Harness: Florida decoupling decision could seal Pompano's fate

When the Florida Senate officially voted on Wednesday to decouple all state racetracks from casinos other than Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay, it likely put the final nail in the coffin for Pompano Park and standardbred horsemen in the region.

Despite coming off the best season in its 57-year history, including 21 nights of $1 million-plus handle, horsemen and legislators in favor of the track joining its Thoroughbred counterparts as part of the bill were unable to gather enough support to make it happen. If the bill withstands legal challenges, the 2021-2022 fall/winter/spring meet of 126 racing dates is expected to be the final one at Pompano.

Dan Daley, State Representative for Florida's 97th District and son of trainer/driver Dan Daley, tweeted the following on the situation: "I'm not giving up - and you can't either. The bill will now head to Gov. Desantis' desk for signature. I'll be drafting a veto request letter and will put out information on how and when to contact the Gov's office. If you want to save Standardbred racing in Florida, and the 10,000+ families who depend on it - It's now or never."

To read Matt Hegarty's story, click here.

Another piece on the issue can be found on tallahasse.com.