Hinsley posts training double

OLDSMAR, Fla. – David Hinsley posted a training double on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, taking the opener with Hashtag Giddy Up ($9.20) and the ninth race with On the River ($19.20). Fan favorite Rosemary Homeister Jr. piloted On the River and received a warm round of applause as she returned to the winner’s circle. Homeister, who has finished second in the standings at Tampa twice during her career, had been absent since February 2011 when she stopped riding after becoming pregnant with her first child. Victoria Rose was born in August of that year.

Apprentice Kevin Gonzalez put up one of the better rides of the day in the seventh race on Omegatron when he stalked the pace of that 6 1/2-furlong sprint just behind the leaders then swung to the rail and managed to get through a narrow opening in midstretch to challenge leader Twocubanbrothersu and veteran Gary Wales. Through the late stages, the older rider leaned in on Gonzalez and Omegatron, but the apprentice refused to be intimidated and got Omegatron ($22.40) up to win by a half-length.

Opening-day figures promising

A good crowd of 4,095 was on hand for Saturday’s opener, betting $310,915 on track. The interstate wagering total was $2,518,760.

Delaware Park, one of those tracks that normally carries the Tampa signal, did not broadcast the signal Saturday due to an apparent contractual dispute. Officials at both Tampa Bay Downs and Delaware Park declined comment when asked about the specifics of the dispute.