While the annual Hennessey-Ingraham Pro-Am Challenge was cancelled this year due to Covid-19, it didn’t stop the Florida Amateur Driving Club from going on a donation spree benefitting several very worthy charitable causes to the tune of over $5,000 on Sunday (April 25).
Hennessey and Ingraham were in on the action as Go For The Greens, Tomorrow's Rainbow, the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association and the Rockin T Equine Sanctuary benefitted as the donations from the Florida Amateur Driving Club soared over the $220,000 mark since their inception.
Go For The Greens is a foundation based on three “green” pillars, including business growth generating profit and jobs, sustainable business practices fostering a healthier planet and business networking through the sport of golf. In recent years, they have focused on finding a cure for breast cancer through research and development.
Tomorrow’s Rainbow is a special place for children that have experienced the death of a loved one. By incorporating miniature horses with therapeutic play areas and peer support, children are given the support necessary to cope with and overcome their personal grief.
The Christian Harness Horsemen's Association was established in 1983 and shepherds the organization as "The Way, The Truth and The Light". Members throughout North America are connected by a monthly newsletter and highlight members at various tracks, farms and training centers.
Rockin T Equine Sanctuary and Rescue is a facility that rescues horses that are in danger due to neglect and in need of a good, safe home.
Other organizations that have benefitted from the generosity of the FADC include Peaceful Ridge Equine Center, Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, Bit-by-Bit and opes, Dream and Horses as all members of the amateur donate their earnings from driving back to the club for charitable causes.
Amateur Ron Cusimano and Wally Hennessey shared the spotlight on Sunday, each with a driving double. Hennessey steered Hard Rock Hulk ($5.60) to victory in the opener and the kicked off the Pick-4 with a win back of Border Control A ($2.20) while Cusimano won both amateur events with Pepin Coolie ($5.40) and Cartier Zette ($2.80)
Cusimano is the leading percentage driver in respect to wins with drivers having 50 or more starts, 31.3 percent, and sports a UDRS "batting average" of .404.
Racing continues on Monday (April 26) with a nine-race program highlighted by the $13,000 Open Handicap Pace featuring the continuing rivalry between Ideal Feeling, Skip To My Lou and Prairie Panther while Kinnder Jackson. Lyons Night Hawk and Saulsbrook Deputy look for an upset in the million dollar field.
In the "better for the bettor" department, the popular Pick 4 will feature a $20,000 guaranteed pool, bolstered by a "better friendly" and industry low 12 percent takeout.
The Super Hi-5 finale had nary a single winner on Sunday resulting in a jackpot carryover of $11,014.39 for the Monday program.
Post time is set for 7:20 p.m. (EDT).
(Pompano Park)