07/19/2026
๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ $๐๐๐,๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ญ
By ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ฅ for the Harness Horseman's Association of New England, Inc
A New Leader Photo by Tina Haddad
When the starter calls the field to the gate for Sunday's $300,000 Grade 2 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot at Plainridge Park, one local favorite will be living a dream.
Mitchell Cushing, who has enjoyed a breakout 2026 campaign at Plainridge Park, will train and drive A New Leader from post three in the richest race of the meet. Currently sitting second in the Plainridge driver standings and coming off Driver of the Month honors for June, Cushing has established himself as one of the track's top horsemen.
Leading up to Sunday's Grand Circuit event, I had the opportunity to catch up with Cushing to discuss his outstanding season, competing on racing's biggest stage at his home track, and what the opportunity means to him.
"So far, so good," said Cushing. "The biggest positive that stands out to me is that my weekly results have been consistent. That consistency definitely brings a better sense of fulfillment and confidence."
Drawing post three with A New Leader was another positive in Cushing's eyes.
"It's a good spot to take advantage of what the race may give us and hopefully put ourselves in position to earn a check," he said.
While Cushing has competed in major races before as a driver, Sunday's event carries extra significance because he'll also be represented as a trainer.
"As a driver, it's on par with some of the biggest races I've been in, but as a trainer, this is by far the biggest," Cushing explained. "There's always a deeper meaning or connection when it's at home. It's very fulfilling to have my barn represented in this Grand Circuit event. This is the track where I've developed as both a trainer and driver, so it's really a full-circle moment."
Being on familiar ground is certainly a plus, but Cushing knows experience alone won't be enough against one of the toughest fields assembled this season.
"I believe there's always an advantage when there is familiarity," he said. "But with competition at this level, you need much more on your side than just being accustomed to your environment."
The field includes several of harness racing's biggest stars, but Cushing knows opportunities can arise if he's ready to capitalize.
"I don't think it's accurate to go into the race thinking about beating these horses," he said. "The mindset is to take advantage of any mistakes they might make that could allow us to earn a bigger piece of the purse."
Cushing's day won't end with the Spirit of Massachusetts Trot. Later on the card, he'll train and drive Negotiator in Race 10 and he's optimistic about his chances.
"I'm expecting a win picture," Cushing said with a smile. "I've finally gotten to the root of what was bothering him earlier in the meet. He's shown his true colors again over the past few weeks, and hopefully we're headed for another fun second half of the season, just like last year."
Before wrapping up, Cushing had a message for the Plainridge faithful who will be cheering him on throughout the afternoon.
"To the fans, all the support is greatly appreciated," he said. "To my partner Ray and his buddies, keep the heckling upโit's entertaining. And to Meadow, hopefully you get to smile pretty at least once, especially with your favorite horse, Gator (Negotiator)."
Sunday's Spirit Day program is expected to draw one of the largest crowds of the season as Plainridge Park hosts the $300,000 Grade 2 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and the $150,000 Grade 3 Clara Barton Distaff Pace, bringing Grand Circuit racing back to Massachusetts. For Mitchell Cushing, it will be an opportunity to compete on the biggest stage of his career as a trainer, right in front of the hometown fans who have watched his career grow.
Be sure to grab your FREE online program all season long by visiting plainridgeparkharnessracing.com and clicking on the โFree Programโ tab.
