Trainer Benson Merrill connected for a grand slam while trainer Autym Robinson scored a hat trick during the 2025 opening day card at First Tracks Cumberland on Friday, April 11.

Merrill copped his three of wins with horses driven by Bruce Ranger. Last season’s fourth leading trainer at Cumberland with 28 wins, Merrill harnessed Pretty Gorgeous (1:59.3, $3.80); Zampara (2:01.3, $5.00) and Ten Beach Later (2:01.1, $2.80).  Then Merrill jumped in the bike himself and scored with Art Of Endurance (2:00, $6.40, pictured above) to complete the four-bagger.

Robinson, who enjoyed 20 wins at Cumberland in 2024, picked up her three tallies with McKenzie Sowers at the lines. Together they accounted for victories with Vel Miss Taylor (1:59.4, $2.40); Mr Fantasy (2:00.1, $2.60) and Moonlightandroses (1:59.1, $12.60).  All three were owned by Mo Coo Inc.

Shortly before Friday’s first race, nearly 40 drivers, trainers and other Maine harness horse people assembled in front of the infield tote board to observe a moment of silence for fallen driver Hunter Myers.

Cumberland's card on Saturday, April 12 carries 10 races and kicks off with the season’s first Maine Amateur Driving Club event.  The $4,000 USD purse attracted five entrants and is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed stores of North Falmouth and Windham, Maine.  Michael Girouard drives his own Menlo Park and has been installed as the 4-5 favourite from pylon position.

The area’s better side-steppers square off in the $5,000 USD fourth race conditioned pace.  Zack Vickerson brings Heavensway A (6-5, Switzer Jr.) from Saratoga and looks to dominate.  The eight-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven earned more than $81,000 last season and looks to get a jump start on his win tally this year.

There is a $618 carryover in the tenth race Pentafecta. Wagering options include the Pick 5 which starts with the third race; the Pick 4 highlights the seventh, and the High-Five Pentafecta in the final race — all with low 16 per cent takeouts.  

Looking ahead to the first Saturday in May, bettors and fans of Thoroughbred racing will be able to watch and wager on the entire Kentucky Derby card from Churchill Downs, right in the Cumberland grandstand.

First Tracks Cumberland's Spring/Summer Meet will continue with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend.  First post is slated for 3:15 p.m. during the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which runs through Aug. 2.

(with files from First Tracks Cumberland)