Cumberland, ME — On a Cumberland Raceway track listed as ‘good,’ the Maine faithful withstood inclement weather for one of their favorite sons, Kevin Switzer Jr., to snag his 3,000th lifetime victory on Saturday (June 17). It finally arrived in race seven, in which his sister, Candace Brandstatter, harnessed El Jacko N and provided the well-known New England driver with his career benchmark.

Friends and family swarmed the winner’s circle to help the 35-year-old third-generation horseman celebrate the momentous occasion.

Following the festivities, Switzer shared his excitement with track photographer Stephanie Gray:

“I am very happy to reach this milestone at my home track, with my sister’s horse,” he exclaimed.

“Having my family, friends and colleagues here in the rain makes it much more special for me,” the talented teamster added. “Thank you to First Tracks [Cumberland] for the recognition today and leading up to today. I am very grateful to do what I love in the place that I grew up.”

El Jacko N braved the rain and gave driver Kevin Switzer Jr. career victory number 3,000 on Saturday at Cumberland. Stephanie Gray photo.

El Jacko N, an 11-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Elsu owned by P T Stable, was the 9-5 favorite and paid $5.60 to win. It was 34th win of his career and second in a row at Cumberland.

Two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies went postward, carded as races one and nine. The first split saw sophomore filly South St Dottie (Nick Graffam, 5-2) come from off the pace to score over the pacesetting favorite La Mambacity (Heath Campbell, 2-5) to score in 2:02. Janie finished third.

Trained by Mike Graffam for owner Jan Donaway, the 3-year-old daughter of Western Maverick paid $7.60 to win for just the second time in her career.

The second Maine-bred division was captured by the favorite Pickmepickme in wire-to-wire fashion. Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-trainer-breeder Marc Tardif, the daughter of Western Maverick was the top freshman filly in Maine last season. She paid $2.60 to win the ninth race of her career. Katelyn’s Angel (Switzer) finished second and was also trained by Tardif. Justcallmemimi (Bruce Ranger) was third.

Leading reinsman Bruce Ranger enjoyed three wins on the 12-race program, with Nick Graffam and Andy Harrington each collecting a pair of victories.

Racing at Cumberland resumes Friday (June 23). Cumberland’s spring-summer meet continues through Aug. 5 with regular racing on Friday and Saturday each weekend. Daily first post is 3:15 p.m. (EDT).