Pompano Park's program of live racing on Wednesday, May 29 featured the official retirement of one of its track record holders.
Thirteen-year-old Tweedle Dum was officially retired after a career in which he won 66 times and banked over $400,000 in purses.
Forty-four of the Star Challenge gelding's wins came after an injury threatened not only his racing career, but his life as well. In his career, Tweedle Dum trotted to a Pompano track record mark of 1:53.2 and swept the coveted Mack Lobell Trotting Series at the raceway in 2007.
All of the connections to Tweedle Dum’s success -- trainer Gordon Norris, driver Walter Ross Jr. and caretaker Erin Ginesi -- were feted on Wednesday night.
In terms of the pari-mutuel action on track Wednesday night, Lugar, superbly handled by Kevin Wallis, took top honours for the third straight week in the track’s featured winners over trot.
The 'famously' bred five-year-old -- yes, he is by Famously -- took the lead immediately after the wings of the starting gate folded. Lugar discouraged any other foes from taking the lead through a sharp opening quarter of :27.2. He got a mid-mile breather as he tripped the half in :57.1 and three-quarters in 1:27. He romping home in :28.4 to hold off a determined Dutchess Seelster (driven by John Campagnuolo) by a half length.
Tug River Dylan (Dave Ingraham), who enjoying a garden journey throughout the mile, finished third, followed by the 4-5 favourite, Celebrity Legacy (Bruce Ranger).
Owned by the Polo Stables and trained by Mark Friedman, Lugar won for the sixth time in 20 tries this year, sending his seasonal bounty to $42,890, his best season ever.
In a post-race interview, driver Kevin Wallis said Luger is “very sharp right now and can leave like a rabbit. Wallis added that Luger having the outside post (Post 6) actually helped him in leaving. "Once on top, I was able to rate him -- he’s such a handy thing to drive -- and he had plenty left at the end. Mark (trainer Mark Friedman) does a great job with him and I am lucky to have inherited the drives.”
Trainer Bob Barker pulled off a first in his training career when his two Florida breds, Stiletto Jane and Famous Legs, won consecutive races on the card.
Stiletto Jane scored an upset win for Andy Santeramo, eking out a narrow win in 1:58.4 at odds of 14-1, returning $30.80 for a $2 ticket.
Famous Legs, usually known for her solid late kick, used different tactics in scoring a wire-to-wire win for Mel Turcotte in 1:58.4, a new lifetime best.
Trainer Barker owns both Stiletto Jane and Famous Legs in partnership with Marah Lee.
(With files from Pompano)