First Tracks Cumberland rolls into its three-day weekend schedule on Friday, Nov. 13 with a 13-race card of harness racing action on tap for the Southern Maine faithful.

The $6,100 USD featured conditioned trot pits Brutalizer (3-1, Andy Harrington) against Bay State invader Saint Stephens (5-2, Kevin Switzer Jr.) in the fifth-race scuffle. The second choice Brutalizer is no stranger to Cumberland, having completed the local circuit first on numerous occasions, including his seasonal best in 2:00.1.

The morning-line favourite Saint Stephens comes to town off a 1:59.4 win at Bangor Raceway in his last start for trainer Jimmy Nickerson. He found some Queen City class relief after toiling in the tough conditioned trots at Plainridge Park over the late summer and early autumn months.

Overall, the entire program has plenty of action for horse players with 11 events boasting seven- or eight-horse fields. The Pick 5 starts with the first race, the Pick 4 highlights the 10th, and the High-Five Pentafecta is in the fifth and the finale — all with 16 per cent takeouts.

Racing continues at First Tracks Cumberland for the Winter Festival extended pari-mutuel meeting on Saturday, Nov. 14 with a 12-race card including 10 full fields, which is followed by the nine-race Sunday card to close out the long weekend. Post time for all three race dates is 10:55 a.m.

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. Interested parties can enter or learn more by sending an email of interest to Chris Tully at [email protected].

(First Tracks Cumberland; photo of Brutalizer racing on Nov. 15, 2025)