October 2, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The fields have been drawn and the connections await the $320,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes Freshmen Finals on Saturday (October 3) at the Cumberland Fair with all four divisions vying for over $80,000 in purse money.

In the first $80,760 final for 2-year-old colts and geldings the battle is between Pembroke Zagursky (Heath Campbell) and U Know I Know (Ken Watson.  The former has bested the latter in his last two starts, breaking his previously unblemished record.

The third race is the $80,456 final for 2-year-old trotting fillies with Princess Caledonia (Gary Hall) the likely favorite.  Hall also has Mikella Bella entered, with Heath Campbell getting the driving duties.

The fifth race is the $81,016 final for 2-year-old pacing fillies, led by the Pine Tree State-bred star No Small Wonder.  The daughter of State Treasurer is unbeaten with eight wins this year.  She scores from post five and retains the services of Kevin Switzer Jr.

The sixth race completes the Maine Sire Stakes events with the $81,110 final for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings, and features The Gucci Man who has just one defeat in eight seasonal outings.  Switzer Jr. will drive the son of Dude’s The Man for trainer Marc Tardif.

The Saturday (Oct. 3) card also carries a $15,000 Winners Over Trot, as well as the Harness Hope $5,500 All Women Drivers Breast Cancer Awareness Invitational.  Our beloved outrider Sherry Cushing will trade her saddle for a harness and compete in the benefit event, along with six other local, female teamsters.

Looking back to Thursday (Oct. 1) Heath Campbell drove Valyrian Steel to victory in the $6,400 featured conditioned trot in 2:01.2.  Trained by Kate Gerow for owner Chad Tompkins, the 7-year-old son of Chapter Seven was parked to the opening panel and led the rest of the way, returning $3.80.

Driver Andy Harrington enjoyed four wins on the afternoon program and now leads all drivers at the Cumberland Fair with 11 trips to the winners circle.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Friday (Oct. 2) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continues at Cumberland with all the 3-year-old trotters competing in the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

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

October 1, 2026, by Chris Tully for First Tracks Cumberland

(Joe Shaw photo)

CUMBERLAND, ME – The unstoppable filly phenom Snowonthepines added a twentieth notch to her belt on Wednesday (September 30) at the Cumberland Fair during the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old filly pacers. 

In her $17,209 event, which was held before the card, the champion filly had only air and opportunity in front of her as her regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. sent the daughter of Dude’s The Man on a front-end tour of the facility.

Passing the early stations in :30.2 and 1:02.2 with Ekorus (Joey Mosher) sitting in the pocket, Snowonthepines continued her air of superiority as no horses entered the outer flow to challenge for the lead.

After passing the third panel in 1:32 it was clear that the filly had things her own way and was on her way to another easy score, prevailing by 2-1/2 lengths in a modest 2:02.

Trained by Marc Tardif for owner-breeder Leighton Property, it was the sophomore filly’s 11^th seasonal victory and 20^th lifetime, increasing her career bankroll to $188,137.

Ekorus finished second; Perfectly Lovely (Aaron Hall) was third.

In the second $16,984 division it was Dudelookslikeafily who got a perfect two-hole trip to best pacesetter Race Me Ireland (Andy Harrington) to score by a head in 2:01.3 and pick up her fourth seasonal win.

Driven by Aaron Hall for trainer Marc Tardif and owners Leighton Property and Victory Leighton, she was bred in Maine by Stephanie Gray.

Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) finished third.

On the regular card the $5,800 feature was captured by Cool Man Dude in 1:59.1 with Aaron Hall returning $2.20 as the 1-9 favorite.  Andy Harrington won the $5,000 Senior Citizen’s Pace with his own 14-year-old Grand Galop Semalu in 2:03.2, which paid $4.40.  Harrington picked up two wins on the card, as did Hall and Joey Mosher.

Racing resumes at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Thursday (Oct. 1) with full cards scheduled for the remaining racing dates through Sunday (Oct. 4), with 12:30 post times throughout the week. 

Always a highlight of the ‘Always in September’ Fair, the Maine Sire Stakes continues at Cumberland with all the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Oct. 2). 

Once again, Cumberland will host the $320,000-plus Maine Sire Stakes 2-year-old finals on Saturday, October 3, with freshman filly pacer No Small Wonder entering the seasonal finale with an unblemished, eight-win record. 

After the fair, the track’s 15-day Winter Festival begins November 8 and then primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

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

September 26, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

FARMINGTON, ME – Three $17,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings finished up their regular racing season on Friday (September 25) at the Farmington Fair, securing their positions for the upcoming Freshmen Finals on Oct. 3.

The swiftest $17,153 Pine Tree State-bred event was slated as race three on the regular card at Farmington, with the favorite being thwarted by an up-and-coming youngster.

When the gate wings sprung driver Kevin Switzer Jr. sent One Last Deal right to the top in a :29.2 opening panel.  Aaron Hall had Rustysonlytreasure in the pocket through the 1:00.3 half, with no threatening outer flow advancing into the 1:30.3 third panel set by the 3-5 favorite.

At the head of the stretch driver Dave Ingraham had Duderrific looking the pacesetter right in the eye, and went right on by.  The son of Dude’s The Man went on to win in a lifetime best 1:59, prevailing by 1-1/4 lengths.

Trained by Joe Nelson for owner-breeder M and L of Delaware, it was Duderrific’s second seasonal victory, returning $6.60.

One Last Deal finished second; Rustysonlytreasure was third.

In the early, non-wagering $17,754 event it was the taste of sweet redemption for The Gucci Man who had suffered his only career defeat in is last outing.

In typical Switzer Jr. style, The Gucci Man was sent to the front and never looked back.  The pacer made every call a winning one, in dominating fashion.  Scoring by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:59.3, the son of Dude’s The Man now has seven wins in eight seasonal starts.

Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif is the leading point earner in his division.

Agent James Bond (Ron Cushing) finished second; Poocham Luck (Ingraham) was third.

In the third $16,978 division of freshmen male pacers it was the 1-5 favorite Justcallmebuddy that sat a perfect pocket trip to score in 2:01 over pacesetter Painter’s Treasure and Andy Harrington.

The son of Deuce Seelster prevailed by a length for driver Aaron Hall and trainer Marc Tardif. Owned by Leighton Property and Victory Leighton, it was his third victory of the season.  Bred in Maine by Kristinal Hall, he returned $2.40.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes transitions to the Cumberland Fair with the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers racing Tuesday (Sept. 29).  The action continues with their female counterparts on Wednesday (Sept. 30) and the 3-year-old trotters on Friday (Oct. 2).  Then the lucrative Freshman Finals are slated for 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 25, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FARMINGTON, ME – A pair of $16,000-plus divisions of freshmen female pacers rolled into the Farmington Fair on Jug Day Thursday (September 24) for the Maine Sire Stakes with the unbeaten rookie No Small Wonder increasing her winning streak to an even eight straight victories.

The sidestepping sensation was, as always, sent right to the top by Kevin Switzer Jr.  Scoring from post two No Small Wonder hit the opening panel in a moderate :30 during the second pari-mutuel $16,983 event for Pine Tree State-bred 2-year-old pacing fillies. 

The daughter of State Treasurer continued to cut the fractions through middle stations of 1:00.4 and 1:30, while Bad Bunny T (Andy Harrington) kept a tight pocket.  Down the backside the final time Feel The Fury (Aaron Hall) came first over to challenge the leader and was right alongside No Small Wonder as they entered the final turn.

At the head of the stretch Switzer Jr. gave the filly the signal and she quickened her pace to win by 2-1/2 lengths over the fast track in 1:59.1.

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 $65,739 while winning all eight of her lifetime starts. 

Feel The Fury finished second; Bad Bunny T was third.

In the other $16,808 division, which was held before the regular program, Bettor’s Treasure and McGwire Sowers came away with the win and a new record after sitting a perfect two-hole trip. 

Leaving from post four the daughter of State Treasurer ducked in the pocket while Wine For The Lady (Aaron Hall) hit the opening panel in :29.  That filly showed the way through a :59.1 half that produced no outer flow, and had no real pressure through the 1:30.3 third station.

However, Sowers had his charge out and rolling and was wheel-to-wheel with the pacesetter at the head of the stretch.  They continued their momentum down the stretch and won by 1-3/4 lengths in 2:00.1 for a new time badge.

Trained by David Dziengiel who co-owns with John and Thelma Kiernan and Tony Lake, it was her second lifetime victory.  She was bred in Maine by Larry Dancer.

Showfaith Showdown rallied for second; Wine For The Lady finished third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action continues at Farmington with the 2-year-old colt pacers on Friday (Sept. 25).  Then the series transitions to the Cumberland Fair with the sophomores racing Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 and then the lucrative Freshman Finals slated for 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 24, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FARMINGTON, ME – With the Maine Sire Stakes back on the Pine Tree State’s famed fair circuit all four divisions of 2- and 3-year-old trotters found their way to the Farmington Fair on Wednesday (September 23) for five $16,000-plus divisions of the diagonally gaited set. 

The only $17,035 pari-mutuel race for freshmen male trotters witnessed Heath Campbell send Pembroke Zagursky right to the top while 2-5 favorite U Know I Know (Ken Watson) made a break at the start. 

Campbell arrived at the first station in :29.4 with a six length advantage, while Come On Charlie (Mark Athearn) was making up ground to close the pocket gap by the time they hit the half in 1:01.3.

Back on stride U Know I Know was out and rolling first over in third when the pacesetter hit the third panel in 1:31.4.  At that point Campbell sent his charge on a faster path to the finish, posting a :30 final quarter and winning by 10-1/2 open lengths.

It was the second straight score for the son of Pembroke Slugger who took a new 2:01.4 record and returned $5.40.

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

U Know I Know rallied for second; Race Me Bruno was third.

A pair of $16,000-plus non-wagering events for 3-year-old trotting fillies resulted in wire-to-wire efforts for both Out Last Quote (Steve Wilson-Charlene Cushing) who picked up her second consecutive win and a new record in 2:01.2, and Hayden (Gary Hall) who found redemption after an uncharacteristic miscue in her last outing to stroll home a winner in 2:05.1.

In the $16,783 Maine Sire Stake for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings, Wilder N Idy (Mark Athearn-Gretchen Athearn) got back to his winning ways, nearly equaling his lifetime mark with a 2:00.3 triumph.

For 2-year-old trotting fillies in the $16,681 dash Princess Caledonia rolled from pillar to post in 2:05 for trainer-driver Gary Hall.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes action continues at Farmington with the 2-year-old filly pacers on Jug Day Thursday (Sept. 24), followed by their male counterparts on Friday (Sept. 25).  Then the series transitions to the Cumberland Fair with the sophomores racing Sept. 29 through Oct. 2 and then the lucrative Freshman Finals slated for 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 22, 2026 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photo)

FARMINGTON, ME –Maine’s top 3-year-old pacing filly Snowonthepines picked up her nineteenth lifetime win on Monday (September 21), at the Farmington Fair, and retains her perfect record.

With the first $17,209 division for sophomore distaff pacers, held before the regular card, it was yet another wire-to-wire circuit for divisional star

Snowonthepines.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. posted swift early fractions of :28.1 and :58.4 with Ron Cushing and Just Delightful sitting in a tight pocket through a 1:29.3 third panel.

Snowonthepines had some pressure from the stalking Just Delightful, but prevailed by three parts of a length in 1:58.1, it was the filly’s tenth consecutive seasonal victory, and 19^th of her career.

Last season, the daughter of Dude’s The Man was victorious in all nine of her 2-year-old outing, and now has $179,533 in lifetime earnings for trainer Marc Tardif and owner-breeder Leighton Property.

Race Me Ireland (Andy Harrington) was third.

In the second $17,209 division the 2-5 favorite Dudelookslikeafily (Aaron Hall) cut moderate :30.2 and 1:01 fractions to the half.

Heading past the half and down the backstretch the final time Perfectly Lovely was sent first over by driver Kevin Switzer Jr.  Reeling in the leader down the stretch the daughter of Western Maverick prevailed by a quarter length in 1:59.1.

Trained by Jimmy Nickerson for owner Joseph Trice, it was her first win of the season, and a new record.  She was bred in Maine by Lynn-Marie Plouffe and returned $12.60.

Graceofspades (Dave Ingraham) was third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes has moved back to the Fairs with a week of action at Farmington continuing with all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 23).

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

September 17, 2026, by Chris Tully, for Maine Sire Stakes
(Joe Shaw photos)

BANGOR, ME – Two $17,000-plus divisions of 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings in the Maine Sire Stakes convened under sunny skies on Wednesday (September 16) at Bangor Raceway before the regular card.

This season’s “Glamour Boys” division, as they are affectionately called, has been a battle for supremacy between leading point earner Daytoremember and freshmen champion Real Horrorshow who is a close second.  This week they drew into separate divisions, thus each colt was able to advance their own agenda.

In the first $17,434 division it was a typical wire-to-wire romp by Real Horrorshow and driver Kevin Switzer Jr.  Leaving swiftly to grab the lead, the son of Dude’s The Man set opening fractions of :29.4 and :59.3.  Past the half, Deuces Red (Mike Stevenson) rolled first over and found himself within a half length of the pacesetter as the field approached the 1:29.1 third panel.

But that was all for show because Switzer Jr. gave his charge the cue to continue and the gelding responded with a :29 second final quarter, tripping the timer in 1:58.1 while prevailing by 1-1/2 lengths and avenging last week’s defeat.

Capturing his sixth win of the season, and 15th of his career, Real Horrorshow, increased his lifetime earnings to $168,012.  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.

Itsjustmoney (Andy Harrington) rallied for second; Dude’s The Jet (Joey Mosher) was third.

In the second $17,434 division for sophomore male pacers, another non-wagering event, it was Déjà vu all over again as Daytoremember enjoyed another pillar-to-post victory on his home turf. 

Protecting his pylon starting position, Heath Campbell sent his charge out for a tour of historic Bass Park, admiring the quarter station in :28.4 and glancing at the 1:00 half before any other tourists decided to join the party.

Down the backstretch the final time Nuh Uh (Andy Harrington) had tried valiantly to improve his position as he led the outer flow into a 1:29.1 third panel.  However, Campbell tapped the accelerator on Daytoremember and they sprinted home in :28.1, to win by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:57.2.

The son of Dude’s The Man is owned, trained and was bred by Valerie Grondin, and picked up his seventh seasonal victory with $123,670 earned lifetime.  Daytoremember continues to lead Real Horrorshow by 25 points in the divisional standings.

Ghost Of Winter (Joey Mosher) sat a pocket trip to retain second; Nuh Uh was third.

Looking ahead, the Maine Sire Stakes transitions back to the Fairs with a week of action at Farmington starting with the 3-year-old filly pacers on Monday (Sept. 21), followed by the all the 2- and 3-year-old trotters on Wednesday (Sept. 23).

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

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