Bombs away at Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, ME – Bettors had a big day at the Cumberland (Maine) Fair on Monday (Sept. 23) with five of the eight races resulting in double-digit win ticket payouts.

Wally Watson got things started with his own Terror Hall (Western Terror) and a three-wide move down the backside to score in 1:58.2.  Trained and co-owned with his wife Lisa Watson, the 11-year-old paid $23.20 to win.

The next big payout came by way of Easteriffic (Rock N Roll Heaven) and Andy Harrington who scored a thrilling neck victory over Ten Beaches Later (McGwire Sowers) to win in 2:00.1.  Owned and trained by Ryan Berry, the 9-year-old mare paid $29.60.  Harrington also won with Polyester (1:58.3, $5.40), resulting in the reinsman’s driving double.

Mike Cushing also scored a driving victory when he used a three-deep move to swoop the field and draw off by five with Joe’s Beauty (Roll With Joe) in 1:58.4.  Trained by Charlene ‘Sherry’ Cushing for owner Bryson Dostie, the 7-year-old mare paid $10.00.

Winter Asher-Stalbaum’s Hurrikane Bunny gave catch driver Walter Case Jr. his three-wide on the outside romp, scoring in 1:58 with the 9-year-old son of Rare Bunny. They paid $21.00 for the win.

Aaron Hall had three wins on the program, starting with trotter Squable (2:02, $2.60), and then Third Power (1:58.4, $10.40), and completing the troika with Love Kitten (2:00, $4.40)

The Maine Sire Stakes re-opens at the Cumberland Fair with 3-year-old filly pacers on Wednesday (Sept. 25), and then rolls into the 3-year-old male pacers on Thursday (Sept. 26), with the 3-year-old trotters completing the sophomore divisions on Friday (Sept. 27).  The 2-year-old finals will be held on Saturday (Sept. 28).

Racing continues at the Cumberland Fair on Monday (Sept. 23), with the live harness action starting at 1:00 pm (new post time) for the remainder of the week through Saturday (Sept. 28).

The Sunday (Sept. 29) card has a special post time of 10:55 am for that final racing date.

After the fair, the track’s 19-day Winter Festival begins November 2 and follows a 2-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month of November.  The month of December picks up Fridays for 3-day weekends of racing through December 22.  Our popular Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 21.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland