Wally Hennessey and Dave Ingraham, two of harness racing's superstars with over 17,500 wins between them, will team up with many of the best amateur drivers in the sport as Pompano Park presents the 2019 edition of the Hennessey-Ingraham Challenge benefiting a trio of worthy causes.
The four-race competition, to be held Sunday (April 28), will benefit the Christian Harness Horsemen's Association, Rockin' T Horse Rescue and Tomorrow's Rainbow.
The Christian Harness Horsemen's Association, established in 1983, serves the harness racing industry and provides support for those in need of prayer and healing. They also have a scholarship program that has aided many young people over the years.
The Florida Amateur Driving Club's Dein Spriggs said, “The CHHA has done so much good over the years and Chaplain Lee Alphen is a 'godsend' in her own right. It's an honour to help them continue their work for those participating in our grand sport and in need of their uplifting ways.”
Rockin' T Equine Rescue, based in Maine, helps former race horses by creating a “haven of peace, support and security” helping horses heal from even the deepest of wounds.
Said Ingraham, “You know, these horses give us so much in their careers on the racetrack and it's amazing to see the transformation after one is injured getting them back to a healthy status.
“The folks at Rockin' T really do miracles in restoring a horse's health and spirit. It's a great sanctuary and I am sp pleased to be able to lend support to their future success.”
Hennessey's charity is Tomorrow's Rainbow, providing free grief support groups for children as young as three years who have suffered emotional wounds, incorporating horse interactions and therapeutic play areas with peer support.
In selecting his beneficiary for Sunday's event, Hennessey related, “I feel so fortunate that I am able to help further the grand work of Tomorrow's Rainbow. Our children are our future and, when trauma occurs, it's places like Tomorrow's Rainbow that help heal wounds and protect that child's future.”
The Florida Amateur Driving Club has donated exceeding $200,000 to various causes since their inception.
Post time for Sunday's extravaganza at Pompano Park is 7:20 p.m., with the Super Hi-5 carryover ballooning to well over $120,000.
(Pompano Park/Florida Amateur Driving Club)