Machtu N won the $8,571 Auld Lang Syne farewell pace for 14-year-old pacers at Cumberland Raceway on Saturday (Dec. 21), in a nail-biting tight finish with a fast-closing Rockaholic.
Scoring from post four, driver McGwire Sowers took Machtu N out for an early lead, and had to work to get around Rockaholic (Andy Harrington) into a :29.4 opening panel. From that point Sowers lead the 3-5 favourite through comfortable middle fractions of 1:02 and 1:31.2, when the pensioner pacers turned for home a battle ensued for final bragging rights.
Rockaholic had gotten a perfect, two-hole trip while Machtu N had set relatively modest fractions, so the pair were equally prepared for the thrilling stretch drive. While Rockaholic and Harrington were gaining ground with every stride, Machtu N and Sowers had just enough spark to hold on and prevail in 2:01.2, while the fans waited for a photo for win.
When the judges posted the final order of finish it was Machtu N that had won by a nose over his colleague Rockaholic. The 14-year-old son of Mach Three is owned and trained by Tammy Sowers and paid $3.20 for the win.
Urbana Bayama (Dave Ingraham) finished third; Calvin B (Mark Athearn) was fourth.
The entire day was a big delight for fans of Maine harness racing as 12 retiring Standardbreds paraded in front of the stands, received Barbara Dresser-designed plaques while being recognized by the announcer, and were photographed with their connections.
The other retirees were Lucan Hanover, Goin Manstyle, Heart Breaking, Ideal Rowan, R T Lange, Rockin Rambaran, Scottish Blue, and Ugly Stik.
Sunday’s (Dec. 22) final card of the year features two $12,500 USD pop-up finals, as well as five races with purses of $10,000 USD each. There is also the $8,000 USD Maine Amateur Driving Club final in race eight.
Following the closing day, harness racing at the Southern Maine’s iconic oval will reconvene in April 2025.
(with files from First Tracks Cumberland)