In what was a ‘see-saw’ finish right to the wire, the USA amateur team eked out a narrow victory over the visiting Italian team at Pompano Park on Monday night (Dec. 9) in the annual friendship series between the two countries.
The final tally was 100 to 86. Ron Cusimano reached the winner’s circle with Everyones Talkin to give the USA the narrow win.
Team USA took a 53-40 edge on opening night, but it was the Italian visitors that struck first on Monday night when Daniele Orsini gave a ‘heads-up’ drive to Kelly Walkers' Stables Thisisshe. The effort pushed the Italians into the point lead with one race to go. Thisisshe completed her mile in 1:57.4.
In the finale, Cusimano sent Everyones Talkin, who he co-owns, right to the front and proceeded to wire his foes in 1:55.4. The Jake Huff trainee carded panels of :28.1, :57.2 and 1:26 along the way to earn his 25th career win.
Ron Cusimano was awarded the MVP trophy in the Italian-American Amateur competition at Pompano Park on Monday night from Joe Pennacchio.
Both winning drivers were gracious in the winner’s circle. Cusimano applauded his main rival for the "fantastic drive" he gave to Thisisshe and Orsini thanked Dein Spriggs and Joe Pennacchio for their "grand hospitality" during their stay.
Spriggs added, "This is what our sport can do for the community and beyond in the form of promoting our industry and, at the same time, be of benefit for so many worthwhile charitable organizations."
The Florida Amateur Driving Club has donated over $200,000 to charities benefiting everything from Make-A-Wish and Animal Rescue Organizations to finding a cure or cancer.
Racing continues Tuesday with a Pick-6 carryover and a blossoming Super Hi-5 jackpot of $4,731.
Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)