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