The fields for the $15,000 Fred Nichols Memorial and the $10,000 Rick Cushing Memorial have been set for Wednesday (Dec. 22) at Cumberland.
The track’s Winter Festival Late Closing series were named after two men whose work-ethic, influence and dedication to Maine harness racing helped champion the sport in times of need, and allowed the industry to continue for the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend upon Standardbreds in the Pine Tree State.
The 5-2 morning line favourite for the Fred Nichols Memorial is Commondiscourtesy, a handsome seven-year-old black gelding by Sagebrush, who has a win and second in the legs and drew pylon position for the final. Owned by Richard Knight and trained by Randy Bickmore, the 18-time lifetime winner of $222,830 gets the services of top reinsman Drew Campbell.
Second choice at 3-1 is Sanattle Slew, who scores from post six with driver Dan Deslandes. Third choice at 7-2 is Obscene Blue Chip, who was the only horse to win both legs and gets Matt Athearn back in the bike.
Programmed as race four, a total of eight horses will vie for the $15,000 purse. The race honours Fred Nichols, who passed away recently after a brief illness.
Nichols was instrumental in keeping Maine's harness racing industry alive. When the City of Bangor lost interest in operating their harness track, Nichols immediately put together a group of prominent Maine horsemen to invest in the track. For the next few years Nichols, Ed Reynolds, Warren Strout and others kept the track afloat on a tight budget. Shortly thereafter, a referendum passed allowing a racino in the Queen City, reviving Maine's harness racing industry. If not for Nichols's efforts, Maine racing as we know it may not exist.
During Nichols's tenure at Bangor Raceway, which spanned over 25 years, he wore many hats. In his early years, he was everything from race director, promotions director to custodian. In his later years, he continued his role as race secretary, while the track was leased by Penn Gaming. He also served the New England horsemen for a decade as District 9 director on the board of the United States Trotting Association. In 2010, he was inducted into the New England Harness Writers Hall of Fame.
Nichols's contributions to harness racing were numerous, but he will assuredly be best known for his kindness, his sincerity and his love for all animals.
The 5-2 morning line favourite for the Rick Cushing Memorial is Safety Second, a six-year-old son of Custard The Dragon. The only horse to win both legs, he was claimed for $4,000 from the final leg by Charles Eaton III and now races out of the Zach Vickerson stable. Drew Campbell picked up the drive.
Second choice at 3-1 is Mr Wiggle Pants (Bruce Ranger), who leaves from post seven. Third choice is the upstart Amarettigone (Andy Harrington), who won the final leg in a mild upset.
Programmed as race two, a total of eight horses will vie for the $10,000 purse. The race honours the patriarch of the prominent Cushing family. Roderick "Rick" Cushing of Wilton, Maine was a well respected trainer and driver for more than 40 years on the New England circuit.
Cushing, and his older brother Bob, were both school teachers by trade, but their true passion was always Maine harness racing. Cushing's immense passion for racing was passed down to the next two generations of Cushings. Sons Ron and Mike have followed in their father's footsteps, both avid Maine horsemen. Grandson Mitchell is the youngest Cushing influenced by Rick, and he has become a sought-after young catch-driver, currently competing on the Ohio racing circuit.
In Cushing's four decades in the industry, he was highly regarded as a knowledgeable and gregarious horseman. The Cushing brothers’ horses experienced more than their share of success on the track. Cushing trained several hard-hitting trotters and pacers through the years. Some of his favourites were Foulden Lord, Yelsom Al, Primrose Thunder, Draft Choice, Swift Willow and stakes champion Aunt Toots.
No matter what successes Cushing experienced on the track, that glory would always be overshadowed by his character. He was best known for the way he treated his fellow horsemen. His love for his wife Gloria, his family, his fellow horsemen and Maine harness racing was obvious to anyone that knew him.
First Tracks Cumberland is proud to acknowledge and honour the memories of both of these trailblazing Maine horsemen.
Racing resumes Wednesday (Dec. 22) and continues on Christmas Eve (Friday, Dec. 24). Post time is 11 a.m.
(With files from First Tracks Cumberland)