July 19, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – When the Pine Tree State-bred freshmen pacing fillies arrived at Cumberland on Saturday (July 18) 13-race card for two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for distaff sidesteppers, fans may not have known that they were watching the formative starts of the state’s next Standardbred stars.  But that changed quickly when the first division hit the racetrack.

Carded as race nine, the $15,158 first division of 2-year-old pacing fillies sprang from the gate with No Small Wonder (4-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) sprinting out for an early lead in a snappy :29 opening panel.  From that point the daughter of State Treasurer set a softer half in 1:01.2 with no outer flow threatening her dominance.

Down the backstretch Feel The Fury (4-1, Aaron Hall) tipped first over from third and got to within a length of the pacesetter into a 1:31.1 third stanza.  Bettor’s Treasure (3-2, McGwire Sowers), who had the pocket for most of the mile was now third and slingshot off the turn with the leaders.

Switzer Jr. gave his filly her head as they rolled down the lane to score by two lengths in 2:00.2, a new lifetime best and just seven ticks off the track record.

Trained by Kevin Switzer Sr. for owners KDK Standardbreds, Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., it was the second consecutive victory for No Small Wonder.  Bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum, she returned $3.60.

Feel The Fury finished second; Bettor’s Treasure was third.

The second $14,983 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies was captured by Wine For The Lady in 2:04.1.

Heath Campbell cut the mile with Siri, but driver Aaron Hall took advantage of the modest fractions to come from off the pace and pass several horses in the lane to win with Wine For The Lady by two lengths.  She returned $4.00.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, the daughter of State Treasurer picked up her first lifetime victory, and a new time badge.

Siri finished second; Bad Bunny T (5-1, Switzer Jr.) was third.

Dave Ingraham steered Married Man (1:54.3, $3.80) to an easy wire-to-wire victory in the overnight featured $5,800 NW3500 pace for trainer Bob Martson and owner Bob Kluchevitz.

Aaron Hall led all drivers on the program with five trips to the winners circle.

Racing resumes next week when First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

July 18, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Heavy favorite Party At Seven made quick work of the $6,400 featured overnight race on Friday’s (July 17) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, along with two $15,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old trotters anointing two fresh-faced winners.

When the wings folded for the seventh race NW5000 Trot, Party At Seven (4-5, Nick Graffam) ducked in the two hole as TCS Brenda (9-2, Dave Ingraham) blasted out for an early lead.  Less than two furlongs had elapsed when Graffam tipped the public’s choice out to take command into a :28.3 opening panel.

Under single file alignment the field breezed past the half in :58.3 with Party At Seven leading the charge, TCS Brenda in a loose pocket second, and Brutalizer (7-2, Andy Harrington) trotting in third.  With Party At Seven on top by three heading down the backstretch the final time, Harrington pulls the right line on Brutalizer to improve his position.  They hit the third station in 1:27.4 and round the turn for home with Brutalizer still parked, but now second.

Party At Seven had all but decided the race at the head of the stretch while on top by four, and looking for more.  However, the battle was still raging on for second with TCS Brenda on the inside and fighting back against the ongoing attack of Brutalizer.  At the finish line Party At Seven tripped the timer in 1:57.2, just one tick off the track record for an aged gelding trotter.

Trained by Michelle Lefebvre for owner Ralph Silvestri, the 6-year-old son of Chapter Seven returned $2.80 for the 6-1/2 length triumph.  He was bred by Spring Haven Farm and now has 12 wins lifetime, with six coming this season, while increasing his lifetime earnings to $118,880.

TCS Brenda tussled back to retake second; Brutalizer was third.

Young trotters making their debut in the Maine Sire Stakes were also on the program, with the first $14,000 division slated as an early non-wagering race.  That 2-year-old filly trot was captured by Princess Caledonia in 2:09.4.  The daughter of To The Hilt is trained, driven and co-owned by Gary Hall with partners James Kelley Jr., Betsey Kelley and Kristina Hall.  She was bred in Maine by Anita Anastosopolous. 

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

The second $15,210 division for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings belonged to U Know I Know and Kenneth Watson who steered the son of Whataworkout to a two length victory in 2:07.3.  Owned and bred by Barbara Lawson, he returned $8.00 for trainer Lisa Watson.

Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) was parked the entire first half and finished second; Race Me Bruno (Wally Watson) was third.

For all of these youngsters, it was their first lifetime purse starts.

Nick Graffam led all drivers on the program with three trips to the winners circle.

We were pleased to partner with Harness Elite, as their Track of the Day.  Continue to follow Harness Elite at: https://www.harnesselite.com/track-of-the-day

Racing continues on Saturday (July 18) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule.  Next week, First Tracks Cumberland will offer a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet.  Saturday (July 25) bettors will be able watch and wager on the entire card from The Meadows, featuring the 60^th renewal of the Delvin Miller Adios Stakes.  First post on that card from Washington, PA will be 11:30 a.m.

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

July 16, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The husband and wife team of driver Heath Campbell and trainer Valerie Grondin enjoyed a sweep of both of the $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes at Bangor Raceway on Wednesday (July 15) with a pair of sophomore trotters.

In the first $14,408 division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, the current point leader Wilder N Idy (March Athearn) made an uncharacteristic miscue in the early going, giving Campbell plenty of racetrack for Gus’s Workout to blast out to a ten length advantage.

Hitting early fractions of :28.4 and :59.1 the son of Whataworkout never had an anxious moment as the duo continued to lead the field by open lengths.  Following a 1:29 third panel Campbell eased the trotter home in 2:00.3, shaving nearly five seconds off of the gelding’s previous time badge.

Owned and bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe it was the trotter’s first stakes win, and boosted his lifetime earnings to $69,512 in the 15-length romp for trainer Valerie Grondin. 

Trottingfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished second; Wilder N Idy was third in the early, non-wagering event.

In the second $15,261 Pine Tree State-bred event for 3-year-old trotting fillies it was the freshmen filly champ, Pembroke Lady, who found her previous form and made it to the winner’s circle for the first time this season.

Heath Campbell wasted little time putting the daughter of Pembroke Slugger out on the point and led the field into a soft :31.2 opening panel.  On top by three lengths, with the rest of the trotting distaffs tracking along single file, Pembroke Lady took her followers through a 1:03.4 midway marker and likewise into the 1:34.1 third station.

With no pressure in sight Campbell strode home in 2:04.2 by 4-1/4 lengths giving Pembroke Lady a new lifetime mark.  Trained by Valerie Grondin, owned by Brenda Varney, and bred by the late William Varney, it was the filly’s ninth lifetime victory and increased her bankroll to $111,761.

Out Last Quote (Mike Cushing) finished second; I Think I can (John Nason) was third in the second non-wagering race.  Leading divisional point earner, Hayden, also made an early break and was not a factor.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts all the 2-year-old trotters who are making their pari-mutuel debut on Friday (July 17).  Over the weekend Cumberland also presents the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 18) with Bangor featuring the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (July 19).

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

July 13, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – While some punters discount horses starting from the far outside, even the dreaded 8-hole could not stop the undefeated Snowonthepines from conquering her fellow 3-year-old Maine-bred pacing fillies on Sunday (July 12) at Bangor Raceway.

With regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. back in the bike for the $15,968 lone division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore sidestepping distaffs, the perfect daughter of Dude’s The Man was sent off as the 1-9 heavy favorite from her outermost post position.

Switzer Jr. left swiftly from the rim and was met with some strategic resistance in the form of the diminutive Just Delightful (7-1, Ron Cushing) who stretched the public choice into a :28.1 opening panel before clearing.

With those two leaders nearly ten lengths ahead of the rest of the pack, they reduced the tempo and hit the half in :58.1 with Dudelookslikeafily (40-1, Aaron Hall) sitting third and Andy Harrington tipping Race Me Ireland from fifth to start the outer flow.

The field tightened up dramatically while heading into a 1:28 third station with Snowonthepines on point and trying to duck her persistent pursuer Just Delightful.  Around the turn and down the stretch Cushing pulled the pocket to engage the leader.  However, with Switzer Jr. merely shaking the lines at the pacesetter, the fast filly proceeded to draw off and win easily by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:56.2, a new lifetime best.

Having won all nine of her races at two, Snowonthepines now has four wins this year for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.  She returned $2.20 to win, with no show wagering on this race at historic Bass Park.

Dudelookslikeafily finished third.

Looking ahead, Bangor hosts all the 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (July 15), with all the 2-year-old trotters making their pari-mutuel debut on Friday (July 17) at First Tracks Cumberland.  Over the weekend Cumberland presents the 2-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (July 18) with Bangor inviting the 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (July 19).

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

July 11, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – With their seasonal hopes on the line, the Maine faithful sent this year’s group of freshmen sidesteppers out onto the Cumberland Raceway on Friday (July 10) for three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

With nothing but a qualifying race or two under their belts the fresh-faced youngsters provided some thrills, and some anxious moments, for the Downeast crowd at the iconic Southern oval.

Despite being rough gaited as the wings folded Agent James Bond (9-5, Kevin Switzer Jr.) rolled on aggressively and then inherited the point when the favorite Dudeisadelight (4-5, Ron Cushing) made a speed break down the backstretch as the first division headed toward their very first pari-mutuel :30 opening panel.

Agent James Bond led the single file pack to a 1:00.4 half-mile marker with Dudeisadelight back on-stride tracking along in the pocket and Survive The Ride (6-1, Aaron Hall) poised in third.  At the paddock draw gate Painter’s Treasure (13-1, Andy Harrington) tipped from fifth and nine lengths in arrears to start the outer flow.  They reached the third stanza in 1:30.4 with Survive The Ride providing Painter’s Treasure with second over cover as they rounded the turn for home.

Harrington tipped Painter’s Treasure three-wide for the stretch drive and reeled in his combatants to prevail by a neck in 2:02.1 for trainer Sara Harrington.

Owned and bred by Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps, the son State Treasurer is a half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).  He paid a whopping $28.60 to win the first race of his career.

Agent James Bond finished second; Dudeisadelight was third.

The second $14,000 division was a gate-to-wire romp by The Gucci Man and Kevin Switzer Jr.

Setting strategic early fractions of :29.1 and 1:01.1, the son of Dude’s The Man was able to gain separation after a 1:30.4 third panel and win by 6-3/4 lengths in 2:00.2, the swiftest division of the 81 degree afternoon.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, the 2-1 second choice returned $6.00 while posting a :29.3 final quarter.  Harriman (9-1, Nick Graffam), a half-brother to Cousin Margie p,3,1:54h ($126,532) finished second; favorite Rustysonlytreasure (8-5, Aaron Hall) was third.

In the third and final $14,000 division of the Maine Sire Stakes it was another wire-to-wire triumph for Top Notch Treasure who completed the circuit in 2:02.2.

Driver Mike Stevenson set comfortable fractions of :30.4, 1:03, and 1:32.4 before drawing off to win by six lengths as the 3-5 favorite.

Trained by Christopher Dubois for owner Steven Moskowitz Racing, Top Notch Treasure is a State Treasurer half-brother to This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).  He was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $3.20.

Justcallmebuddy (8-5, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960) finished second; Two Bolts (16-1, Mike Cushing) was third.

Driver Nick Graffam led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race program, including a victory in the overnight featured $6,400 NW5000 Trot with Party At Seven (1:58.4, $12.80).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 9, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Chris Tully photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Three $14,000 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings bolster Friday’s (July 10) 13-race card at Cumberland Raceway, with the freshmen sidesteppers all making their first pari-mutuel starts.

The first division is slated as race three and features several full- or half-brothers to previous Maine Sire Stakes stars.  Many had taken advantage of the baby races held at Cumberland over the last several weeks, with several who had taken qualifying marks in those preliminary events.

The co-favorite from post two is part of a tandem from the Tardif Taskforce is Survive The Ride (3-1, Aaron Hall) who is a Deuce Seelster full brother to Mrs Foxy Roxy p,4,1:57h ($111,990).  Scoring from pylon position is Dudeisadelight (7-2, Ron Cushing) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Hesjustadelight p,4,1:52.4f ($221,169).  In addition, Bill ‘Yarmouth Lumber’ Phipps sends Painter’s Treasure (5-1, Andy Harrington) into the mix, who is a State Treasurer half-brother to Glorilla p,3,1:56f ($101,421).

The second $14,000 division is led by Rustysonlytreasure (5-1, Aaron Hall) who is the first foal from the successful racemare Rusty’s Treasure p,4,1:55.3f ($192,258).  Tardif also sends One Last Deal (9-2, Andy Harrington) who is a Dude’s The Man half-brother to Deal With It Roman p,1:55.1h ($214,082), who he also owns and bred.  M&L Of Delaware, who had an ownership interest in Dude’s The Man while he raced, bred Duderrific (7-2, Heath Campbell), a half-brother to Manador p,2,1:54.4.f ($102,155).

The third and final division of the Maine Sire Stakes features Justcallmebuddy (5-1, Aaron Hall) a Deuce Seelster full brother to 4 in 1:55 or faster and the winners of nearly a million dollars, including Justcallmebuck p,4,1:51f ($212,960).  Tardif sends out They Call Me Jaws (3-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.), a Thirty Two Red half-brother to Whisper Of Luck p,4,1:57.2h ($100,662).  Rounding out the top three is Top Notch Treasure (7-1, Mike Stevenson) who is a State Treasurer half-brother to  This Dudes Perfect p,4,1:56.3h ($87,699).

Racing continues on Saturday (July 11) in keeping with the track’s Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 9, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – Maine’s glamour boys division rolled back into town on Wednesday (July 8) at Bangor Raceway for two $15,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old colt pacers, with Real Horrorshow returning to the scene of his lone defeat three weeks ago.

Now that the Pine Tree State-bred star has returned to form, track management allowed just win wagering, eliminating place and show bets, along with Real Horrorshow being barred from the wagering entirely.

Ironically, Rebel’s Revenge (Aaron Hall) became the 1-9 public choice and is the only horse to hand the previously unbeaten Real Horrorshow his first lifetime defeat.

Regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was back in action from pylon position in the $15,434 “Maine” event and proceeded to set moderate fractions of :30 and 1:01.1 while maintaining a two- to three-length advantage over the pocket sitting Rebel’s Revenge. 

There was no outer flow movement past the half and into the much swifter 1:29.3 third panel as the rest of the field was over a dozen lengths behind the two leaders.

Down the stretch Rebel’s Revenge tried valiantly to reel in the pacesetting Real Horrorshow, but to no avail.  The wagering-barred “anointed one” tripped the timer in 1:57.3, grabbing his second consecutive victory and 11^th of his career.

Trained by the senior Kevin Switzer, who also co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr., the son of Dude’s The Man increased his lifetime earnings to $118,381.  He was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

Rebel’s Revenge finished second; Ghost Of Winter (Joey Mosher) was third.

In the second $15,659 division for sophomore pacing colts and geldings the lukewarm 4-5 favorite Itsjustmony enjoyed pylon position, while even-money second choice Daytoremember was saddled with post seven and had his work cut out for him.

Switzer Jr. protected Itsjustmoney’s inside placement and rolled through comfortable initial fractions of :29.1 and :59.1, while Heath Campbell was parked with Daytoremember but ranged up to second position by the time the field hit the midway point at historic Bass Park.   

Dude’s The Jet (Dave Ingraham) moved first over while heading to the 1:29 third station, picking up Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) three-deep around the final turn.

When the cavalry charge of pacers hit the top of the lane Daytoremember bounced out of the pocket and proceeded to take command by mid-stretch.  While the pacesetter fought back gamely, the day belonged to Daytoremember in 1:58.3.

Owned, trained and bred by Valerie Grondin the son of Dude’s The Man returned $4.20 for his third start of the season, and second victory.

Nuh Uh finished third.

Looking ahead, First Tracks Cumberland hosts the 2-year-old colt pacers on Friday (July 10), with the 3-year-old pacing fillies back at Bangor on Sunday (July 12).

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

July 6, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Pine Tree States next crop of harness horses made their pari-mutuel debut at Bangor Raceway on Sunday (July 5) with two $14,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies.

While stallion Dude’s The Man has enjoyed robust success as of late, it appears that he will have some company atop the progeny leaderboard as foals from the first crop of State Treasurer swept both divisions at historic Bass Park.

The son of Real Desire had already produced the winners of over $5.5 million during his six year stint in Ontario, including Stockade Seelster p,3,1:48.4 ($1.2 million).  With the move to Maine in 2023, this group by State Treasurer p,1:47 ($1.9 million) is coming of age and started his stateside swing with real patriotic Independence weekend fireworks.

In the first $14,808 division it was No Small Wonder who wowed the early crowd and leaped out to a ten length advantage by the :30.1 opening panel.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. was able to reel in the fast filly who is trained and co-owned by the senior Kevin Switzer.  With middle splits in 1:01.4 and 1:32.1 the daughter of State Treasurer appeared to be very comfortable on the front end as she led every step of the way.

The first foal from I Am Wonder Women p,2,1:56.1f ($70,693) coasted home in 2:02.3 and prevailed by 2-3/4 lengths.  Switzer co-owns with Kathleen Mofield and Anthony Sivik Jr.  No Small Wonder was bred in Maine by Luke and Patricia Varnum.

There were no mutuels on this early non-wagering event.  Siri (Heath Campbell, Jimmy Nickerson) finished second; Feel The Fury (Aaron Hall, Marc Tardif) was third, and both these fillies were also sired by State Treasurer.

In the second $14,983 Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing fillies it was Bettor’s Treasure who gave her Goshen (Orange County, NY) connections a victory on Hall of Fame Day.

When the wings folded the daughter of State Treasurer (McGwire Sowers) blasted out for an early lead from post five and after a :32.4 opening panel had five lengths on the field by the 1:04.3 midway marker.

Past the 1:34.4 third panel the loose pocket sitting Showfaith Showdown (Nick Graffam) had gotten closer to the pacesetter and was within 1-1/2 lengths at the head of the stretch.

Down the lane Bettor’s Treasure found another gear and used a :29.3 last quarter to score by 2-1/2 lengths in 2:04.2.

Trained and co-owned by David Dziengiel with John and Thelma Kiernan and Anthony Lake, the filly is stabled at Goshen Historic Track.  Bettor’s Treasure had previously qualified at Monticello with her conditioner in the bike on two occasions, showing consistent miles around 2:02.  She was bred in Maine by Larry Dancer and is the second foal of racing age from the Bettor’s Delight mare Bettor Buns p,3,1:55.2h ($71,001).

Showfaith Showdown finished second; Mad Moxxi (John Nason) was third in the second non-bettor.

Looking ahead, Bangor hosts the 3-year-old colt pacers on Wednesday (July 8), with the 2-year-old colt pacers making their pari-mutuel debut on Friday (July 10) at Cumberland.

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

July 5, 2026, by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland
(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Sophomore trotting filly Hayden put her name in the record books on the country’s 250^th birthday, equaling the track record in her division on Saturday (July 4) at Cumberland Raceway.

In the $14,000 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old distaff trotters the daughter of Cantab Fashion wasted little time taking command with trainer-driver Gary Hall sending the 2/5 favorite out for an early lead.   With 9-5 second choice Pembroke Lady (Heath Campbell) tipping out and challenging the leader going to the :30 second first panel, the bold move lasted a only few strides before ducking back in the two hole. 

Hall let out a notch on Hayden after heading into the softer 1:01.2 midway point, prompting Mike Cushing to pull Our Last Quote and begin the outer flow.  That challenge was relatively short-lived as that 6-1 third choice ducked back into the gap left open by a stalling Pembroke Lady as the field passed the third station in 1:31.1.

Around the turn and down the stretch Hayden and Hall continued to put distance between themselves and their pursuers, drawing off by 4-1/2 lengths to score in a track record equaling 2:01.1.

Owned and bred by Stephen Hall, it was the second seasonal victory for Hayden, along with a new time badge.  She returned $2.80 for the fourth win of her career.

Our Last Quote finished second; Race Me Boomer was third.

In the other $14,783 Maine Sire Stakes division for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, last week’s victor Wilder N Idy continued to show his racing prowess.  Cutting early fractions of :30 and 1:01.4 the son of To The Hilt showed no signs of slowing down.

As is par for the course, Athearn gave his colt a second-quarter breather and then tapped the accelerator and brushed through a 1:31 third panel.  Down the stretch, the duo continued to gain separation and sprinted home a 4-3/4 length winner in 2:00.2, a new lifetime mark.

Wilder and Ivy is trained by Gretchen Athearn and owned by Patricia Leavitt.  Bred by the late Mike Andrew, he now has $122,322 in lifetime earnings.

The early, non-wagering race was the second seasonal outing, and victory, for Wilder N Idy.  Gus’s Workout (Heath Campbell) finished second; Trottinfortreasure (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was third.

Racing resumes on Friday (July 10) and will continue with a Friday – Saturday schedule for the remainder of the month.  The only exception being a three day run from Fri., July 24 through Sun., July 26 during the penultimate weekend of the meet. 

First post is 12:15 pm (EDT) during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through August 2. 

A complete calendar and additional information can be viewed by visiting our website:

Racing Info

July 2, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

CUMBERLAND, ME – Snowonthepines, the unbeaten 3-year-old Maine-bred pacing filly, was barred from the wagering in just her third start of the year at Bangor Raceway on Wednesday (July 1), a track decision that had little effect on the outcome. 

With regular driver Kevin Switzer Jr. out of town, Bruce Ranger got the call in the $15,434 division of the Maine Sire Stakes for sophomore sidestepping distaffs.  Leaving with the same dominance as in her previous outings, the daughter of Dude’s The Man set swift early fractions of :27.4 and :58 in the first circuit, having been pressed in the early going by eventual pocket sitter Ekorus (Nick Graffam).

Past the half and heading down the backstretch She’s A Firefly (Andy Harrington) moved first over and got to the head of Ekorus into a 1:27.1 third panel, with Snowonthepines putting five lengths between herself and her pursuers.

With no apparent threat to her dominance, Ranger set Snowonthepines on cruise control and proceeded down the Bass Park homestretch.  Unfettered, the pair glided across the wire by 6-1/4 lengths the best in 1:56.4, a new lifetime best.

Winning all nine of her races at two, Snowonthepines has three wins this season for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.  There were no mutuels on the winner as she was barred from the betting.

Ekorus, the 1-5 favorite finished second; Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) got up to be third.

In the other $15,209 division, the 4-5 favorite Dudelookslikeafily looked like she was going to have things her own way.

Driver Aaron Hall sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man right to the top in an instant and led the field through opening panels of :29 and 59.4 to the half, while Just Delightful (9-5, Ron Cushing) was pressing onward first over from the start.

Heath Campbell tipped Heymickeyyousofine (3-1) to grab that second over cover while heading to the midway point.  Approaching the 1:29.2 third panel a ‘hung out to dry’ a determined Just Delightful looked the leader right in the eye.  Off the turn Heymickeyyousofine tipped three wide with Just Delightful still engaging the leader Dudelookslikeafily.

With all three horses battling for supremacy down the homestretch, Just Delightful, who was parked out every step of the way, digs in and gets up under the shadow of the wire to prevail by a quarter length in 1:59.

Trained by Heidi Cushing for owners Ron Cushing, Steve Downey, Anthony Romanelli and Joseph Romanelli, it was a new lifetime mark for the daughter of Western Maverick.  Bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe, she returned $5.60 for her second career victory, and first of the season.

Dudelookslikeafily hung on for second; Heymickeyyousofine was third.

Looking ahead, Cumberland hosts all the 3-year-old trotters on Saturday (July 4), with the 2-year-old pacing fillies making their pari-mutuel debut on Sunday (July 5) at Bangor.

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