Racing resumes at the iconic Cumberland Raceway on Sunday, Nov. 8 for the first of 15 Southern Maine racing dates, known as the “Winter Festival,” with some of the Pine Tree State’s top trotters and pacers kicking off the 12-race card.

The $6,400 USD featured conditioned trot in the fifth race pits J S Payton (2-1, Kevin Switzer Jr.) against TCS Brenda (5-2, McGwire Sowers).  The early morning line favourite J S Payton hails from the Benson Merrill stable and comes into this event on a four-race winning streak, which includes two scores at the Fryeburg Fair.

TCS Brenda has been competitive in conditioned trots lately at Plainridge, and brings her $111,570 in seasonal earnings to Cumberland while scoring from the pylon position.  Third choice is local star Brutalizer (5-1, Andy Harrington) who has enjoyed his share of success at the iconic Southern Maine oval.

Overall, the entire program has a lot of action for horseplayers with eight events boasting full seven or eight horse fields.  The Pick 5 starts with the first race, the Pick 4 highlights the ninth, with High-Five Pentafectas in the fifth and the finale — all with 16 per cent takeouts.

For the sixth season in a row First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, Dec. 12.  The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing, or have recently retired, and have Maine connections.  Horses will parade in front of the fans in either harness or halter and be featured in a half-page bio with their photograph in the special commemorative program.  Equine honourees must be present to participate and need to ‘declare’ by Nov. 24.  To enter your horse, or for more information, send an email of interest to Chris Tully at: [email protected].

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for the Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting on Friday, Nov. 13 which kicks off the three-day weekend action throughout the months of November and early December.  The 15-day meet concludes Dec. 13, 2026.

(with files from First Tracks Cumberland)