On a normal Sunday night at Pompano Park, the race that would get the most attention would be the featured Open, which Prairie Panther happened to prevail in on March 8. Although, on Sunday the spotlight was on a Florida Amateur Driving Club event that was supporting the cause of a fellow horsemen, Steve Wiseman.
Wiseman is battling some serious health issues, and the FADC joined the ‘Wiseman Strong’ movement by making a donation in support of the well-known and respected gentleman.
The race honouring Wiseman was won by the 14-year-old warrior Rompaway Beau, who was driven by Ron Cusimano.
Trained by Don Harmon for owner Krista Harmon, Rompaway Beau notched his 68th career win, and it came in 1:57.4, which was his fastest winning mile in nearly four years.
After the race, a humble and elated Cusimano said, "I have won over 250 races and this is the most important one for me in honoring Steve and being a part of the Wiseman Strong movement.
“I'll let you in on a little secret,” Cusimano went on to say, “before we went to the gate, I whispered in ‘Rompaway's ear, 'This one is for Steve, so let's get it done!'
"He must have heard me because all I did was steer. He did it all."
Leading from the first long stride to the last, Rompaway Beau had a three-length advantage over Security Guard (who was driven by Dein Spriggs) at the wire. You Cant Habit (Carl Garofalo) finished third.
Rompaway Beau, who was sent off as the public’s second choice, paid $6.80 to win.
Several other horsemen chimed in for the winner's circle presentation, among them Spriggs, Rick Plano (recovering from surgery himself) and Frank Petrelli.
The ‘Wiseman Strong Army’ gathered in the winner's circle in support of horseman Steve Wiseman.
Plano recalled the days past when Wiseman worked for him relating. "He was – and still is – a grand individual with a great work ethic and a very valuable person to have around," said Plano.
Petrelli also had high praise for Wiseman, stating, "I just can't say enough great things about him and I know he can beat this health issue."
Spriggs, an integral part of the Florida Amateur Driving Club, said, "it's an honour for our club to be a part of the Wiseman Strong journey."
In an emotional segment, Wiseman, himself, joined the festivities via the internet and expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of sentiment and help during his plight.
"There are really no words that can convey my feelings,” Wiseman said. “It's just overwhelming. We are all combatants on the racetrack trying to make a living, but, to me, this is why I am involved in this business. Everybody really roots for everyone's success. Truly remarkable."
Prairie Panther made his 2020 debut a winning one in the feature, as he posted a gate-to-wire, 1:52 romp for Wally Hennessey in the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace.
The six-year-old gelded son of Royel Millennium posted up panels of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:24.3 before a handy :27.2 romp home sealed the deal by a length over the longest shot on the board, Mac Anover, who had John MacDonald in the bike. Turbo Hill, driven by Hunter Oakes, rallied for third after having trailed for the first half mile. Outkast Blue Chip and Rub Of The Green completed the classy quintet.
Trained by Mike Deters, who co-owns with Laurie Poulin, Prairie Panther now sports a lifetime scorecard of 36-6-9 from 74 starts, good for $337,122. He paid $2.40 to win.
Pompano racing will continue on Monday night, and the card will feature a Super Hi-5 jackpot, which currently stands at $60,720.86.
Post time for the card has been is set for 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)