On a track listed as "good," the Maine faithful waited patiently in inclement weather for one of their favourite sons, Kevin Switzer Jr., to snag his 3,000th victory. It finally arrived in Race 7, where his sister, Candace Brandstatter, harnessed the horse El Jacko N and provided the well-known New England driver with his career benchmark.
Friends and a large, enthusiastic extended family swarmed the winners circle to help the 35-year-old third generation horseman celebrate the momentous occasion.
Following the festivities, Switzer Jr. 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 said.
“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, the 11-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Elsu, was the 9-5 favourite and paid $2.60 to win. Owned by P T Stable and trained by Brandstatter, El Jacko N earned his 34th career win and second in a row at Cumberland.
Two $14,684 divisions of the Maine Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies went postward as races one and nine. In the first split, sophomore filly South St Dottie (driven by Nick Graffam, 5-2 odds) came from off the pace to score over the pacesetting favourite La Mambacity (Heath Campbell, 2-5) in 2:02. Trained by Mike Graffam for owner Jan Donaway, the three-year-old daughter of Western Maverick paid $7.60 to win for just the second time in her career. Janie finished third.
The second Maine-bred division was captured by the favourite Pickmepickme in wire-to-wire fashion in 2:01.3. Driven by Andy Harrington for owner-trainer-breeder Marc Tardif, the daughter of Western Maverick was the top freshman filly in the state of Maine last season. She paid $2.60 to win the ninth race of her career. Katelyns Angel (Kevin Switzer Jr.) 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 resumes Friday, June 23 at First Tracks Cumberland. First post is slated for 3:15 p.m. (EDT).
(First Tracks Cumberland)