Pompano Park's ‘Send It In’ Sunday (Nov. 18) featured several stakes events, an upset win in the Open Handicap Pace, and Florida Hall of Fame horseman Mike Deters achieving two milestones.
Deters, who has overcome a mountain of health issues, reached the top of the mountain on Sunday Night, as he hit, for the first time, 100 training wins for the year and $1 million in purse earnings.
Deters’ milestones came in the same race – the fifth – as Gold Star Diablo, trained by Deters for owner Dan Clements, captured the Tom Audley Memorial Pace for three-year-olds in 1:54.1.
The victory, which was Gold Star Diablo's fifth consecutive, was the 100th training success for Deters in a career that stretches back to the early 1980s and, ironically, vaulted him over the $1 million mark for the first time in his career.
Deters reflected on the double milestone, saying, "I'm not really one for words, you know, but I couldn't and wouldn't have achieved these milestones without great owners and outstanding help. That's why we call ourselves 'Team Deters.'
"And, of course, I am lucky enough to have a wonderful wife and son, who put up with me having to be away for six months of the year. Without their support, I certainly would not have achieved these milestones.
"I always try and get the most out of the potential given me and, this year, that potential of our stables came through. There is a lot of luck in this business – both good and bad – and the good luck certainly outweighed the bad luck this season. I am truly blessed."
Gold Star Diablo ($3.20), a gelded son of Mysticism, used a :28.1 closing panel to score over another Deters trainee, Prairie Easter, with Mike, himself, in the bike. Starcasim. handled by Joe Sanzeri, finished third.
The Tom Audley Memorial for sophomore trotters was won by Captain Thomas, who was driven by Wally Hennessey, in 1:59.1.
The gelded son of Proud Bushy, trained by Dan Hennessey for owner John Campagnuolo, trounced his rivals by more than 11 lengths while scoring his fifth win in seven starts. I Rhoda Daley (driven by Walter Ross Jr.) finished second and Jennifer (Mike Simons) finished third.
The Melvyn Aylor Memorial Events for two-year-olds were also held on Sunday night with Proud Sophie, Prairie Gem, Mister Marvalous and Natasha all getting pictures taken in the winner's circle.
Finally, in a highly anticipated duel between track record holder Panocchio and arch-rival Rebellious, neither wound up in the winner's circle, as Dakota Jack ($33.40), who was smartly handled by Mike Simons, out-sprinted both of them to the wire with a :26.4 closing kick to score by a half-length in 1:52. Panocchio (Hennessey) did finish second over Rebellious (Meittinis). Here Comes William was fourth with Prairie Panther fifth in this classy sextet.
Pompano racing will continue Monday night and will feature a Super Hi-5 carryover which has ballooned to $20,896.
(With files from Pompano Park)