Poocham Luck proves too strong in $25,000 consolation

CUMBERLAND, ME – Due to a bumper crop of 2024 foals in the Pine Tree State, the Maine Sire Stakes was pleased to host a $25,000 consolation for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Sunday (October 4) at the Cumberland Fair, the final day of harness racing at the iconic Downeast oval.

The field of seven went postward as race four on the 11-race card, with Poocham Luck (7-5) and Dave Ingraham grabbing the early lead, with Rustysonlytreasure (3-5) and Aaron Hall parked out from post seven and forced to trudge onward four-wide down the backside the first time into a :29.3 opening panel.

Rustysonlytreasure fought hoof and nail while parked with Poocham Luck along the cones through the second turn and into a :59.3 half with neither combatant giving an inch.

Down the backstretch the final time Rustysonlytreasure lost some ground on the pacesetter after his grueling trip past the third station in 1:30, leaving Poocham Luck well in command and pointing toward the finish.

Dave Ingraham had his charge on his toes while withstanding any would-be spoilers, scoring by four lengths in 2:01.3.

POOCHAM LUCK REPLAY

Trained by Mike Graffam for owner-breeder G. Russell Austin, the son of State Treasurer picked up his second and most prestigious win of the year, returning $4.80.

Mike Graffam also trained second place finisher Hollywood Chester (Joey Mosher) and South St Justin (Nick Graffam) who got up for the show dough.

Drivers Andy Harrington and Aaron Hall both picked up three wins on the final card of the Fair meet.  Harrington led the Cumberland Fair with a total of 17 trips to the winners circle, with Hall nipping at his heels with 16 scores.  Sara Harrington led all conditioners with 10 victories.

Now that the Cumberland Fair has concluded, New England horsemen will look forward to the track’s 15-day Winter Festival which begins November 8.  The year-end meet primarily follows a three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday schedule throughout the season, until December 13.  Our annual Au Revoir Retirement Ceremonies are slated for Dec. 12.

For additional information, visit our website at firsttrackscumberland.com, or find us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/FirstTracksCumberland/

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Chris Tully, for First Tracks Cumberland