The warmth of the sun was shining down upon the horses and fans for the opening day of Cumberland’s Winter Festival on Wednesday (Nov. 3) when a full card of 10 races had robust wagering and competitive harness racing.

The $4,500 opener and co-feature was won by Mr Blissfull and driver Aaron Hall in 1:58.4. Scoring from post two, Hall moved the nine-year-old son of Blissfull Hall right to the top and never looked back. Trained by Aaron’s father Craig Hall and owned by Robert Ferreira, Mr Blissfull picked up his fifth victory of the season and 31st of his career. He is quickly approaching a quarter-million in lifetime earnings.

Blue Seal Feeds sales representative Aimee Nichols cheerfully made the presentation to the winning connections. Mr Blissfull paid $2.60 to win. So It Goes finished second with Tail Hook getting up for third.

The co-featured fourth race went to Daliocity and driver Andy Harrington. Demonstrating that the front-end bias held strong through the day's card, Harrington sent the seven-year-old son of Dali out to the lead as soon as the wings folded, and continued to hold command. Tripping the timer in 1:57.3, Daliocity picked up his seventh win of the season for owner and trainer Sarah Gibbs.

Daliocity paid $24.20 to win. Sanattle Slew finished second and completed an $80.90 exacta. Through The Fence was third and, coupled with the 5-1, resulted in a $492.30 trifecta.

Matt Athearn and Bruce Ranger both enjoyed driving doubles on the card.

Total handle exceeded $70,000.

Another popular ‘Business Day at the Track’ was sponsored by Key Bank and Landry French Construction with guests enjoying great food and refreshments on the track’s expansive apron.

Fans can visit the Trackside Pub on Saturday, Nov. 6 to benefit ‘Futures for Standardbreds.’ Round up, donations and raffles will take place during the races with giveaways throughout the event.

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for the Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting featuring back-to-back cards on Tuesday, Nov. 9 and Wednesday, Nov. 10, and continues weekly through December 31, 2021.

(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)