Tributes Pour In for Legendary Driver Leigh Fitch

On Saturday, November 9, Cumberland Raceway’s home stretch was filled with family, friends, and fans of the late harness racing legend Leigh Fitch following the $10,544 Leigh Fitch Memorial race. The memorial race, a ‘winners over’ pace, saw heavy favourite Hespoisedtopounce A, driven by Aaron Hall, take the win in 1:57.1, finishing 4-1/2 lengths ahead. Trained by Jimmy Nickerson and owned by Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo, the Bettors Delight gelding paid $2.60 for his sixth win of the season. For Hall, it marked his fourth victory of the day.

After the race, an estimated two hundred people from the Maine harness racing community gathered on the track to honour Fitch, who passed away on October 26 at age 79. The crowd surrounded Fitch’s widow, Stacey Lord Fitch, and their children as Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association Chaplain Lee Alphen led the presentation. The ceremony recalled Fitch’s celebrated career, with journalist Jay Burns noting Fitch’s daring rail-hugging style, which brought him 7,592 victories over 53 years.

Burns highlighted that Fitch’s success wasn’t driven by speed alone; his unique approach earned him fame and the nickname "The Fox" for his stubborn, independent style. At a time when drivers favoured a controlled, second-over position, Fitch became known for his rail-skimming moves, expertly timing openings with unmatched reflexes. Describing racing as "life or death," Fitch mastered this bold style, which required both precision and nerves of steel, especially in an era of wooden rails.

Cumberland Raceway’s Winter Festival will continue offering pari-mutuel racing each weekend in November. Beginning December 6, races will expand to three days a week (Friday through Sunday) until the meet’s conclusion on December 22, with post time at 10:55 a.m.