August 30, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

WINDSOR, ME – ‘All good things must come to an end.”

English poet Geoffrey Chaucer is credited with the original use of this idiom in the 1300’s, which is commonly used as a proverb to remind us that nothing great will last forever.  This aptly describes the 2023 winning streak of Marc Tardif’s Luke McGook, which was snapped at seven in Tuesday’s (August 29) $14,692 Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Windsor Fair.

Held before the regular program, the five pacers lined up behind the starting gate with this season’s ‘chosen one,’ Luke McGook, scoring from pylon position.  When the wings folded regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. scooted out for control of the tempo, and enjoyed setting relatively soft opening fractions of 30.1 and 1:02.1.

But Maine County Fair racing is not for the faint of heart as the drivers are always on the move in the tight turns and rapid rhythm of half-mile track harness racing.  Walter Case Jr. had started his ascent for the lead instantly, as he was first over from the ‘get-go’ with stable mate Anithingforyoudear.  Matucci (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) sat comfortably in the two-hole, with Colt Bennett (Dave Ingraham-David Crochere) moving second over with Casey’s cover at the half.

Around the five-eighths paddock turn Switzer felt the pressure mounting, yet kept the pack bunched up behind him.  Anithingforyoudear was now within a half-length of the leader at the 1:32.3 (30.2) third panel, where Luke McGook was finally given the cue to increase the cadence. 

Around the final turn ‘Double-Digit’ Dave Ingraham smelled blood in the water and swooped Colt Bennett three-wide around the thundering herd.  Gaining ground with every stride, while unleashing an uncompromising 28.3 final quarter, the prey became the predator and got up by a nose to win in 2:01.3

Trained by David Crochere for owner Nancy Longobardi, it was the third seasonal victory for the son of Rock N’ Roll World.  Having finished second to Luke McGook on five previous occasions, the win put Colt Bennett’s 2023 earnings to $46,483.  He was bred by Stephen K. O’Toole. 

The Leighton Property-owned, Marc Tardif-trained Luke McGook has nothing to be ashamed of in being beaten by a nose.  He is still the leading money-winning horse in the Maine Sire Stakes program this season, as well as having the most victories.  Certainly the Tardif Taskforce will have Luke McGook back in harness and ready to redeem himself when the glamour boys meet again at Bangor on Sept. 6.

Anithingforyoudear finished third.

The second $14,917 glamour boys division was raced on the Windsor Fair pari-mutuel card and observed So Rock N’ Roll take one for Team Tardif and score in 1:57.2, just a tick off of his career best. 

When the wings folded three horses made a mad-dash for the top with Two Points (Ingraham-Eric Bickmore) on the inside, Rockaroundsam (Switzer Jr.-Tardif) in the middle, and Two Towns Over (Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) forced three wide through the first turn.

Hall, recognizing a speed duel in the making, opted to duck into third, with Ingraham ultimately allowing Switzer Jr. to take command before the 29 second first quarter.  Leaving from the outermost post six, driver Walter Case Jr. was content to take the overland route and let some of the early tussling expire as So Rock N’ Roll took a trailing position in the outer flow, hoping to flush some cover.

Almost like he planned it that way, Casey followed Hall and Two Towns Over when that duo pulled the right line around the three-eighths pole.  As the field approached the half in 59, the pack was tightening around the leader, Rockaroundsam.  While reaching the third panel in a swift 1:27.4 (28.4), Two Towns Over had collared the pacesetter and poked a nose in front by the head of the stretch.

But, as those two were busy battling on the front end, Walter Case Jr. thrust So Rock N’ Roll three-wide around the final turn and fed him racetrack.  Matching and then surpassing the front-end skirmishers, So Rock N’ Roll emerged as the fresh and fastidious victor by 1-1/4 lengths.  The wagering favorite used a 29.2 final quarter to find that elusive Windsor Fair winners circle.

Trained by Marc Tardif for breeder-owner Lesley Leighton/Property, the son of Western Maverick paid $4.20 to win his fourth race of the year, boosting his seasonal kitty to $43,475.

Two Towns Over finished second; Rockaroundsam was third.

Drivers Aaron Hall and Kevin Switzer Jr. each enjoyed three wins apiece on the afternoon Windsor Fair program.  In the opener, Aaron Hall driving Ira Cheif nipped pacesetter Zampara and driver Valerie Grondin at the wire, denying the latter of her 499^th career victory.  The Grondin 500-win watch continues.

Maine’s freshman pacers return to start the four-day weekend with the fillies enjoying two $14,000-plus divisions on Friday (Sept. 1).  Distaffs go with an early post time of 2:15 pm, and the 2-year-old colts and gelding race the following day, Saturday (Sept. 2).  All the Maine-bred trotters return on Sunday (Sept. 3) with the aforementioned sophomore filly pacers closing out the meet on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4). For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation

It seems we have the approval for the stakes payment for Topsham now and it will be sent out soon.

Notice from the Maine State Harness Racing Commission Office:

Unfortunately, the purse payments will be delayed for Maine Sire Stakes horses that raced at Topsham Fair due to the department not getting permission to send the money for purses to the tracks.

The department has requested an emergency item for permission to send the funds to the tracks, but that approval will not be granted until September 15. Once the permission has been granted the department will send the money to the tracks and they can send the funds to the participants.

Owners and trainers who have money owed to them should see those funds by the 3rd or 4th week of September.

August 29, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

WINDSOR, ME – With the Maine Sire Stakes rolling full-steam ahead at Windsor Fair, the Monday (Aug. 28) pari-mutuel card was previewed with two $14,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old pacing fillies, both of which being captured by Monday’s ‘King of the Fair’ Kevin Switzer Jr.

In the opener South St Dottie returned to her winning ways for trainer Mike Graffam.  The talented daughter of Western Maverick wasted little time pushing to the lead in the $14,459 dash, with Switzer Jr. controlling the tempo with 30 second and 1:01.3 opening fractions.

While it appeared that South St Dottie may have things her own way, last week’s winner Pickmepickme (Walter Case Jr.-Marc Tardif) had other ideas as she rolled first over into that soft half to challenge for the lead. 

The pair battled down the backstretch into a 1:31.2 (29.4) third panel, with the pursuer getting up to the leader’s saddle pad.  That’s when Switzer gave South St Dottie her head and the filly responded by kicking away and gaining a length separation at the head of the stretch.

But, Casey was not finished as he continued to urge Pickmepickme down to the wire, getting to within half a length of the pacesetter as the toteboard indicated a 1:59.3 (28.1) final time.

Owned and bred by Jan Donaway, it was the sixth victory in nine seasonal starts for South St Dottie who now has $97,657 in career earnings.

Ally Mac (Aaron Hall-Mike Graffam) finished third.

In the second $14,684 division, Kevin Switzer Jr. was back behind his faithful filly Katelyn’s Angel, with which he was victorious in four previous outings.

Scoring from pylon position, Switzer put his daughter of Western Maverick right where he likes to be, in front and in command.  Following a brief push La Mambacita (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) ducked into the two-hole in the first turn, with Justcallmemimi (Walter Case Jr.-Mike Graffam) taking in some of that fresh Maine air first over in third.

While the pressure continued to mount for the pacesetter with 29.4 and 1:00.2 early fractions, Justcallmemimi had moved up to within a length of Katelyn’s Angel at the half, and to within three parts of a length at the third 1:31.1 stanza.  But it was while rounding the final turn that the ‘Case chase’ diminished with La Mambacita sitting in the garden spot to pick up the pieces.

With a commanding 28.4 final quarter, Katelyn’s Angel tripped the final timer in 2:00 flat to gain her fifth consecutive victory for owner Leighton Property and breeder Lesley Leighton.  Trained by Marc Tardif, she was 2-3/4 lengths in front of La Mambacita at the wire, eclipsing the six-figure mark with $100,947 in lifetime earnings.  Justcallmemimi hung on tough to be third.

Driver Kevin Switzer Jr. led all drivers on the Monday (Aug. 28) card at the Windsor fair, sweeping both Maine Sire Stakes and then winning four additional pari-mutuel races, giving him six purse victories on the afternoon program.

The Maine-sired action resumes at Windsor on Tuesday (Aug. 29) with two $14,000-plus divisions for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.  First early post is 2:30 pm.

Looking ahead, the freshman pacers return to start the four-day weekend with fillies on Friday (Sept. 1) and their male counterparts on Saturday (Sept. 2).  All the Maine-bred trotters return on Sunday (Sept. 3) with the aforementioned sophomore filly pacers closing out the meet on Labor Day Monday (Sept. 4). For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation

August 28, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

WINDSOR, ME – On Sunday’s (Aug. 27) opening day of the historic Windsor Fair, a quartet of $14,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes for trotters set the stage for a full week of New England harness racing action.

Contested before the regular card, the Pine Tree State’s diagonally-gaited group invaded the backstretch in hopes of taking home their ‘fair share’ of the robust funding provided by the Maine Standardbred Breeders program.  Of course, there were some fulfilled expectations, along with some mild upsets, all of which makes for great horse racing.

In the opener Wild Ending intended to take her fourth Maine-sired event in a row, while leaving from the outermost post six in the $14,850 3-year-old filly trot.  However, Marc Tardif’s Another Adventure had other ideas.

Having the advantage of the innermost post position, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. put the daughter of Noble Venture on top, where she made every call a winning one through early fractions of 30.1, 1:01.4 and 1:33.3.  Ivan Davies had sentimental favorite Wild Ending giving chase throughout the mile, but it was ultimately Another Adventure who prevailed by half a length in 2:05.

It was the first win of the season and a new lifetime mark for the Tardif Taskforce-trained, Leighton Property-owned filly who shows an ultra-consistent three seconds and three thirds in eight seasonal starts.  Another Adventure was bred in Maine by East Pond Stable.

Melania’s Best (Steve Nason-John Nason) finished third.

The $15,166 three-year-old colt and gelding trot was up next, and as predicted it was Wabanaki who was entering the race as the sentimental favorite.  Looking for his second win a row, the Ivan Davies-trained, Anita Anastosopoulos-owned son of Boy Band was also scoring from the outermost post position. 

Undeterred, Davies sent the Mike Andrew-bred gelding right to the front in a snappy 29.4 opening panel, and was on top by three.  While getting a breather at the 1:01 half-mile marker, Outlawofthevalley (Switzer Jr.-Tardif) stuck close to Davie’s helmet, as the rest of the field gave fruitless chase.  Once past the 1:31.4 third panel it was a downhill coast for the pacesetting pair as they drew off by two lengths to score in 2:01.4.

Wabanaki increased his lifetime earnings to $95,443 in his fourth win of the season.

Pembroke Traveler (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) finished third.

During the ensuing freshman events, trainer Valerie Grondin swept both races and got once step closer to her 500^th career driving victory.

Driving Chipper Dale in the $14,146 two-year-old colt trot driver-trainer Grondin sat a comfortable two-hole trip behind stable mate Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell).  Tipping out around the final turn the dominant duo scored in 2:09 by 1-1/4 lengths.  It was the fifth win in a row for the son of Shake It Off Lindy, who his owned and was bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe. 

Grondin now sits at 498 driving wins lifetime.  Pembroke Will finished second; Carrabassett (Mark Athearn-Gretchen Athearn) was third.

Heath Campbell drove Pembroke Breeze to 3-1/2 length victory in the $14,367 two-year-old filly trot, giving his partner-trainer Valerie Grondin a win in both the baby races.

Scoring in 2:06.4, the daughter of Pembroke Slugger never had an anxious moment as she was in command every step of the way for owner-breeder Bill Varney.  My Saving Grace (Athearn) finished second; Twisted Venture (Mike Cushing-Sherry Cushing) was third.

Maine Sire Stakes racing continues at Windsor with two $14,000-plus divisions of 3-year-old filly pacers racing on Monday (Aug. 28) at 2:30 pm.  The action continues on Tuesday (Aug. 29) when the fair showcases their ‘glamour boy’ male counterparts, a.k.a. the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers. For more information about the Maine Sire Stakes, follow their Facebook page @MaineBreedersAssociation

August 25, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

WINDSOR, ME – Four $14,000-plus divisions of Maine Sire Stakes for trotters will open the historic Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 27), with the 2- and 3-year-old divisions being contested before the regular card at 12:15 pm.  On the opening card, the legacy of the late Mike Andrew, a breeder and leader in Maine harness racing, continues to shine in the offspring he helped develop.

A pair of sophomore trotting events are highlighted by a pair of Ivan Davies-trained, Anita Anastosopoulos-owned horses that will look to keep their winning streaks alive, while racing in the memory of their breeder Mike Andrew.

In the opener Wild Ending intends to take her fourth Maine-sired event in a row, scoring from post six in the $14,850 3-year-old filly trot.  Trained and driven by Ivan Davies, she is owned by Anita ‘Bunny’ Anastosopoulos-Andrew and was bred by her late husband Mike Andrew.  To date, she has earned $36,704 in six seasonal starts.

Their other horse, Wabanaki, has the same owner-breeder while looking for his second consecutive win, and fourth of the season in the $15,166 three-year-old colt and gelding trot.  Now with six wins lifetime and $87,860 in career earnings, he hasn’t been off the board all season.

A force for good in harness racing, as well as the state of Maine, Mike Andrew was admired throughout the industry for his knowledge of Standardbred bloodlines and his commitment to the Pine Tree State program. 

Over the decades Andrew bred and raised over 160 trotters, including award winners and champions like Obrigado and Rebuff.  He was especially fond of his stallion Boy Band, who is the sire of these two leading sophomore trotters in the Maine program this season. 

A Harvard Ph.D. and a distinguished professor at the University of New Hampshire, Andrew’s devotion to the sport led him to positions as commissioner of the Maine State Harness Racing Commission, and as president of the Maine Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.

Prior to Professor Andrew’s passing at age 84 in December, he made one plea to his widow.  “Bunny, race the horses this summer…promise me.”

Perhaps it is divine intervention, or maybe these are the best of the bunch, one may never know.  But ‘Bunny’ has carried out her beloved late-husband’s wishes, and the horses have certainly responded.

Recent success notwithstanding, their owner is somewhat assuaged by their trips to the winners circle while she simultaneously processes her husband’s passing and packs up their 30 years of life together.

“I feel the inescapable depth of his loss every minute of every day but especially on every racetrack in Maine. He was a force, that love of mine,” Mrs. Andrew stated.

“I feel him at every race….in every corner of this old farm house… ‘The  Place’…in the quiet of the barns surrounded by the animals he loved so well.  No matter where [these horses finish], they are a testament to his unwavering faith in the Maine Sire Stakes program and his dedication to the people and the horses in this business.”

She concluded with, “I miss him with every breath I take.”

* * *

Chipper Dale leads the 2-year-old colt trotters in the $14,146 event, with trainer Valerie Grondin looking for her fifth win in a row with the son of Shake It Off Lindy.  In addition, Grondin sits at 497 driving wins lifetime, and could add another with this horse.

My Saving Grace has only missed once this year for Team Athearn, and will look to add her fifth seasonal victory to her tally in the $14,367 two-year-old filly trot.

‘A family tradition since 1888’ boasts the Windsor (Maine) fair poster, featuring 50 acres of amusement and all the sights and sounds of an agricultural extravaganza.  One of Maine’s oldest and largest agricultural fairs, the official fair opening is Sunday (Aug. 27), and runs through Labor Day (Sept. 4).

Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes at Windsor with two $14,000-plus divisions of 3-year-old filly pacers racing on Monday (Aug. 28) at 2:30 pm.  The action continues on Tuesday (Aug. 29) when the fair showcases their ‘glamour boy’ male counterparts, a.k.a. the 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers.

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

August 19, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – The Maine-bred freshmen pacers closed out the week of harness racing at the Skowhegan State Fair in grand fashion, with the distaff sidesteppers going two $14,000-plus divisions on Friday (Aug. 18) and their male counterparts mimicking that pattern on Saturday (Aug. 19).

Marc Tardif’s barn swept the 2-year-old colt and gelding paces on Saturday’s final day of the racing meet, sending Wes’s Challenge and Two Fold Cold to the winner’s circle.

In the first $14,487 Maine Sire Stakes non-betting event driver Walter Case Jr. sent Wes’s Challenge first over into a soft 1:02 half, challenging stable mate Thru The Fire (Andy Harrington).  At the 1:32.4 third panel Gary Hall had gone three-deep with his Justcallmebuck and was able to poke a nose in front of the pacesetter.

But Case had other ideas and sent the son of Deuce Seelster on a beeline for the finish wire and prevailed in 2:05.1 by a half length.  Owned by Leighton Property, ironically Wes’s Challenge was bred by Gary and Kristina Hall.  It was the colt’s second sire stakes victory of the season.

Justcallmebuck held on for second, Thru The Fire was third.

In the second $14,486 colt pace Two Fold Cold driven by Kevin Switzer Jr. shot out for an early lead and never looked back, grabbing his second win in a row in 2:02.4 while equaling his lifetime mark.  Owned and trained by Marc Tardif, he was also bred by Gary and Kristina Hall.

Hesjustadelight finished second (Ron Cushing-Heidi Gibbs); Stretch It Donn was third (Case Jr.-Tardif).

The fillies enjoyed two divisions on Friday (Aug. 18) with Who’s Perfect remaining perfect in her last two outings.  In the $14,486 Maine Sire Stake for 2-year-old pacing fillies she was driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin.  The daughter of Western Maverick traded places with initial pacesetter Mrs Foxy Roxy (Nick Graffam-Mike Graffam) and took over at the half and coasted home in 2:01.3, which was a new lifetime best.

Owned and bred by Lynn-Marie Plouffe with co-owners Dick and Patty McKeen, she has yet to be worse than second in her last five starts.

Mrs Foxy Roxy was second; My Sweet Revenge (Case Jr.-Tardif) finished third.

The final $14,487 division was Friday’s opener on the regular card, and witnessed Gowestyounggrace score from off the pace for driver Dave Ingraham and owner-trainer-breeder Fred Ward Jr. with Sharon Ward.

Scoring by two lengths in 2:02, it was a new lifetime record for the daughter of Western Maverick who has also copped her last two starts.  She paid $6.20 to win.  Wagering favorite Ghost Of You (Switzer Jr.-Tardif) finished second; Animore Sass (Harrington-Tardif) was third.

Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes at the Windsor Fair on Sunday (Aug. 27).

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

August 16, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – Marc Tardiff’s Luke McGook continued to display his dominance in the Maine Sire Stakes, winning Tuesday’s (August 15) $14,917 div. 3-year-old colt and gelding pace at the Skowhegan State Fair.  It was the seventh consecutive victory for the Leighton Property-owned son of Rock N’ Roll World, who also took a new seasonal mark of 1:56.1 in the wire-to-wire triumph.

Driven by regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. and conditioned by the powerful Peggy and Marc Tardiff stable, the winner of 15-of-20 lifetime starts cut swift early fractions of 28.4 and 59.  At the third panel Switzer Jr. let out a notch in 1:27.4 while feeling some pressure from Colt Bennett (Dave Ingraham-David Crochere) and stablemate So Rock N’ Roll (Walter Case Jr.).

Despite So Rock N’ Roll posting a 28.1 final quarter he could only get to his rival’s saddle pad as Luke McGook prevailed by a quarter length.  Mattucci (Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) was third.

Luke McGook was bred in Maine by Erika Saucier and now has $193,490 in lifetime earnings.  He paid $2.60 to win.

The other $14,692 glamour boys division was won handily by Two Towns Over, before the regular twilight card.  Driven by Aaron Hall for owner-trainer Valerie Grondin, the son of Deuce Seelster cruised unfettered through comfortable fractions of 29.4, 1:00.4 and 1:31 before equaling his own seasonal best of 1:58.1.

Twice The Ice (Andy Harrington-Marc Tardif) finished second by three parts of a length; Rockaroundsam (Switzer Jr.-Tardif) was third.

During Monday’s (Aug’ 14) card the 3-year-old pacing fillies enjoyed two divisions of Maine-bred action, with Katelyn’s Angel grabbing her fourth win in a row in the $14,459 event.

Driven by Switzer Jr. for the Tardif Taskforce, the daughter or Western Maverick got every call and opened up by four lengths to score in 1:58.4.  Katelyn’s Angel is owned and was bred by the Leightons and now has $93,605 in lifetime earnings.

La Mamabacita (Campbell-Grondin) finished second; Justcallmemimi (Case Jr.-Mike Graffam) was third.

In a sweep of the sophomore pacing fillies, Team Tardiff took the other $14,684 division with Pickmepickme, who redeemed her recent activity with a much anticipated victory.

Driven by Walter Case Jr. the daughter of Western Maverick was parked to the quarter in 30.1 by South St Dottie (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Mike Graffam) and took command by the 1:00.4 half.  Past the 1:31.2 third panel, the two front-end combatants started to draw off from the rest of the field, putting double digit lengths between them and the rest of the field.

Pickmepickme and South St Dottie engaged in a great battle down the stretch, with the former prevailing by three-quarters of a length in 1:59.1.  Owned, trained and bred by Marc Tardif, it was the eleventh victory of her career and the third of the season.  Pickmepickme paid $6.60 to win and now has $121,535 in lifetime earnings.

Ally Mac (Aaron Hall-Mike Graffam) was third.

Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes at Skowhegan with the 2-year-old filly pacers racing on Friday (Aug. 18) with a wrap up featuring the male freshmen pacers on Saturday (Aug. 19).

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

August 14, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

SKOWHEGAN, ME – A quartet of $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for trotters opened the 205^th year of the Skowhegan State Fair, with several of the divisional leaders cushioning their point totals at the historic venue.  Claiming the title of the Nation’s Oldest Consecutively running Agricultural Fair, Skowhegan has been operating annually since 1818.

Situated in the heart of Maine’s Kennebec Valley, their website notes, “the Skowhegan State Fair has run without interruption, through the great depression, two world wars, and many smaller, though significant battles, and now a tough national pandemic.”

Of course, harness racing has been a part of that storied past since the inception.  Therefore, it is only fitting that the Maine-bred colts and fillies opened the fair on Sunday (Aug. 13) with the afternoon card presented to throngs of fair-goers and racing fans alike.

The 3-year-old colts and geldings tussled for $14,941 in the featured non-wagering event, held immediately after the fourth race on the regular program.  As the wings folded Nick Graffam hustled Stealin Money out to the lead, putting trainer-driver Ivan Davies and Wabaki on the offense, and on the outside.

Parked to the opening panel in a spry 30.1, the son of Boy Band was just a quarter length back as the monsters of the midway rounded the long, far turn.  Davies ducked in for a spell but was right out back and moving past the 1:01.4 half-mile marker.  Applying constant pressure on Graffam and Stealin Money, Davies and Wabanaki were relentless in their pursuit of the lead, which was fought for and won by the time the teamsters hit the 1:32 third panel.

At the head of the stretch it was all over but the shouting as Davies had a hand drive to the wire in 2:01.2, scoring by 2-1/2 lengths over the fast closing Outlawofthevalley (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Marc Tardif). 

Wabanaki’s final quarter of 29.2 was also his swiftest closing kick as a 3-year-old. 

Surely, owner Anita Anastosopolous must be overjoyed with Wabanaki’s bankroll, which has hit $87,860.  Both Wabanaki and Wild Ending are products of the late-Mike Andrew’s pedigree prowess and his stallion Boy Band. 

Pembroke Traveler (Campbell-Grondin) finished third.

Maine’s 3-year-old trotting fillies battled for $14,727 after the 2^nd betting race on the regular card.  It was anything but a wild ending as the Boy Band filly Wild Ending was much the best and captured her third win in a row while engaged with her like-minded peers.

Trainer-driver Ivan Davies wasted little time hustling Wild Ending to the front, where the pair enjoyed unfettered access to every Mike Sweeney-ah call and ended the afternoon a winner by 2-3/4 lengths in 2:05.4.  Her 29.4 last quarter was the fastest closing time of her sophomore season, showing that she had plenty left in the tank.  Her career kitty has grown to $49,573 for owner Anita Anastosopolous.

Melania’s Best (John Nason) was a well-rated second; Katahdin Kris (Gary Hall) finished third.

With his pair of powerhouse sophomore trotters this season, the trainer-driver of stablemate Wabaki may become known as ‘King’ Ivan Davies.

The first $14,367 early, non-wagering event for 2-year-old trotting fillies was captured by My Saving Grace, who redeemed her only loss of the season at Cumberland last Saturday with a resounding triumph at her first fair.

Driven by Mark Athearn for trainer Gretchen Athearn and owner Margaret Thyng, the daughter of Shake It Off Lindy made every call a winning one and scored by two lengths in 2:08.1.

Pembroke Breeze (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin), the only filly to show the winner her heels, followed along politely in second.  Bernie’s Legacy (Ivan Davies) was third.  My Saving Grace was bred in Maine by Leighton Property and has increased her seasonal bankroll to $34,261 with four wins in six outings.

Next up before the card was the $14,146 male freshmen trot, which was a walk in the park for Chipper Dale who remains undefeated in four starts for trainer-driver Valerie Grondin.  Tripping the timer in a lifetime best-equaling 2:08.4, the altered son of Shake It Off Lindy is owned and was bred by Lynne-Marie Plouffe.  His seasonal take is $34,542.  It was just two lengths back to stablemate Pembroke Will (Heath Campbell-Valerie Grondin) who finished second; Carrabassatt (Athearn) was third. 

Conditioner Valerie Grondin has well over 2,000 training victories, and over $10-million in purses earned, but is approaching a milestone with 497 lifetime driving victories at press time.

Maine Sire Stakes racing resumes at Skowhegan on Tuesday (Aug. 15).  The 2-year-old filly pacers rock and roll on Friday (Aug. 18) and wrap up with the male freshmen pacers on Saturday (Aug. 19).

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

August 13, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray race photos; Michelle Hardin photo provided)

TOPSHAM, ME – A pair of $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers closed out the 169^th week of harness racing at historic Topsham Fair.  The duo of early, non-wagering races kicked off the final, blockbuster card Saturday (Aug. 12), which was met with praise and applause for the second-year director of racing Michelle Hardin.

“It takes a village to run a fair,” Hardin noted on social media after receiving flowers from the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association, and dozens of congratulatory posts on the final day of the meet.

Hardin, 43, is a Standardbred trainer and owner from Topsham that stepped in last year and filled the often thankless position with poise and perseverance.  While thanking all of her volunteers, Hardin noted, “without whom I wouldn’t be able to do my job,” she continued, “Fair season is all about community and we have a great one!”

Area businesses, such as Steve McGee construction, Ray Labbe and Sons and Harpswell Auto sales all donated equipment to help get the track ‘race ready’ for the fair.  “Mark Ponziani spent more hours than I could count getting the track into condition this summer,” she added.

Hardin credits this community spirit as the essential ingredient to having a successful fair.  An L.L. Bean manager when she is not training horses was quick to point out that, “Last year was a great learning experience and it taught me that having the right people in the right places is key to a smooth run.”

Aside from finding people to perform all of the duties necessary to facilitate a race card, Hardin was also instrumental in getting the video feed for the races on YouTube so that fans could watch the races from home.  The broadcast occurred live every day, complete with slick wagering graphics and changes, and remains available for replays after the races.

“We hoped to reach a wider audience through social media channels, and it seems to have paid off, as we had an overwhelming response,” concluded Hardin.  “We are hoping that we can build on that, and more Fairs will be able to do the same in the future.”

Clearly, more Fairs need more people like Michelle Hardin.

In the opening round of Maine Sire Stakes action, Two Fold Cold finally figured out this ‘racing thing’ and picked up the first victory of his somewhat tumultuous career.  Through many trials and tribulations, the Marc Tardif-owned and trained son of Deuce Seelster seemed to display a knack for galloping at the most inopportune times.  Having toiled in relative obscurity since late June, he picked up a pair of fifth place checks along the way.

Things seemed to be going as they had in the past when driver Kevin Switzer Jr. had to steady the fractious colt just after the start following a miscue.  But that all changed in an instant at Topsham.  Once the pair was back pacing Two Fold Cold was all business as they set evenly rated fractions of 31.2, 1:02 and 1:32.1 while on top by a few lengths at the third panel.

That’s when it all came together for the freshman gelding pacer as he drew off from the $14,487 field by 11 lengths to score in 2:02.4, breaking his maiden and taking his first lifetime record.  He was bred in Maine by Gary and Kristina Hall.

Whats For Suppaah (Aaron Hall-Michelle Hardin) finished second; Fisher Kat (Nick Graffam-Mike Graffam) was third.

The second $14,486 division was handily captured by Hesjustadelight in 2:03.4.  Driven by Ron Cushing for trainer Heidi Gibbs, the son of Western Maverick picked up his third wire-to-wire Maine Sire Stakes romp, from six seasonal starts.  He continues to lead all the male freshmen pacers in the point standings.

Owned by Cushing, breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe and Anthony and Joseph Romanelli, Hesjustadelight now has $27,605 in seasonal earnings.  Justcallmebuck (Gary Hall) finished second; Oakleypopsthedeuce (Dave Ingraham-Kelly Case) was third.

Sunday (Aug. 13) the Maine pari-mutuel fair circuit transitions to Skowhegan for another full week of Maine harness racing at its finest, and continues through August 19.

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

August 11, 2023 — by Chris Tully, for the Maine Sire Stakes (Stephanie Gray photos)

TOPSHAM, ME – Four $14,000-plus divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 2- and 3-year-old pacers went postward at Topsham Fair on Wednesday (Aug. 9) and Thursday (Aug. 10), with the popular attraction acting as a centerpiece of the week-long agricultural fair. 

Thursday’s card included two splits for freshmen pacing fillies, which saw some fresh faces finding their way to the winners circle.

The opening non-wagering event saw Dave Ingraham guide Gowestyounggrace to her first lifetime victory in the $14,662 Maine-bred 2-year-old filly pace, handing Mrs. Foxy Roxy (Heath Campbell-Mike Graffam) her first defeat in three starts.

Ingraham was happy to let Mrs Foxy Roxy and Campbell cut the early fractions of 31.2 and 1:04.1 around the tight turns of the Topsham Fair track.  Despite the soft half and an up-tempo 1:36 third panel, Ingraham was able to take the lead by the head of the stretch and prevail by 2-1/2 lengths.  Tripping the timer in 2:05.4, Gowestyounggrace took her first lifetime record and the lion’s share of the purse while breaking her maiden.

Owned by Sharon Ward with trainer Fred Ward Jr., the daughter of Western Maverick was also bred in Maine by the Wards.

For Mrs Foxy Roxy, it was the second time in five starts that she finished second in a Maine Sire Stake, having won the other three while still maintaining a healthy lead in the divisional point standings.

Push Your Luck (Andy Harrington-Marc Tardif) finished third.

In the second $14,486 2yo filly pace, Who’s Perfect had not a care in the world as she toured the Topsham circuit, capturing every call, and scoring in a new lifetime best 2:03.1.  Driven by Heath Campbell for trainer Valerie Grondin, the daughter of Western Maverick is owned by breeder Lynn-Marie Plouffe with co-owners Dick and Patty McKeen.  Now with two wins and two seconds in Maine Sire Stakes company, she has amassed $23,140 in seasonal earnings.  Who’s Perfect paid $5.60 to win

Animore Sass (Harrington-Tardif) finished second; Ghost Of You (Kevin Switzer Jr.-Tardif) was third.

Wednesday’s (Aug 9.) card was postponed from Tuesday due to rain, and brought the glamour boys out to the fair for their weekly romp.

Remaining undefeated this season is the talk of the town Luke McGook, who has heretofore an unblemished six-for-six record.  Scoring in 2:00 for regular pilot Kevin Switzer Jr. and trainer Marc Tardif, the 3-year-old son of Rock N’ Roll World added another $14,917 Maine Sire Stake to his growing résumé.

Two Towns Over (Aaron Hall-Valerie Grondin) cut the fractions of 29.2, 1:01 and 1:30.4 with Luke McGook right on his helmet.  However, when the field turned for home the horse with the funny name was all business as he tipped off the pylons and battled stride for stride with the pacesetter down to the wire to ultimately prevail by a scant quarter of a length.

Luke McGook was the heavy 1-9 favorite and paid $2.20 to win.  Owned by Leighton Property, he was bred in Maine by Erika Saucier.  His sophomore stable mate Rockaroundsam (Harrington-Tardif) was third.

In a training sweep of the glamour boys division, the well-stocked stable of Marc and Peggy Tardif sent out their own So Rock N’ Roll to overpower his foes.  Scoring in an identical 2:00 over the Topsham half-mile oval, the son of Western Maverick took his $15,142 sophomore colt and gelding pace in dominant fashion following a bold 28.4 quarter move from the back of the pack.

Driven by Walter Case Jr. for owner-breeder Leighton Property-Lesley Leighton, it was the third victory of the season the lifetime winner of $110,403.  Colt Bennett (Ingraham-David Crochere) finished second; Facemaskrequired (Switzer Jr.-Tardif) was third.

Racing continues with freshmen colt pacers on August 12 at Topsham. 

Next week, the circuit transitions to Skowhegan for another full week of Maine harness racing at its finest, beginning Sunday (Aug. 13) and continuing through August 19.

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