On Sunday night (April 28) at Pompano Park, Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey won a whopping seven of the eight races on the evening program.
Hennessey won with his own Boli ($2.40) in the opener. The Dan Hennessey trainee scored in 1:57.3 to kick off the Hennessey-Ingraham Pro-Am Challenge. The event benefits three major charities in a four-race competition, which pits ‘Team Hennessey’ against ‘Team Ingraham,’ which is captained by Dave Ingraham.
Hennessey completed his early daily double sweep by guiding Race Me Rocky ($2.20) to a handy win in 1:55.1. Race Me Rocky is trained by John Mungillo for owner Delmis Esquival.
Next, in the second leg of the challenge, Hennessey guided the Donna Gilson-Eferstein-owned and trained Alfredo Dream ($4.80) to a handy near gate-to-wire win in 1:59.
Hennessey's streak was interrupted in the fourth race when Ingraham rallied Team Captain to a 30-1 upset win over Hennessey's Harry Terror in a photo finish timed in 1:53.4. Team Captain is trained by Mickey McNichol for owner Joseph Martinelli Sr.
In the fifth race, Hennessey was back in the winner's circle with Don Brainard's Fire In My Heart ($2.80), trained by George Coblentz. The mile was clocked in a lifetime-best 1:55.2.
About 22 minutes later, Hennessey was back in the winner's circle with Golden Tate ($3.60), who won in 1:56.1. Golden Tate is trained by Norman Dessureault, who co-owns with Steve Stabile.
Hennessey then scored with Rub Ofthe Green (N) ($3.40), who scorched the Pompano oval in 1:52. The eight-year-old is trained by Luc Loyer for Ciro Gentile and Larry Tucker.
Hennessey notched his seventh win with Big Bad Bill ($2.60), who scored for the Pacing Pretty Stable and trainer Jim McDonald.
"Yes, it was a great night, but you have to give credit to all the trainers and caretakers that get 'em ready to race and take such great care of them,” said the humble Hennessey, reflecting on his momentous night. “It all starts with them."
Hennessey's heroics helped his team defeat Team Ingraham (68 to 47) in the 2019 edition of the challenge, which featured the two captains and the best amateur drivers at Pompano.
Following the final race of that event, a large throng was in the winner's circle as presentations and donations were made to the Christian Harness Horsemen's Associaation, Rockin' T Horse Rescue and Tomorrow's Rainbow.
The CHHA has been a driving force in the harness racing industry since 1983 and provides emotional support for those in need. They also have a scholarship program benefitting many young people.
Rockin' T Horse Rescue – Ingraham's beneficiary – gives a safe haven to injured and retired horses in need of medical and spiritual support.
“Horses give us everything they've got on the racetrack and it's great to have places like Rockin' T to help restore their spirit in times of need," said Ingraham.
Tomorrow's Rainbow uses horses to provide emotional support for trauma victims as young as three years old and, as Hennessey related, "For those that have suffered tragedy in their lives.” Hennessey went on to say, “founder Abby Mosher stepped up to the plate and formed this rainbow to give hope and support to those that really are in need. They are just fantastic."
The donations sent the FADC donations well over the $200,000 since its inception.
Racing at Pompano will continue Monday and Tuesday and the track’s meet will wind up on Saturday, May 4.
(With files from the Pompano Park and the Florida Amateur Driving Club)