Pompano Park is putting the finishing touches on an "across-the-board" purse increase, which began with Saturday night's (Dec. 16) events.
In announcing the increase, General Manager Troy Buswell remarked, "Although times are tough for the racing industry in general, this time of year, with the holidays and all, we feel it's time to reward the loyalty of our horsemen. We are hoping this trend will be able to continue over the coming weeks.
Buswell also hinted that a unique "racing incentive program" is also in the late stages of development to benefit horsemen racing at South Florida's slick five-eighths-mile oval.
"After huddling with Stacy Cahill (Director of Racing) and Joe Frasure (Racing Secretary), we have come up with a unique plan and we are aiming for a February kickoff of our incentive program, which will further benefit racing participants here," he said.
On January 14, the track will honor the Hennessey brothers–Wally and Dan–as the leading driver and trainer, respectively, for the 2016-2017 racing season.
It's the first time in Pompano Park's history that a pair of brothers has taken these prestigious crowns at Pompano.
Dan Hennessey had 49 training wins during the meeting, led by the powerful "one-two" punch of the open pacing mare Godiva Seelster and open trotter Boli, both owned by Paul and Patricia O'Neil.
Stakes winners Gold Star Briana and Famous C were also prominent winners trained by Dan Hennessey.
Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey won an amazing 265 races during the 2016-2017 season at Pompano, including the aforementioned horses trained by brother Dan.
Walter certainly hasn't slowed up this season, either, and is far out-distancing his nearest rival in the drivers’ standings for the current season.
With 9,566 career wins benefitting owners to the tune of over $64 million, Hennessey currently has 325 wins for the season competing at Pompano and other venues in the northeast.
His current "batting average" is .413 and he is just a dozen wins away from his best season ever—that being last season when he tallied 337 victories.
Racing continues five nights a week—Saturday through Wednesday—with post time each night set at 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)