady to gain six lengths on the rest of the field as she hit the third station in a torturous 1:29.2.  However, the filly that is no relation to Apple’s digital assistant utilized the backstretch breather to swoop the pacesetter down the stretch and prevail by half a length in 2:00.2.

Trained by Jimmy Nickerson for owners Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo, Siri has been second three times this season, often to divisional standout No Small Wonder.  The Lynn-Marie Plouffe-bred filly finally got her moment to shine, posting a :29.4 final quarter to best Wine For The Lady.  Her career earnings over seven starts now total $23,490.

Showfaith Showdown finished third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes concludes at Bangor with the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings at historic Bass Park on Wednesday (Sept. 16).  Following that race the series transitions back to the Fairs with a week of action at Farmington starting with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (Sept. 21).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 13, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

BANGOR, ME – Three $17,000-plus divisions of freshmen male pacers rolled into Bangor Raceway Saturday (September 12) for the Maine Sire Stakes with one previously unbeaten colt being tested and ultimately finishing second. 

The swiftest $17,328 Pine Tree State-bred event took place before the regular card at historic Bass Park, and pitted the top point earner and heretofore undefeated colt The Gucci Man against standings runner up Top Notch Treasure.

When the wings folded veteran reinsman Bruce Ranger sent the inside positioned Top Notch Treasure right to the top in a swift :28.4 opening quarter, with The Gucci Man (Kevin Switzer Jr.) forced into the pocket from post six, while the pacesetter had already established a four-length lead.

The tempo was reduced to :59.2 as the field passed the midway marker.  Shortly thereafter Switzer Jr. took his shot with The Gucci Man, and while parked managed to get within a half length of the leader as they hit the third station in 1:28.4.  However, that attack was short-lived as Top Notch Treasure found another gear and sprinted home to win by three lengths in 1:57.4, just a fifth of a second off the track record.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steve Moskowitz Racing, the son of State Treasurer is also Maine bred on the dam’s side.  From the Western Maverick mare Pembroke Perfect, he was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.  Picking up his fifth win of the season, and a new lifetime mark, his earnings now exceed $44,000.

The Gucci Man finished second; Justcallmebuddy (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the other $17,153 early Maine Sire Stakes for male freshmen pacers, it was One Last Deal who made it two-in-a-row with a wire-to-wire romp from post five.

Clearing handily from the outside and hitting the first panel in :30, the son of Dude’s The Man was sent through middle splits of 1:01.2 and 1:29.3 by Andy Harrington, with no real pressure mounting.  However at the head of the stretch Duderrific (Dave Ingraham), who had been parked since the half, got to the pacesetter’s saddle pad.

With pressure mounting Harrington let his charge have his head and the pair rolled home to score by 4-1/4 lengths in 1:59, a new lifetime best.

Owned, trained and bred by Mark Tardif, it was the colt’s second win of the season.

Stable mate Rustysonlytreasure (Aaron Hall) rallied for second; Duderrific faded to third.

In the final $17,329 rookie pace, which was held on the betting card, nothing was as it seemed.

When the wings folded 4-5 co-favorite Agent James Bond and Switzer Jr. took the lead, however, something appeared amiss with the winless colt as he continued to throw steps in as he led the field to the opening panel in :31.

Poocham Luck (Dave Ingraham) sat a cautious pocket while the pacesetter took the pack down to the half in 1:01.3, prompting Mike Cushing to tip Two Bolts to the outside to engage the leaders.  Joey Mosher picked up that cover with Harriman as they rolled through the third turn.

Down the backstretch into 1:32.2 third station Harriman tipped three wide to go around a rough gaited Agent James Bond while Two Bolts and Poocham Luck were forced to check their charges. 

Harriman had swooped the traffic jam but around the turn driver Joey Mosher lost his colt and went on an extended break.  That allowed Agent James Bond to retake command at the head of the lane.

Despite his squirrely nature, Agent James Bond did cross the wire first, however, following a lengthy inquiry was taken down and placed last for interference.

Poocham Luck crossed the wire second and was thus declared the official winner in 2:03.1.  Driven by “Double Digit” Dave Ingraham, the son of State Treasurer paid a whopping $42.00.  Trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder G. Austin, it was his first lifetime victory in five outings.

4-5 co-favorite Harriman was third placed second.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action resumes at Bangor with the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Sunday (Sept. 13), followed by the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings who return to historic Bass Park on Wednesday (Sept. 16).  Following that race the series transitions back to the Fairs with a week of action at Farmington starting with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (Sept. 21).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 10, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – All the usual suspects invaded historic Bass Park on Wednesday (September 9) for four $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year-old trotters, but when the dust settled two previously unbeaten harness horses had finally tasted defeat. 

The first $17,210 Pine Tree State-bred event on the Bangor Raceway betting card for freshmen male trotters saw Heath Campbell send Pembroke Zagursky right out to the front ahead of the heretofore unbeaten 1-5 heavy favorite U Know I Know.  They hit the first panel in :30.3 with the favorite in a loose pocket for driver Ken Watson, an unfamiliar spot for the division’s leading high-stepper who had won all six of his previous outings.

Mark Athearn tipped Come On Charlie into a 1:03.4 half-mile marker and found himself right alongside U Know I Know who was gapping in third place as they hit the third station in a swifter 1:34.4. 

Around that long, far turn Watson found a seam and slipped out in front of a stalling Come On Charlie and engaged the pacesetter for the stretch drive.  However, there was no catching Pembroke Zagursky as the trotter sped off like a good horse while the formerly unbeaten U Know I Know drifted out while giving chase.

It was the first lifetime victory for the son of Pembroke Slugger who split the beam in 2:05.3, and returned $7.00 for the quarter length win.

Trained by Valerie Grondin for owner Brenda Varney, he was bred in Maine by the late Bill Varney.

High Fashion Owyn (Nick Graffam) finished third.

A few races later in the $17,711 event for 3-year-old trotting fillies, 1-5 favorite Hayden put her seven race seasonal winning streak on the line from post six, but was quickly thwarted at the start by the well-positioned Our Last Quote and Mike Cushing who sent his charge to the top while protecting the pylons.

After a speedy start Hayden and Gary Hall found themselves shuffled back to third into the :30 opening panel as I Think I Can and John Nason had ducked into the pocket during the opening foray.

As the field hit the half in 1:01.3 Coronation Moon (Ivan Davies) flushed Hayen out of her third position to be first over.  That filly stuck her nose out and then advanced to the front into a 1:31.1 third panel while looking Our Last Quote right in the eye.  And then, in the blink of an eye, Hayden jumped off stride which allowed the pacesetter to continue unfettered to the wire in 2:02.1, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Charlene Cushing for owners-breeders Nelson DiPompo Jr and Mike Graham, the daughter of Cantab Fashion picked up her first seasonal victory by 3-3/4 lengths, returning $8.20.

Race Me Boomer (Andy Harrington) finished second; I Think I Can was third.

As part of the early, non-wagering card, driver Gary Hall got redemption for his previous week’s defeat with Princess Caledonia who won easily in her $16,681 Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

The daughter of To The Hilt got away on top and never looked back, scoring by 1-1/2 lengths in 2:07.  Princess Caledonia now has five wins this season and earnings of $48,975.  Co-owned and trained by Gary Hall with partners James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred in Maine by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Mikella Bella was third.

In the $17,008 Maine Sire Stake for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, it was a repeat performance for driver Heath Campbell and Gus’s Workout as they enjoyed another front end circuit for that colt’s second consecutive score.

Winning by a measured length in 2:01.2, he is trained by Valerie Grondin for owner-breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe.  The son of Whataworkout now has $105,688 on his card.

Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn) finished second; Trottingfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action resumes for the Bangor home stand with the 2-year-old male pacers on Saturday (September 12) and their female counterparts on Sunday (Sept. 13).  Then it’s back to the glamour boys who make their triumphant return to historic Bass Park on Wednesday (Sept. 16).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 8, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – It was Déjà vu all over again as Maine’s top 3-year-old pacing fillies, Snowonthepines and Just Delightful, repeated their dominance on Labor Day Monday (September 7), the final day of the Windsor Fair.

A week ago harness racing fans and fairgoers witnessed both fillies take their two $17,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes divisions in grand fashion, and seven days later it was much of the same.

With the first $16,984 division carded as an early, non-wagering race, Just Delightful drew into her own division, and made quick work of the competition.   

Co-owning driver Ron Cushing hastily grabbed the top and rolled to a :28.2 opening panel.  With a :58.4 breather going to the half, the daughter of Western Maverick had Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) sitting in a tight pocket through the 1:28.1 third panel.

Around the final turn and through the stretch Cushing gave Just Delightful her head and the filly responded by leaving the rest of the field in her wake, drawing off by 8-3/4 lengths to score in 1:58. 

Trained by Heidi Cushing for owners Ron Cushing, Stephen Downey, Anthony Romanelli and Joseph Romanelli, it was Just Delightful’s fourth lifetime victory, with her earnings now at $96,907.  Bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, she has nine second place finishes in 17 career outings.

Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Dudelookslikeafily was third.

In the second $17,209 division for sophomore distaff pacers, held before the regular card, it was another wire-to-wire romp for divisional standout

Snowonthepines.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. posted moderate early fractions of :29.4 and 1:00.4 with Heath Campbell and Heymickeyyousofine stuck to his helmet into a 1:30.4 third panel.

The pacesetting duo rolled on to victory as they usually do, with nary a care in the world.  Stopping the clock at 1:59.4, it was the filly’s ninth consecutive seasonal victory, and 18^th of her career.

Last season, Snowonthepines was victorious in all nine of her 2-year-old outing, and now has $170,929 in lifetime earnings for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.

Heymickeyyousofine finished second by 1-1/2 lengths; Ekorus (Joey Mosher) was third.

The Pine Tree State-bred series moves to Bangor for the next few weeks, starting with all of the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 9), followed by the freshmen male pacers on Saturday (Sept. 12).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 7, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – The Glamour Boys division returned to Windsor Fair on Sunday (September 6) with two $17,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes legs for 3-year-old male pacers, just a week after their last visit.

In the first $17,434 event, which was held before the regular card, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. left swiftly with Real Horrorshow into a :29.2 opening panel, putting divisional rival Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) into the pocket seat.

Switzer Jr. reduced the tempo while leading the field to a 1:00.2 midway point, with the field stretched out in single file formation.  With Daytoremember breathing down his neck, Switzer Jr. hastened the pace with a 1:29.4 third panel, and by the time the pair hit the head of the stretch Daytoremember was just a half-length off the pacesetter.

With a fierce battle ensuing in deep stretch, Heath Campbell got Daytoremember up to score by a nose in the shadow of the wire in 1:58, posting a :28 final quarter.

Trained, owned and bred by Valerie Grondin, it was the seventh seasonal victory for the son of Dude’s The Man, and ninth of his career.  His earnings now exceed $114,000.  Daytoremember now leads the Real Horrowshow in the point standings, with just three more legs before the lucrative final at Bangor on October 17.

Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) finished third.

In the second $17,434 division for sophomore male pacers, held on the pari-mutuel card, it was Ghost Of Winter and Joey Mosher who matched strides with stable mate Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall) to take his division in a new lifetime best 1:58.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, the son of Deuce Seelster now has three wins on the season and $43,589 in lifetime earnings.  He was bred in Maine by Kristina Hall and returned $5.60.

Silence Ofdarkness (Aaron Hall) was third, and all three were trained by Tardif.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action concludes at Windsor Fair with the 3-year-old filly pacers who close out the meet on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 7).  The Pine Tree State-bred series moves to Bangor for the next few weeks, starting with all of the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 9).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 5, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – The entire lot of Maine’s 2-year-old pacers toured the Windsor Fair facility on Friday (September 4), with some of the familiar, unbeaten stars emerging as the next great Pine Tree State-bred harness horses.

Four divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes were held before the regular card at Windsor, with three divisions for the freshmen colts and geldings that were made up from the previous (Thursday) day’s rain cancellation.  Originally programmed for Friday was an early race for the fillies, and then a $16,983 pari-mutuel 2-year-old filly pace that was held as the opener.

Right out of the gate and blasting to the lead was the leading point winner in the colt division, The Gucci Man.  Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was tested to the :29.2 opening panel from post six, but made the top and kept his colt rolling to a 1:01.1 half.

Hollywood Chester (Joey Mosher) sat a tight pocket with Two Bolts (Mike Cushing) and Survive The Ride (Aaron Hall) sparking up the outer flow into a 1:32 third panel.

However, as the field hit the head of the stretch The Gucci Man was already five lengths on top.  Gaining ground with every stride he tripped the timer in 2:01, all by himself with 10-1/2 lengths on the rest of the field.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, he posted a :29.0 final quarter in his sixth straight score and increased his lifetime earnings to $47,143. 

Hollywood Chester hung on for second; Fiddlestix Revenge (Heath Campbell) was third.

Trainer Marc Tardif and the Tardif Taskforce swept the other two colt divisions with One Last Deal (Andy Harrington) in 2:00.3 who grabbed his first lifetime victory from four previous outings, and a new time badge to go with it. 

The son of Dude’s The Man, who is also owned and was bred by Tardif, was parked the final half with Agent James Bond (Switzer Jr.) finishing second and pacesetter Rustysonlytreasure (Aaron Hall) hanging on for third.  All three are trained by Tardif.

In the third and final colt event it was Justcallmebuddy who posted the swiftest win of the day and took a new 1:59.2 record in the process.  Trained by Marc Tardif for owners Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton, it was the second lifetime win for the son of Deuce Seelster.  Bred in Maine by Kristina Hall, he now has two in a row.

Top Notch Treasure (Mike Stevenson) finished second; Painter’s Treasure (Andy Harrington) was third.

Just like her male counterpart, No Small Wonder has never seen the back of a helmet in six starts this season, and this $16,983 Maine Sire Stakes outing was no exception.  Sent right to the top by Kevin Switzer Jr., the daughter of State Treasurer made every call a winning one, tripping the timer in 2:01, and prevailing by two lengths.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., she was bred by Luke and Patricia Varnum and now has $48,757 earned.  She returned $2.20 as the heavy 1-9 favorite.

Wine For The Lady (Aaron Hall) finished second; Bettor’s Treasure (McGwire Sowers) was third.

The other $16,808 division for 2-year-old pacing fillies was captured by Feel The Fury in 2:01.3.

Driven by Aaron Hall to her first lifetime victory in wire-to-wire style, she is trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Lesley Leighton.

Bad Bunny T (Switzer Jr.) finished second; Calling All Angels (Stevenson) was third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action resumes with the Glamour Boys (3-year-old male pacers) at Windsor Fair on Sunday (Sept. 6), followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers who close out the meet on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 7).

Maine’s Freshmen compete in two more legs at Bangor and Farmington and then complete their seasons in the rich finals at Cumberland on Saturday, October 3.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 2, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – All of Maine’s 2- and 3-year-old trotters worked their way over to the Windsor Fair on Tuesday (September 1), resulting in some surprises and a new milestone for a prominent trainer-driver.

All four of $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes were held before the regular card at Windsor, with the highlight being the 3-year-old filly trot division where Gary Hall drove his star distaff Hayden to an easy victory and obtained career driving win number 1,500.

Active since 1977, Hall, a native of Dover, Maine has over 10,300 driving starts and $2.7 in purse earnings.  His best season was 40 years ago in 1986 where he enjoyed 164 trips to the winners circle.

Veteran trainer-driver Gary Hall took command early with a :30.1 opening panel, sending the daughter of Cantab Fashion to a swift 1:00.1 half.  I Think I Can (John Nason) sat a loose pocket while Our Last Quote (Mike Cushing) moving first over into a 1:30.2 third panel.

But, no one was going to catch Hall’s fabulous filly as she increased her three-length lead down the stretch to score in 2:00.4, a new lifetime best, while prevailing by 5-1/2 lengths. 

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the seventh seasonal victory for Hayden and her ninth lifetime, as she increased her bankroll to $102,956.  She is currently unbeaten at age three.

Out Last Quote finished second, I Think I Can was third.

In the other battle for un-beatens, a $17,210 Maine Sire Stake dash for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings, it was yet another wire-to-wire rout of a fair track by the Watson’s U Know I Know.

Ken Watson steered the son of Whataworkout to his sixth consecutive win in a lifetime best 2:03.3, scoring by three lengths over stable mate Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson).

Trained by Lisa Watson for owner-breeder Barbara Lawson, the unbeaten divisional star now has $47,416 on his card in six lifetime starts.

Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) finished third.

Earlier in the card, driver Heath Campbell provided a mild upset when he steered Mikella Bella to victory in her $16,681 Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old trotting fillies.

The daughter of To The Hilt got away second behind pacesetting stable mate and current divisional leader Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) who made an uncharacteristic miscue in deep stretch.  Campbell capitalized on the situation and helped Mikella Bella pick up her second lifetime victory in 2:10.2.

Co-owned and trained Gary Hall with partners James Kelly Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall, she was bred in Maine by Anita Anastosopoulos. 

Cape Cod Friday (Dave Ingraham) finished second; Princess Caledonia was third.

In the $17,008 Maine Sire Stake for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, it looked like an instant replay of the last several weeks as driver Heath Campbell sent Gus’s Workout to the front with Trottingfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) ducking in the two hole. 

Gus’s Workout set mild fractions of :32.1 and 1:05 to the half, with Trottingfortreasure first over and within striking distance into a swifter 1:35.2 (30.2) third panel.  But that is where the threat ended as Campbell sent Gus’s Workout on a beeline for the wire and drew off by 3-1/2 lengths to win easily in 2:04.4.

Trained by Valerie Grondin to his third win of the season, the son of Whataworkout is owned and was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe.  His lifetime earnings have reached $96,334.

Trottingfortreasure finished second, High Fashion Hank (John Beckwith) was third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action resumes at Windsor Fair with the 2-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 3) and their female counterparts on Friday (Sept. 4).  Then it’s back to the glamour boys who make their second appearance at Windsor on Sunday (Sept. 6), followed by the 3-year-old filly pacers who close out the meet on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 7).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

September 1, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – It was just another walk in the park for 3-year-old pacing sensation Snowonthepines as Maine’s unbeaten filly continued to put on a show for her fans and connections alike.  With her unblemished record intact at the Windsor Fair, fairgoers on Monday (August 31) witnessed two $17,000-plus divisions highlighted by the Marc Tardif-trainee picking up her 17^th consecutive victory.

With the first $17,2109 division carded as an early, non-wagering race, Snowonthepines went right to the top, but so did the upstart Heymickeyyousofine.

While Kevin Switzer Jr. relinquished his seat on the engine to Heath Campbell momentarily, that spot was short-lived as the top filly was right back out and rolling for a retake.

Following the brief give-and-go, Switzer Jr. posted moderate early fractions of :29.1 and 1:01 with no right lines being pulled.  Heath Campbell and Heymickeyyousofine sat a tight pocket trip through the 1:30.3 third station, with the rest of the field fading from contention.

As the lead pair rolled down the stretch Switzer Jr. never had an anxious moment, as they tripped the timer in 1:59.2 for the filly’s eighth consecutive seasonal victory.

Snowonthepines won all nine of her races as a rookie, and now has $162,3251 in lifetime earnings for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.

Heymickeyyousofine finished second by 1-1/2 lengths; Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) was third.

In the other $17,434 division, which was held on the regular program for 3-year-old pacing fillies, Just Delightful was finally able to get out from under the divisional leader’s shadow, having finished second to Snowonthepines in her four previous outings.   

Co-owning driver Ron Cushing wasted little time moving his charge to the top, establishing a three-length lead by the time they hit the opening panel in a snappy :28.3.  While reducing the tempo into a :59.1 midway point, the daughter of Western Maverick was on cruise control with Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) sitting in the pocket through the 1:29 third panel.

With nothing but air and opportunity in front of her Just Delightful hit her best stride down the Windsor homestretch with a :28.4 final quarter, leaving her rivals in a 5-1/2 length wake to score in 1:57.4, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Heidi Cushing for owners Ron Cushing, Stephen Downey, Anthony Romanelli and Joseph Romanelli, it was Just Delightful’s third lifetime victory, with her earnings now at $88,414.  Bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, she has nine second place finishes in 16 career outings and returned $2.60 as the 1-5 favorite.

Dudelookslikeafily finished second; Ekorus (Andy Harrington) was third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action continues at Windsor Fair on Tuesday (September 1) with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters.  The freshmen sidesteppers hit town with the 2-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 3) and their female counterparts on Friday (Sept. 4).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 31, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

WINDSOR, ME – The Monsters of the Midway invaded Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 30) with two $17,000 Pine Tree State-bred splits of 3-year-old male pacers vying for divisional supremacy at one of Maine’s historic agricultural fairs.

In the first $17,434 Maine Sire Stake race, which was held before the regular card, driver Aaron Hall had to overcome the outermost sixth post position with Rebel’s Revenge to gain the lead.  Parked to the opening panel by Tardif Taskforce stable mate Ghost Of Winter (Joey Mosher) in :28.4, the son of Deuce Seelster made every call a winning one, eventually settling in on the point.

With softer middle splits of 1:00 and 1:31, Hall gave his charge the cue around the final turn and the gelding responded with a :28.4 final quarter, holding off the late charge of Ghost Of Winter to win by a neck in 1:59.4.

Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, it was the third win of the season for Rebel’s Revenge, who increased his career bankroll to $53,128.  He was bred in Maine by Leighton Property.

Quint Asper (McGwire Sowers) finished third.

In the second $17,434 division for sophomore male pacers, another non-wagering event, it was a battle of the big shots as point leaders Daytoremember (Heath Campbell) and Real Horrorshow (Kevin Switzer Jr.) drew into the same division.

As is usually the case, Switzer Jr. sent Real Horrorshow right out to the front, where the son of Dude’s The Man likes to be.  Daytoremember had post five and got away fourth in a :29.4 first quarter.

As Real Horrorshow carried the field to a 1:00.2 half, Heath Campbell tipped Daytoremember to the outside, enjoying the cover of the Joey Mosher-driven Dude’s The Jet. The field became stacked up at the 1:29.4 third stanza with three in and three out as the pacers tried to close in on the pacesetter.

At the head of the stretch Real Horrorshow was able to gain some separation, while Daytoremember swooped the fading horses and was now second and bearing down on the leader.  With identical :28.3 final quarters under their belts, both horses showed solid pace, but it was Real Horrorshow who reigned supreme by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:58.2.

Grabbing his sixth win of the season, and 15^th of his career, Real Horrorshow, increased his lifetime earnings to $154,937. Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer, who also co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., he was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

With the victory, Real Horrorshow is now tied at 350 points with Daytoremember in their divisional point standings.

Silence Ofdarkness (Aaron Hall) was third.

Looking ahead, the harness racing action continues at Windsor Fair on Monday (August 31) with the sophomore distaff pacers, followed by all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Tuesday (September 1).  The freshmen sidesteppers hit town with the 2-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 3) and their female counterparts on Friday (Sept. 4).

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com

August 23, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – In the final day of Maine Sire Stakes racing at the Skowhegan State Fair on Saturday (August 22) freshman star The Gucci Man was the talk of the town as he took his division in a new 1:58.4 track record for 2-year-old colt pacers.

The group of male rookie sidesteppers was featured in three $17,000-plus splits of Pine Tree State harness horses with a pair of early non-wagering races and a third on the pari-mutuel wagering card.  In the first $17,183 division driver Nick Graffam sent Harriman out for an early lead and set a :31 opening panel, and then brought the field back to a 1:03 half, with no outer flow in sight.

Pocket sitting Agent James Bond (Kevin Switzer Jr. ) popped the deuce into a 1:34.1 third panel and was right beside the pacesetter as the colts rounded the final turn.  At the head of the lane Harriman went offstride while Agent James Bond was breathing down his neck.  With the miscue the advancer had taken the lead briefly just as Justcallmebuddy and Aaron Hall came flying down the center of the racetrack and caught Agent James Bond to win by a neck in 2:02.2.  

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton, the son of Deuce Seelster picked up his first lifetime win in his fifth try and a record to go along with it.  Justcallmebuddy posted an impressive :27.4 final quarter, and was bred in Maine by Kristina Hall.  Harriman hung on to be third.

To no one’s surprise, the second $17,328 division was another dominating circuit by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr., which resulted in the colt breaking another track record.

Setting moderate early fractions of :29.3 and 1:00.3, the son of Dude’s The Man allowed a give and go to stable mate Rustysonlytreasure (Aaron Hall), but eventually re-took the point and never looked back. 

Before the half Duderrific (Dave Ingraham) pulled first over from sixth and had advanced to the saddle pad of the pacesetting The Gucci Man into a 1:30.1 third panel with Rustysonlytreasure gapping in the pocket. 

With Duderrific alongside and still challenging, off the final turn Switzer Jr. chirped to his freshman with the unblemished record and cruised home in 1:58.4, the fastest division of the afternoon and new Skowhegan track record. 

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, he posted a :28.3 final quarter in his fifth straight score and increased his lifetime earnings to $38,479. 

Duderrific finished second; Dudeisadelight (Ron Cushing) was third.

In the third and final $17,329 split it was Painter’s Treasure who scampered out for an early lead for driver Andy Harrington.  They hit the first two panels in :30.1 and 1:00.3 with Top Notch Treasure (Mike Stevenson) sitting in a tight pocket.

The field maintained a swift tempo into a 1:30.4 third station as One Last Deal (Kevin Switzer Jr.) tipped to the outside to engage the front end around the final turn.  With Painter’s Treasure fighting back and Top Notch Treasure splitting foes in the lane, One Last Deal made a furious attempt to catch the leader despite swinging wide off the arc.

Painter’s Treasure prevailed by three parts of a length in 1:59.2, a new lifetime best.  Trained by Sara Harrington for owner-breeder William ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, the son of State Treasurer picked up his second win of the season, returning $6.60.

One Last Deal finished second; Top Notch Treasure was third.

The previous day’s Friday (Aug. 21) card featured Maine’s 2-year-old pacing fillies competing in a pair of $16,000-plus divisions at Skowhegan.

Frosh filly phenom No Small Wonder picked up her fifth consecutive victory in 1:59.4, which was also a lifetime best.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was the fourth consecutive victory for No Small Wonder.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, the daughter of State Treasurer is undefeated thus far in her inaugural season and has earned $39,426.

Feel The Fury (Aaron Hall) closed strongly to be second and Lillian G (Dakota Niles) was third in this early, non-wagering event.

In the second $16,983 early race it was the second straight score for Wine For The Lady, who led every step of the way in 2:00, also acquiring a new time badge.  Taking her third career victory by 3-1/4 lengths, the daughter of State Treasurer is trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property. 

Looking ahead, the harness racing action takes a brief week-long hiatus and then returns on Sunday (Aug. 30) when Maine’s homegrown Standardbreds invade the historic Windsor Fair for another week of America’s first sport.

For more information about the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes, follow them on Facebook @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to their website:  MaineSireStakes.com