Pompano: One last huge card on Sunday
Perhaps nothing is worse than having to say goodbye, especially when it is to a longtime friend that you assuredly won't see again. Pompano Park provided 58 years of racing life, and while it is disheartening to see it permanently shuttered, at the very least it is going out with a bang.
Led by Director of Racing Gabe Prewitt, Pompano has seen a fitting retirement tour of sorts. There have been guest announcers, driver tournaments, merchandise giveaways, a match race between Prewitt and Gulfstrem Park's announcer Pete Aiello, and it all culminates with Sunday's (April 17) mega 16-race sendoff program.
"It's hard to grasp that it is all coming to an end, but we have tried to put on the best show possible with some unique events over the final season to create as many memories as possible for the fans, horsemen and staff," said Prewitt. "The closing night card is no exception, as we are happy to offer the highest overnight purses in our entire history. We can't possibly thank the fans and horsemen enough for standing by us until the very end."
Whatever you think of the removal of racing, let's give some credit to upper management at Pompano (Caesars) for at least allowing Prewitt to pull out all the stops. Not only does every race on the card have at least 10 starters, total purses for the evening will top out at $196,900. Additionally, the 72 horses that dropped in the entry box and didn't get into a race will be paid $500, as will the sixth through tenth finishers in every race. That amounts to $76,500 in extra payments. According to Prewitt, these payments were part of a mutual agreement with the horsemen because extra money was left in the purse account.
"I hated so bad to leave people out, but we never dreamed we would have that many horses left over," said Prewitt.
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It wouldn't be a Pompano card without some guaranteed wagers and at least one carryover. The must-pay 16th race Hi-5 carryover stands at $15,707, and the usual $15,000 guarantee will be in place for the sixth and 12th race Pick 4s.
On Sunday we officially say goodbye to a track that has been with us for nearly six decades. A track that was one of the most player-friendly in the industry. We wish it was staying around longer, but at least we can savor the memories and #Senditin one more time after studying these free Harness Eye past performances (available Friday afternoon).