She's the mother of two sons, a trainer, the wife of an accomplished trainer, a horse owner, and an integral component in the ongoing operations of the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association

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Now, Rosie (Rosalia) Huff of Coconut Creek, FL has found yet another way to serve the industry by accepting a membership in the Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers' Association (USHWA). The timing of the announcement comes just before the annual baby races for Florida-breds commence on Saturday, June 18 at Pompano Park.

"I've been in the horse business since I was ten years old back in New Jersey thanks to two of my uncles," Huff says. "My uncle Joe had riding horses and standardbreds and raced in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. My first exposure to Florida was in 1982 with my uncle Pete at the South Florida Trotting Centre and at Sunshine Meadows. After that I worked for Ray Van Thomas, Mickey McNichol, Stanley Dancer and Gordon Norris. It was while working for three years with Stanley Dancer that I met my future husband, Jake Huff, in 1991 and we married in 1996. While Jake is up at Pocono with a stable again this Summer, I'm training and racing the Florida breds here.”

In addition to that exceptionally busy life agenda, Rosie is also an accomplished author in her own right. She makes an invaluable contribution each year to the annual FSBOA awards night, sponsored by the Florida chapter of USHWA. She writes articles for evening's keepsake program, serves as the advance ticket sales co-coordinator on the Pompano backstretch and assists with the overall organization and execution of the function.

"I'm really happy to be joining the Florida chapter of USHWA since I really believe in the goals of the organization,” added Huff. “In addition to my work with the FSBOA, I see it as another way I can serve our Florida industry.

Cam Town Carrie Tops Monday Feature

The top event on Monday’s card was an $8,500 conditioned test for pacing mares. Cam Town Carrie wasn't deterred by a sudden tropical rain shower to step off a dominant 1:54.1 win with Wally Hennessey in the bike. Pinnacle Portia partnered by Chuck Connor, Jr. turned in a game, first-over bid and stoutly held second while Witch Trials driven by Dan Clements brushed in for third.

Cam Town Carrie, a five year old Cambest-Carrietowne mare, is trained by Tom Harmer for the Ciara Stable of Willowbrook, IL. Her lifetime bankroll stands at $148,192 after the June 13 conquest.

Also on the Monday evening program, driver Jason Dillander returned from the Indiana circuit to make his presence immediately felt. Dillander brought home the card's fastest winner as pacing mare JM Dancing Star romped in 1:52.4 and he was in the bike with the program's longest priced winner with three-year-old pacing filly Now It Begins for a $33.60 win mutuel.

(Pompano Park)