When the famous Fryeburg Fair welcomed the Maine Sire Stakes on Wednesday, Oct. 1, regional star sophomore pacing filly Leanne Marie held sway over the full field of Pine Tree State-breds.

In the $24,796 stakes event, fans watched the Cushing clan’s determined divisional leader Leanne Marie take no prisoners and come away with the well-rated victory.

When the wings folded Whisper Of Luck and Andy Harrington blasted out to the lead from post six, while 4-5 favourite Leanne Marie and Mike Cushing ducked in the pocket from post five. Following a 30-second opening panel, Cushing wasted little time coming right back out to take command and Leanne Marie led the field through a 1:00.3 midway marker.

With Whisper Of Luck in a tight pocket and Leanne Marie in command, the pack hit the third station in 1:30.3. With no significant pressure, Cushing let out a notch to snag the score in 2:00, with Leanne Marie posting a :29.2 final quarter. Whisper Of Luck finished 1-1/4 lengths behind in second and Glorilla, driven by Aaron Hall, was third.

Leanne Marie is trained by Charlene Cushing, who is also co-owner of the homebred with Pamela Smith of Weld, Maine and Jane DiPompo of Jay, Maine. The Artistic Fella-Zoe Blue Chip filly earned her fourth win in a row and eighth victory overall this year from a dozen starts, pushing her seasonal bankroll over the $100,000 mark.

Leanne Marie paid $3.60 to win.

(With files from Maine Sire Stakes)