First Tracks Cumberland has announced a post time change to 2:30 p.m. (EDT) that goes into effect for tomorrow’s live, full card of harness racing Tuesday (May 25).
“The change was prompted by an effort to position our product more effectively around the national timetable. On Saturday nights at 6:00 p.m. (EDT) six harness tracks begin racing in a span of 20 minutes,” said Ben Kenney, a key member of the management team of Black Bear Racing.
“It is Cumberland’s intention to compliment, rather than compete with, that flurry of activity.”
The Tuesday (May 25) card at the iconic Southern Maine oval presents nine races which should conclude shortly after 5 p.m. (EDT)
Fans will be treated to a strong card as the extended pari-mutuel meeting at First Tracks Cumberland begins this Saturday, May 8. Patrons will also enjoy free admission and free parking for the live harness racing all season long.
Nine races will go behind the starting car at the iconic Cumberland Fairgrounds, with the first post time set for 4:15 pm. Race secretary Marc Reynolds was pleased with the initial offering and anticipates robust interest in the competitive card.
“With the weather report looking very pleasant, there is eager anticipation leading up to the track’s opening card.”
First Tracks Cumberland is complying with the state of Maine’s COVID protocols and social distancing is in effect throughout the facility.
First Tracks Cumberland racing secretary Marc Reynolds has posted the condition sheets for the first round of qualifiers (Sat., May 1) as well as for the Southern Maine track’s opening day Saturday, May 8.
Post time on the May 1 Derby Day qualifiers is set for 11:30 a.m. Throughout the Spring/Summer race meet, first post for pari-mutuel harness racing will be 4:15 p.m.
The condition sheets are available on the USTA’s website.
Horsemen are reminded that they must complete and submit a racing application before entering or racing at Cumberland.
(First Tracks Cumberland)
As the state of Maine witnessed the closure of Scarborough Downs last year, a massive void was left for the harness racing community. Enter First Track Investments LLC.
Reports indicate that First Track Investments plans to schedule 56 days of racing at the Cumberland Fairgrounds now rebranded as First Tracks Cumberland. The 2021 harness racing season will kick off on Saturday, May 8 with the Spring/Summer cards set for a post time of 4:15 p.m. A full calendar can be found here on the track s new website.
Live harness racing will be held Tuesdays and Saturdays through July 31. First Tracks Cumberland collaborated with Bangor in the North and Plainridge in the South to ensure that horsemen had seamless racing opportunities with no overlap.