Cumberland, ME – Fern Hill Flight took the feature during the Cumberland Fair finale on Sunday (Sept. 28), closing out the eight-day stretch of Maine harness racing at the iconic Downeast oval.
In the $7,500 Zipper Pop Up Series final, driver Kevin Switzer Jr. sent Nets Of Passion out for an early lead, which saw him work to take command into a :28.1 opening panel. That extra effort was compliments of fellow reinsmen Nick Graffam, who stretched out the pacesetter and eventually tracked along in the pocket with Dark As Night. Coincidentally, both pacers were trained by Ryan Berry, and both were sent out at 7-2 by the public.
Just past the :58 half, Andy Harrington sent the 4-5 favorite Fern Hill Flight into the outer flow from third to challenge the leaders. Switzer Jr. was working to keep his charge engaged as the betting choice had looked him in the eye through the 1:27 third stanza.
Down the stretch, Graffam tipped Dark As Night to the outside and the three pacers battled to the wire, with Fern Hill Flight prevailing by a half-length in 1:57.1.
Trained by Andy Harrington for owner Mel Grant, the 7-year-old son of Source Of Pride picked up his fifth win of the season, and 21st of his career. He returned $3.60.
Nets Of Passion finished second; Dark As Night was third.
Dave Ingraham and Kevin Switzer Jr. both enjoyed three wins on the afternoon program. Switzer Jr. led all drivers during the eight-day fair meet with 17 victories.
Racing returns to Cumberland for the track’s 18-day Winter Festival which begins Nov. 2 and then follows a two-day Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the month. December picks up Fridays for three-day weekends of racing through Dec. 21. The annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 20.
For additional information, visit firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/.