Switzer family strong in Cumberland closer

CUMBERLAND, ME – The Switzer clan enjoyed success on the closing day of the record-breaking Cumberland Fair harness racing meet on Sunday (Oct. 1) with several familial victories and a couple of fast miles.

Kevin Switzer Jr. got things going with a score in the fourth race driving Brian Lamb’s We’re Gonna Rock (Rock N Roll Heaven) to a 1:59.1 front-end tour, paying $3.40 in the $5,000 conditioned pace.

In the same conditioned class for ‘winless in 2023’ pacers, Switzer Jr. came first over to blast home by 7-3/4 lengths with his father’s Bettor At Hightide (Bettor’s Delight).

The 1:55.1 romp was the first win of the season for the 6-year-old. Trained by ‘Big’ Kevin Switzer for owner KDK Standardbreds, it was the tenth lifetime victory for the horse with $238,033 career earnings. Bettor At Hightide paid $2.80 to win.

‘Little’ Kevin got his third driving victory of the program while sitting behind his sister’s horse, Mike’s Powerhouse (Camluck) in 1:57.4. Trained and co-owned by Candace Brandstatter with Ryan Hall, the 11-year-old took the lion’s share of the $7,000 purse, bringing his lifetime earnings to $343,811. He paid $6.00 for the victory.

Bruizn (Musclini) upset in the $7,000 top trot of the day in 2:01.1. Driven by Walter Case Jr. for trainer Kim Ireland and owners Dennis and Deborah Foss, the 9-year-old paid a hefty $30.40.

‘Too Tough’ Todd Whitney took the $6,000 Maine Amateur Driving Club race using a three-wide down the backside move to secure the victory with YS Sunshine (Sunshine Beach) in 1:59.2. Trained and owned by Michelle Lefebvre, he paid $5.20 to win.

The Cumberland Fair harness racing meet is facilitated by First Tracks Cumberland and Black Bear Racing on behalf of the Cumberland Farmers Club and enjoyed record attendance and handle during the seven-day meet.

First Tracks Cumberland’s winter festival reconvenes on Sunday, November 5, abiding by a weekend racing schedule through Christmas Eve (Dec. 24).  Winter post times will be 11 a.m.

More information can be found on our website: https://firsttrackscumberland.com and on our Facebook page: First Tracks Cumberland.

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

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland