The 48th season of live harness racing in South Florida will open with an accomplished cast of excellent trainers and drivers, according to Pompano Park Director of Racing Operations John Yinger.
The track's 2011-12 meet is set to kick off Wednesday, September 21, and the opening card will feature the return of South Florida driving legend Bruce Ranger to the daily battles.
In a release from Pompano, Yinger stated that some of the sport's top horsemen and women will be flocking to South Florida for the winter season, including one dominant Canadian conditioner.
"With our backstretch improvements and renovations we have almost all 850 stalls full for the coming season" Yinger said. "Among the top profile trainers and drivers joining us this year will be Chris Marino from New Jersey, Rick Plano from California, and Ed Hensley the top driver from Tioga Downs. Plus, Casie Coleman has reserved 30 stalls at a nearby training centre and she indicates she'll be entering a fair amount of horses here in the coming season, too. Last year's top trainer, Peter Pellegrino, will also be back by October."
The track has planned a fireworks show for after its Saturday, September 24 program, which will feature the championship finals of the Sunshine State Stakes.
(With files from Pompano)