June 18, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – When the wings of the starting gate folded in one of two $15,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old colt pacers on Wednesday (June 17) at Bangor Raceway, it looked like it was going to be another 1-9 shot going wire-to-wire.  However, that scenario changed dramatically in deep stretch as 9-1 longshot Rebel’s Revenge handed the previously unbeaten Real Horrorshow his first lifetime defeat.

The betting public recognized that Real Horrorshow, last year’s undisputed Maine 2-year-old pacing colt champion, was the top choice considering he was unbeaten as a freshman and was coming off a strong 1:54.4 qualifier at Plainridge for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr.  Not only did the son of Dude’s The Man win all nine of his races at two, including the lucrative $85,000 final, but he did so convincingly by winning most outings by open lengths.

When his regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. put the colt into motion—on the front end—it appeared that the duo would have everything their own way.

Switzer Jr. set reasonable opening fractions of :29 and 59.4 and continued to maintain a two-length advantage over the pocket sitting Rebel’s Revenge and Aaron Hall.  Down the backside and into the 1:29.1 third panel Dave Ingraham had Dude’s The Jet (32-1) rolling first over and for a brief spell was right alongside Rebel’s Revenge.

Around the final turn Dude’s The Jet stalled, which allowed Rebel’s Revenge to find room to ease out and continue his momentum.

But when Hall started to gain ground on the leader, a gasp filled the air.

“Real Horrorshow appeared to have everything to his liking, as expected, and when Rebel’s Revenge pulled the pocket it looked like a typical mere perfunctory late challenge,” noted track announcer Mike Sweeney after the race.  “There was little warning that the complexion of this race would change so dramatically and so quickly.”

And change it did as the Marc Tardif-trained son of Deuce Seelster, who looked a little headstrong down the backstretch, decided that he had had enough following for the day and proceeded to take command under the shadow of the wire, winning by half a length in 1:58.4.

While trainer Marc Tardif humbly stated that his colt “raced good,” the Leighton Property-owned sophomore not only took a new lifetime mark, but also may have altered the flavor of the upcoming season.

While Mike Sweeney called it the “upset of the year” during his exciting stretch call, the five-year Bangor track announcer has witnessed his fair share of Maine Sire Stakes events, and opined, “perhaps the outlook for this entire division has now tilted.”

Rebel’s Revenge returned $20.40, with no show wagering on the race.

In the earlier $15,609 division for sophomore pacing colts and geldings the 1-2 heavy favorite Daytoremember with Heath Campbell in the bike made quick work of this field from post five. 

Rolling through comfortable initial fractions of :29 and 1:00.1, Campbell picked up the tempo and hit them with a 1:28.3 third panel to draw off by three and score in a new lifetime best of 1:57.3. 

Owned and trained by Valerie Grondin the son of Dude’s The Man returned $3.00 for his first start of the season.

Itsjustmoney (9-2, Switzer Jr.) finished second; Mia’s Boy (10-1, Mark Athearn) was third.

This ‘glamour boys’ leg was the first $15,000-plus rounds of Maine Sire Stakes action for this division, which starts the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase.  This group shall meet again at Cumberland on June 27.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts the 3-year-old trotters on Sunday (June 21), with the 3-year-old pacing fillies back at Bangor on Wednesday (June 24).

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

June 16, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes

BANGOR, ME – Just like in the filly division of the Maine Sire Stakes, there is an undefeated colt named Real Horrorshow who makes his seasonal bow in one of two $15,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old colt pacers on Wednesday (June 17) at Bangor Raceway. 

Real Horrorshow, last year’s undisputed Maine 2-year-old pacing colt champion steps into his first seasonal stakes competition off a blistering 1:54.4 qualifier at Plainridge for trainer Kevin Switzer Sr.  The son of Dude’s The Man won all nine of his races at two, including the lucrative $85,000 final.

Regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. gets the call for the 3-5 heavy favorite from pylon position, which is just where the precocious gelding likes it—on the front end.

His $99,089 in 2025 earnings for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr. are evidence of the handsome sum available in the Pine Tree State-bred program, as well as the talent of this colt.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, this horse looked like the real thing when he won the freshmen final by open lengths.

Of course the powerful ‘Tardif Taskforce’ has three entrants in the same division as the ‘unblemished one,’ which is carded as race seven.  The 9-5 second choice is Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall) from post four, along with Dude’s The Jet (6-1, Walter Case Jr.) from post three.

In the earlier $15,609 division for sophomore pacing colts and geldings the 8-5 favorite is Daytoremember with Heath Campbell from post five.  Owned and trained by Valerie Grondin the son of Dude’s The Man was nine times 1-2-3 in 11 seasonal outings.

From the pegs is second choice Itsjustmoney (7-2, Switzer Jr.) who is one of three in that division that hail from the Marc Tardif stable.

First post at Bangor on Wednesday (June 17) is 3:00 pm.

This ‘glamour boys’ leg is the first $15,000-plus rounds of Maine Sire Stakes action for this division, which starts of the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase. 

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts the 3-year-old trotters on Sunday (June 21), with the 3-yar-old pacing fillies back at Bangor on Wednesday (June 24).

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

June 14, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes

CUMBERLAND, ME – Snowonthepines, the sensational 3-year-old Maine-bred pacing filly has continued her tour de force by crushing her opponents in her first race of the year on Saturday (June 13) at Cumberland Raceway. 

Winning all nine of her races at two, including the lucrative $85,000 final, the daughter of Dude’s The Man was last year’s undisputed Maine 2-year-old pacing filly champion.  Now, it appears that the Marc Tardif-trained sophomore distaff will be just as dangerous to her competition this year.

Regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. drove the prohibitive 1-9 favorite from post five, in the $15,209 opening day of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies. 

As expected, when the wings folded Snowonthepines was sent out for an early lead and hit the first panel in :29.4.  She continued to set the tempo into a 1:00.4 half and with just Ekorus (4-1, Nick Graffam) tipping to the outside through a 1:30.1 third stanza.

But it was already too late for the chasers as the filly had six lengths on the field at the head of the stretch and increased that advantage to nine when Snowonthepines tripped the timer under the wire in 1:59.

Owned and bred by Leighton Property, the unbeaten lass paid just $2.20.

Ekorus finished second; Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) who sat in the pocket throughout the entire mile, hung on for third.

Perhaps setting the stage for his ‘big filly,’ trainer Marc Tardif also won the first $15,209 division with Dudelookslikeafily in gate to wire fashion.

Driver Aaron Hall sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man right to the top and never looked back as the filly picked up her first stakes victory and a new lifetime mark of 1:59.3.

Owned by Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton, she was bred by Stephanie Gray and returned $5.20.

Graceofspades (2-1, Dave Ingraham) finished second; Race Me Ireland (Andy Harrington) was third.

The Pine Tree State-bred action marks the first $15,000-plus round of the Maine Sire Stakes program, which is the start of the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase. 

Looking ahead, Wednesday’s (June 17) Bangor program hosts the 3-year-old colt pacers, followed by the 3-year-old trotters on Sunday (June 21).

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

June 12, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Undefeated phenom Snowonthepines leads two fields of 3-year-old filly pacers as stakes season gets underway on Saturday (June 13) at Cumberland Raceway. 

The much-anticipated event marks the first $15,000-plus rounds of Maine Sire Stakes action, which is the start of the 18-week season of New England’s premier harness racing showcase. 

With up to ten legs for each division throughout the summer and autumn months, the Maine Standardbred Breeders Stakes program has been promoting and providing a venue for Pine Tree State Standardbreds since the legislative establishment of the series in 1972. 

While the program has evolved over the last fifty years…so has the speed and durability of the Maine-bred harness horse.  While it is not uncommon to see horses by Maine sires competing throughout North America, New England drivers and trainers are also making a name for themselves on the National stage.  In fact, Maine-native Jason Bartlett was voted the U.S. Harness Writer’s Dan Patch Driver of the Year in 2025.

Snowonthepines, last year’s undisputed Maine 2-year-old pacing filly champion steps into her first seasonal stakes competition off a pair of qualifiers for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.  The daughter of Dude’s The Man won all nine of her races at two, including the lucrative $85,000 final.

Regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. gets the call for the 9-5 favorite from post five, as the dominant distaff appears to be just as comfortable off a helmet as on the front end.  Her $99,000 in 2025 earnings are a testament to the rich funds available in the Pine Tree State-bred program, as well as the talent of this filly.

Her primary threat comes from the pylon positioned Ekorus (2-1, Nick Graffam) who is the home-bred property of trainer Mike Graffam with Martha Holden as partner.  The daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood was eight times 1-2-3 in 10 seasonal outings at two, earning $53,642.  This $15,209 Maine Sire Stakes division is carded as race seven on the 12-race Cumberland card.

Each racing season the powerful ‘Tardif Taskforce’ enters the Maine Sire Stakes loaded with talent, and once again this year is no exception.  They also have the favorite 3-year-old pacing filly in the earlier, $15,209 first division, named Dudelookslikeafily (2-1, Aaron Hall, post 5).  Owned by Leighton Property and Victoria Leighton the daughter of Dude’s The Man won her last start at Bangor in an overnight race and was bred by horsewoman and photographer Stephanie Gray.

The co-second choice in race four is the Graceofspaces (5-2, Dave Ingraham, post 1) who is a Western Maverick full sister to former Maine champion Gowestyounggrace.  Owned, bred and trained by Fred Ward Jr. and Sharon Ward, the younger ‘Grace’ is seeking her first trip to the winners circle.

Scoring from post four is Heymickeyyousofine (Heath Campbell), the other 5-2 pick in that division.  A true family affair, the daughter of Dude’s The Man was bred by Kimberly Vafiades, is trained by Steven Vafiades, and is owned by Jason Vafiades.  She earned just under $20,000 last year and was a consistent earner with checks in nearly all nine of her contests.

First post at Cumberland on Saturday (June 13) is 12:15 pm.

Looking ahead, Wednesday’s (June 17) Bangor program hosts the 3-year-old colt pacers, followed by the 3-year-old trotters on Sunday (June 21).

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

February 12, 2026 – from Micki Rae Stables, LLC

MONMOUTH, ME — Fourever Boy p,4,1:48:2f ($1,145,837) will be the only son of leading North American pacing sire Sweet Lou to stand in Maine for the 2026 breeding season.

From the prolific Mach Three mare Macharoundtheclock, she is the dam of five in 1:50 or faster with combined earnings over $2.8 million.

At 2, he was 3rd in the Metro and was timed in 1:50:4 posting a :25.4 final quarter. At 3, Fourever Boy was Pennsylvania Champion and won an elimination heat of the Little Brown Jug in 1:51.4, while finishing 2nd by just three parts of a length in the final.

While he was trained by top New York-based trainer Mark Beckwith he enjoyed the services of leading driver Brett Beckwith at ages 5 and 6, where last season he was named Plainridge Park’s ‘Horse of the Year.’  Fourever Boy was timed below 1:50 in 27 of his 115 career starts, which was in 23 percent of his outings.

“This horse is a beautiful individual standing 15.2 hands tall,” noted horseman Chris Coyle, “He possesses excellent conformation and power.”

Fourever Boy has the design to produce foals that not only succeed on the half-mile ovals of the state of Maine, but mare owners may also benefit from potential ‘dual eligible’ foals in Kentucky, Massachusetts and Virginia, based on residency requirements.

Bred by Birnam Wood Farm and raised by Concord Stud Farm, the same connections that produced Sweet Lou, Fourever Boy will be standing at KDM Farm in Monmouth, Maine under the watchful eye of Dr. Charmaine ‘Charlie’ Brown, DVM.  His introductory service fee is $2,500 live foal, with multiple mare discounts of $2,000 and semen transport available.

Inquiries and breeding applications can be made to Dr. Brown 207.933.6424 or stallion manager Chris Coyle 704.242.1762.  Additional information, as well as a breeding contract, can also be found on the horse’s new website: foureverboy.com

October 12, 2025, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes

BANGOR, ME – To no one’s surprise, the heavyweights in the four sophomore divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes took home the championship belts in their respective $100,000-plus finals on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway. 

In the first $101,174 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings, Marc Tardif’s star pacer Massive Speed had maintained a perfect record in the state of Maine throughout his sophomore career.  The son of Dude’s The Man did not disappoint as the 1-9 favorite was send to the front by regular pilot Aaron Hall and never looked back.   

Setting well-rated fractions of :28 and :59.1 to a soft half, the outer flow began with Ridgecrest Dan (John Nason) while This Dudes Perfect (Heath Campbell) sat a pocket trip as the field passed the midway marker.

Hall managed the clock perfectly with the former freshmen champion, as he let out a notch while keeping the wolves at bay into a 1:28.1 third panel.  Down the stretch his lead was never challenged as Massive Speed picked up his 12^th seasonal victory in 1:57, equaling his lifetime best by a measured length.

The two-time Maine finals winner is owned by Leighton Property and was bred by Laurie Harding, returning $2.20.  The top colt now has 22 lifetime wins and $265,318 in earnings.

Ridgecrest Dan finished second; This Dudes Perfect was third.

In the $100,876 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, the event pitted this year’s top male trotter, Liberty’s Wildcard, against last year’s freshmen champion Whatawonder.

The skirmish did not disappoint as Whatawonder (Ken Watson) scurried out for an early lead from post six and hit the opening panel in :30.1.  Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was forced to duck Liberty’s Wildcard into third position as the field rolled past the quarter, but was out and rolling first over by the 3/8’s marker and was challenging for the lead at the 1:01.1 half. 

The son of Noble Venture was given a brief respite along the cones around the 5/8’s turn, but was back out and trotting gamely to take over for the pacesetter by the 1:30.3 third station.

Down the lane Whatawonder tried zealously to catch the 1-9 favorite, but to no avail as Liberty’s Wildcard prevailed by three parts of a length in 2:00.3, a new lifetime best.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was the 12^th seasonal victory for the divisional champion, returning $2.20.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr. and increased his lifetime earnings to $176,520.

Just Foolin (Heath Campbell) finished third.

Femme fatale divisional leader Barbella was put to the test in the $101,122 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies.  Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. put the daughter of Whataworkout out on point through the early fractions of :29.4, but the ultra-soft 1:01.4 half had the field stacked up and tasting blood in the water.

While Ivan Davies settled Little Shot into the pocket, Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was out and rolling first over as the field passed the stands for the first time.  Switzer kept the challenger at bay through the 1:32 third panel as the pair exchanged glances down the backstretch for the final time, with the aggressor poking a head in front momentarily. 

However, as the field entered the long, far turn Switzer hit the accelerator and sent the heavy favorite on a path of persistence, opening up on the pack with every stride.  The duo hit the wire in 2:02, winning by a comfortable 4-3/4 lengths.

Trained by Ken Anderson for owner Robert Kakian, it was the 11^th seasonal victory and eighth in a row for the divisional standout, increasing her lifetime bankroll to $173,629.  She was bred by the late Mike Andrew and paid $2.20 to win.

Twisted Fate finished second; Little Shot (Ivan Davies) was third. 

The concluding Maine stakes race of the twilight card was the $101,153 final for 3-year-old pacing fillies.

An evenly matched field led to a pair of relative co-favorites with divisional leader Leanne Marie (Mike Cushing) set as the 6/5 slight second choice behind Chasing Dudes (Nick Graffam) the public’s choice at 4/5.

As she has been known to do, Leanne Marie went right to the top and played catch me if you can, leading the field to a :29.2 opening panel.  Whisper Of Luck (Andy Harrington) got away second, with Chasing Dudes giving chase in third.

The fillies passed the half in 1:01.1 with little movement in the top trio, however, down the backside Chasing Dudes went from third to within a length of the leader in the blink of an eye, forcing a 1:30.2 third stanza.

Stacked up around the turn, the pair began their final furlongs in a heated battle for divisional bragging rights.  Graffam kicked out the ear plugs at the top of the lane, and looked for all he could muster out of the daughter of Dude’s The Man.  Nonetheless, it was Mike Cushing driving Leanne Marie that prevailed along the pylons by a half-length in 1:59.3.

Trained, co-owned and co-bred by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing with partners Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella picked up her ninth win of the season, and fifth in a row while increasing her lifetime earnings to $171,986.

The winner returned $4.60.  Whisper Of Luck finished third.

The Maine Sire Stakes finals represent the 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 9, 2025, by Chris Tully for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

BANGOR, ME – Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway at historic Bass Park will once again host the $400,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Finals with four 3-year-old Pine Tree State-bred events on Saturday (Oct. 11) in Bangor, Maine. 

Once again, trainer Marc Tardif sends a star with an unblemished record into the $101,174 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

Massive Speed has maintained a perfect record in the state of Maine, and the son of Dude’s The Man has been pegged as the 3-2 early morning line favorite in race two.  Regular pilot Aaron Hall gets the driving duties on the winner of 11 races and $81,701 this season. 

Likely to be the heavy favorite by post time, Massive Speed scores from post three, where he is surrounded by three other Tardif trainees: Cheatin Fate (P2, 7-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), Dawn Two Dark (P5, 9-2, Andy Harrington) and No Guts No Glory (P7, 12-1, Mike Stevenson).

Race five pits this year’s top male trotter, Liberty’s Wildcard, against last year’s freshmen champion Whatawonder.

Tardif sends Liberty’s Wildcard into the $100,876 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters, with the winner of 11 of 12 races listed as the 4-5 early morning line favorite.  A seasonal earner of $81,625, he will be driven by Kevin Switzer Jr.  The son of Noble Venture will score from post two and sports a winning streak of five in a row.

Whatawonder has been chasing the aforementioned favorite all year, and has finished second in his last four outings for driver Ken Watson and trainer Lisa Watson.  The son of Whataworkout was a perfect 10-for-10 last year, and is listed as 3-1 from post seven.

Race seven continues with the diagonal set, bringing divisional leader Barbella to face six other rivals in the $101,122 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old trotting fillies.  The daughter of Whataworkout has won 10 of 14 this year with earnings exceeding $82,000.  She scores from post three with driver Kevin Switzer Jr. up for trainer Ken Anderson and is the 4-5 favorite.

Ivan Davies’ Little Shot (post 2) is the second choice at 4-1 and has been keeping up with the divisional standout throughout the season.

The $101,153 Maine Sire Stakes final for 3-year-old pacing fillies is the concluding event for Pine Tree State-bred Standardbreds, led by 9-5 favorite Leanne Marie.

Trained and co-owned by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing and driven by Mike Cushing, the daughter of Artistic Fella has been nothing short of sensational in the waning months of the series.  With five wins in her last six starts the winner of $74,314 this year has post two and will likely utilize her snappy gate speed to control the tempo.

The Graffam’s Chasing Dudes (P5, 2-1) will surely give the favorite a run for her money as she has six wins of her own this year, to go with $62,531 earned.

The Maine Sire Stakes finals represent the 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 4, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes wrapped up its divisional tour with the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3) at the famous Fryeburg Fair, with a $17,000-plus division for each gender. 

In the first $17,476 division, Whatawonder (Ken Watson) brushed away from the car early to take command into a :31.4 opening panel.  2/5 favorite Liberty’s Wildcard (Kevin Switzer Jr.) tracked along in the pocket through the 1:02.4 mid-way point.

Heading to the third panel in 1:32.1 Switzer tipped the son of Noble Venture and challenged the pacesetter for the top.  By the head of the stretch Liberty’s Wildcard was on top and drawing off, tripping the timer in 2:01.3 by a comfortable three length margin.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner Leighton Property, it was his fifth straight victory and he returned $2.80.  He was bred by Jerry Stratton Jr.

Whatawonder finished second; Enchanted Prince (Andy Harrington) was third.

In the second $17,722 division the class standout Barbella came from off the pace to capture her seventh consecutive score in the Maine Sire Stakes, winning by three lengths in 2:03.

Driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. for trainer Ken Anderson and owner Bob Zakian, the daughter of Whataworkout was bred by the late Mike Andrew.  She paid $2.80.

Little Shot (Ivan Davies) finished second; Twisted Fate (Mike Cushing) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes season concludes with the $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

For more information, including the final point standings for the upcoming finals, go to our facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation, or go to the website:  https://www.mainesirestakes.com

October 3, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FRYEBURG, ME – The Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings went postward on Thursday (Oct. 2) at the famous Fryeburg Fair, with two divisions of the glamour boys wowing fans in a preview of next week’s sophomore finals.

In the first $16,987 division, which was held before the regular card, This Dude’s Perfect (Heath Campbell) held sway over the field at the start and led the pack through evenly rated splits of :29.3 and 1:00.1 to the half.

Dawn Two Dark (Andy Harrington) was not content with the pocket so he pulled while headed to the 1:29.1 third panel and was on top by half a length at the head of the stretch.  Stalking and watching the action from off the pace was Ridgecrest Dan and John Nason who swooped both former leaders to prevail under the shadow of the wire by three parts of a length in 1:58.4.

Also trained by John Nason, the son of Dude’s The Man is owned by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps and picked up his fourth win of the season.  He was bred in Maine by Jason Vafiades and improved his seasonal bankroll to $51,078.

Dawn Two Dark finished second; I’m Not Maverick got up for third.

In the second $17,212 division it was another come from behind effort by Gracies Tough Guy, who caught the pacesetter Cheatin Fate (Andy Harrington) by a nose at the wire in 1:59.

Driven by Dave Ingraham for trainer Fred Ward Jr. and owner Sharon Ward, the homebred son of Western Maverick is a full brother to former Maine filly pacing star Gowestyounggrace.

Returning $7.60, it was the first seasonal win for Gracies Tough Guy.

Race Me Celtic (Bill Childs) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Fryeburg with more agricultural fair racing with both divisions of 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3).  The $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes take place on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

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

October 2, 2025, by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FRYEBURG, ME – When the famous Fryeburg Fair welcomed the Maine Sire Stakes on Wednesday (Oct. 1) it was the star sophomore pacing filly Leanne Marie that held sway over the full field of Pine Tree State-bred sidestepping distaffs.

In the lone $17,853 division fans watched the Cushing clan’s determined 3-year-old female divisional leader Leanne Marie (4/5, Mike Cushing) take no prisoners and come away with the well-rated victory.

When the wings folded Whisper Of Luck (5-1, Andy Harrington) blasted out to the lead from post six, while Leanne Marie ducked in the pocket from post five.  Following a thirty second opening panel, Cushing wasted little time coming right back out to take command and led the field through a 1:00.3 mid-way marker.

With Whisper Of Luck in a tight pocket, and Leanne Marie in command, the pack hit the third station in 1:30.3.  With no significant pressure, Cushing let out a notch to snag the score in 2:00, posting a :29.2 final quarter.

Trained by Charlene Cushing who also bred with co-owners with Pamela Smith and Jane DiPompo, the daughter of Artistic Fella grabbed her eighth win of the season and fourth in a row.

Leanne Marie paid $3.60 and now has $74,314 earned this season, while going over $122,000 in lifetime earnings.

Whisper Of Luck finished second; Glorilla (Aaron Hall) was third.

The Maine Sire Stakes continues at Fryeburg with more agricultural fair racing, with the 3-year-old colt pacers on Thursday (Oct. 2), followed by both divisions of 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 3).  The $340,000-plus Sophomore Finals of the Maine Sire Stakes take place on Saturday (Oct. 11) at Bangor Raceway.

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