With its 2009-2010 racing season set to get underway in September, Pompano Park has announced three key appointments
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Robert J. 'Bobby' Owens has been named paddock judge and stable superintendent; Charles 'Charlie' Miller has been tabbed starting judge; and Tia Shafer will be the outrider.
Owens has a 35-year history in the sport as a breeder, bloodstock agent and official. He has participated in various capacities in the sport throughout North America, including stints at the Meadowlands and Garden State Park.
Owens returns to Pompano Park after having served the track as stable superintendent from 1988 through 2004.
Charlie Miller has a half-century of experience in harness racing as a driver, trainer and official. The Brooklyn, New York native has been a starting judge at several tracks, including Foxboro Raceway, Bangor Raceway, Scarborough Downs, Lewiston Raceway, Colonial Downs and Rockingham Park.
Tia Shafer takes the reins as the all-important outrider this season.
From Loxahatchee, Florida, Shafer was named to the post after proving herself as a very capable back-up outrider last season. Describing herself as a “horse crazy girl,” Tia, 24, has been riding since she was six years old and, over the past several years, was a highly sought after caretaker for many of Pompano’s best horsemen.
In making the announcements, vice president and general manager Michael Bloom said: “We are very fortunate to have been able to secure the services of these very competent individuals for our team. With all of our recent talent acquisition, we are very confident that we will be able to conduct a first class harness racing meet for the 2009-2010 season…and well beyond!”
The racing season at Pompano begins with a non-wagering matinee program on September 5 featuring Florida-bred two and three-year-olds in the Sunshine State Stakes. Another similar matinee will take place on September 12. The track’s pari-mutuel season begins on Saturday, September 19.
(With files from Pompano)