With a remarkable rise from the claiming ranks to defeating the top class in South Florida, pacer Appley Ever After and his groom Hillary Watson were most deserving winners of the Horse And Groom Of The Month honours

. The award reflects the vote taken on each month's performances at Pompano Park by the Florida Chapter of The United States Harness Writers' Association.

"We couldn't be any more proud of what he accomplished since he's been in (trainer) Mike Watson's stable since he was a yearling," explained groom Hillary Watson. "There was really nothing very complicated about his training routine. He would jog four straight days and then get a day off or race. We weren't hard on him, so I would say his routine was more structured than tough."

Appley Ever After is a five-year-old gelding by Allamerican Ingot from the Jennas Beach Boy mare Sandy Apple, bred by Oldfield Farm of Michigan. On March 3 he earned his life's speed badge of 1:51 when priced at $10,000 and in subsequent starts in Pompano's Open company last month he won two more times in addition to a pair of runner-up finishes. Trainer Mike Watson shares ownership of Appley Ever After with Richard Noel of Livonia, MI.

"There is really just only secret to this horse, and that's his preference of treats and snacks," groom Hillary Watson explained. "He will eat donuts if they are filled with apples, but most of all he enjoys munching on an apple. So I guess his name is really appropriate and we do hope in a few years when he retires that he'll live 'appley' ever after," she joked.

The Monday evening card featured a stretch of four consecutive races which were won by Pompano's all time leading reinsman, Bruce Ranger.

His streak began in the second race with maiden three-year-old trotting filly Magical Affair for owner Brittany Farms and trainer Ron Gurfein. That was followed by a 14-1 upset in the Mares Open Pace with Major Trap for owner-trainer Ron MacArthur of Boynton Beach, FL, and a 1:56.1 tally in the Mares Open 2 Pace with Shes A Pegase for owner-trainer Tom Wine of Coconut Creek, FL. Ranger's four straight run ended when he reined in favoured claiming trotter Budlightning for owner-trainer Mario Dessureault of Pompano Beach.

(Pompano Park)