Apex trotter Broadway Giant made his second consecutive appearance in the First Tracks Cumberland winner's circle, taking Maine’s top $5,500 conditioned trot once again on Sunday, Nov. 26 by open lengths.
Driven by veteran reinsman Bruce Ranger, the nine-year-old son of Broadway Hall coasted to the top from post six and never looked back, scoring untested in 2:01.2 by 3-3/4 lengths. It was Broadway Giant's fifth win in his last six starts and his ninth victory of the season from 24 races. Owned and trained by Ron Patoine, he increased his yearly earnings to $30,660.
Broadway Giant paid $4.40 to win as the wagering favourite. Osprey Delta (Mike Stevenson) finished second and Mister Muscle (Aaron Hall) was third.
In this season’s fourth leg of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC), owner/trainer/driver Jason Bertolini pick up his fifth win of the year with his trusty Led Schneppelin. While waiting patiently to pounce from mid-pack, the 12-year-old son of Memphis Flash won by a head in 2:02.1 while closing swiftly to catch the tiring leaders.
The winner paid $11.20. American Fighter (Dalton Lee) finished second and Causway (McKenzie Sowers) was third.
The MADC series is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of Windham and North Yarmouth, Maine.
Nick Graffam and Aaron Hall each enjoyed driving doubles on the 13-race card.
Cumberland transitions to three days of live harness racing each week, beginning this Friday, Dec. 1 and continuing through Christmas Eve, Sunday. Dec. 24. The draw for Friday will be conducted on Tuesday, Nov. 28, with a double draw on Wednesday, Nov. 29 for Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3.
For the third season in a row, First Tracks Cumberland will present the Au Revoir Retirement Showcase, slated for Saturday, Dec. 23. The event is open to 14-year-old horses that are racing or 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 photograph in the program. Equine honourees must be present to participate and must ‘declare’ by Dec. 6. To enter your horse, or for more information, send an email of interest to Chris Tully at [email protected].
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)