First Tracks Cumberland has announced that the initial qualifying races scheduled for Saturday, April 6 will be broadcast live on the Race Track Network (RTN). The action kicks off at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) in just over 10 days.
Trainers are reminded to declare their entries by 9 a.m. on Friday, April 5. Horses with a clear record from December 1, 2023, onwards are exempt from the need to qualify during the first two weekends of racing (until April 20). However, starting with the draw for the April 26 program, the 45-day rule will be reinstated.
According to Race Secretary Rob Pennington, "The track crew has done an exceptional job maintaining the racing surface throughout the winter, providing a significant advantage to both the racehorses and horsemen. From all indications, the entire Maine community eagerly anticipates another thrilling spring-summer season at the renowned Cumberland oval in Southern Maine."
Condition sheets for the forthcoming meet will be released following the qualifiers, with further details accessible on the track's website at firsttrackscumberland.com.
In addition to the live RTN broadcast, qualifiers will also be streamed live, free of charge, on the First Tracks Cumberland website. Simply navigate to "Live Racing - Video Replays," where the live racing icon in the player box will be activated.
First Tracks Cumberland will continue to be available on RTN channel 9747 for the duration of this season.
The opening day for the First Tracks Cumberland Spring-Summer Meet is set for April 12, with regular racing scheduled for Friday and Saturday each weekend. The first post is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. (EDT) throughout the extended pari-mutuel meeting, which spans 17 weeks (34 race dates) until August 3.