It was an unusual and surprising sight late in the stretch of the third race on the Wednesday evening, June 29 program at Pompano Park. However, the outcome of the race was not affected.

With only about 50 yards to go the wire, race favourite Cheers To Chip was en-route to becoming a repeat winner. Suddenly, the left side head pole and burr attached to it snapped off and fell to the track. Undeterred, Cheers To Chip put his head down and trotted hard the rest of the way to the wire to secure the win in 1:57.2.

With the track dulled by a short but intense rain early in the evening, the seven-year-old Chip Chip Hooray--Amber Rayne gelding notched the 25th win of his career. Richard Simard is owner, trainer and driver of the career winner of $193,468. Dubois Of France, in rein to Tom Sells and Speed O Begonia with Wally Hennessey in tow, followed next under the wire.

State-breds Set To Shine In July

With the final month of the current meet set to begin with a 13-race program on Saturday, July 2, the stakes season is also at hand for the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association. The Sunshine State Stakes for the state-bred two and three-year-old trotters and pacers will begin on July 13.

From now through the end of July, live racing cards will be held every Wednesday and Saturday at Pompano at 7:05 p.m. After a seven-week break starting July 31, live action will resume on September 21 preceded by qualifying sessions on September 10 and September 17.

(Pompano)