Maine-bred Katelyns Angel put on quite a show for the 20-plus Camp Kippewa equine enthusiasts on hand for their eponymous event on Friday, July 19 at Cumberland. Not only did the four-year-old daughter of Western Maverick take a new 1:55.4 lifetime mark with Bruce Ranger in the bike, but her clocking was just a tick off the track record.
Blasting out to lead and clearing just after the :28.1 opening panel, Ranger kept up the hot pace on the front end into a :57.3 half and an eye-popping 1:25.4 third panel. From that point, it was smooth sailing for the speedy duo as they cruised home by 3-1/4 lengths to the wild cheers of the Camp Kippewa assembly.
Immediately following the race the winning connections were engulfed by a swarm of campers, all eager to get their picture taken with the horse and driver. The Camp Kippewa kids are known for their homemade signs and wild cheers for the horses as they trot and/or pace down the homestretch.
The group hails from the Kippewa Equestrian Academy (KEA), which is located in Monmouth, Me., and offers a 12-day fully immersive equestrian experience for girls who want to improve their riding skills and expand their equine knowledge. The camp has been in existence since 1957 and is located on the historic Woolworth estate, which produced some of the best Standardbred pacers and trotters in the country.
Trained by Benson Merrill for owner-breeder Leighton Property-Lesly Leighton, Katelyns Angel scored her 15th lifetime victory. She paid $4.20 to win. South St Dottie (Nick Graffam) finished second; Morethanmyhometown (Garrett Mosher) was third.
Driver Bruce Ranger enjoyed three wins on the program, with Dave Ingraham, Nick Graffam and Kevin Switzer Jr. all picking up doubles. Trainers Bob Marston and Mike Graffam each harnessed a pair of winners.
Looking ahead to Saturday (July 20), Cumberland sees the return of the two-year-old pacing fillies for their third round of Maine Sires Stakes action. The field is led by last week’s winner Leanne Marie (8-5, Mike Cushing) and the swift Glorilla (5-2, Ron Cushing).
Also on Saturday’s 12-race program of packed overnights are two $5,500 USD splits for Maine’s top older pacers, and a $5,000 USD division of the Maine Amateur Driving Club (MADC). The MADC is sponsored by the Blue Seal Feed Stores of North Yarmouth and Windham, Maine.
(First Tracks Cumberland)