Ppk5/8 - Pompano Barn Notes

'Appley' And Groom Thrive On Apples, Capture Pompano Monthly USHWA Honors

With a remarkable sudden rise from the claiming ranks to defeating the top class in South Florida, pacer Appley Ever After and his groom Hillary Watson were most deserving winners of the Horse And Groom Of The Month honors. The award reflects the vote taken on each month's performances at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park by the Florida Chapter of The United States Harness Writers' Assocation (USHWA).

Left To Right: FL USHWA members Kathleen Dempsey, Jean Emerson, Fred Segal, Hillary Watson (Groom Of The Month), John Berry, Tom Hicks (Skip Smith Photo).

"We couldn't be any more proud of what he accomplished since he's been in (trainer) Mike Watson's stable since he was a yearling" explained groom Hillary Watson to John Berry in a live TV trackside interview during the Monday evening, April 23 program in South Florida. "There was really nothing very complicated about his training routine. He would jog four straight days and then get a day off or race. We weren't hard on him, so I would say his routine was more structured than tough" Watson added.

Appley Ever After is a 5 year old gelding by All American Ingot from the Jenna's Beach Boy mare Sandy Apple, bred by Oldfield Farm of Michigan. On March 3 he earned his life's speed badge of 1:51 when priced at $10,000 and in subsequent starts in Pompano's Open company last month he won two more times in addition to a pair of runner-up finishes. Trainer Mike Watson shares ownership of Appley Ever After with Richard Noel of Livonia, MI.

"There is really just only secret to this horse, and that's his preference of treats and snacks" groom Hillary Watson explained. "He will eat donuts if they are filled with apples, but most of all he enjoys munching on an apple. So I guess his name is really appropriate and we do hope in a few years when he retires that he'll live 'appley' ever after" she joked.


Ranger Puts On A Monday Clinic

The Monday evening card of April 23 featured a stretch of four consecutive races which were won by Pompano's all time leading reinsman, Bruce Ranger.

His streak began in the 2nd race with maiden three year old trotting filly Magical Affair for owner Brittany Farms and trainer Ron Gurfein. That was followed by a 14-1 upset in the Mares Open Pace with Major Trap for owner-trainer Ron MacArthur of Boynton Beach, FL, and a 1:56.1 tally in the Mares Open 2 Pace with She's A Pegase for owner-trainer Tom Wine of Coconut Creek, FL. Ranger's four straight run ended when he reined in favored claiming trotter Budlightning for owner-trainer Mario Dessereault of Pompano Beach.   


Post Time Change Starting May 2nd

The April and May schedule of live action on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday sees post time moving from 7:15 p.m. Eastern to 7:05 Eastern as of Wednesday, May 2 at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing. The current meet concludes on July 28. This Saturday evening, April 28, will feature the final appearance of the 2011-2012 season for the trackside Miami Gourmet Food Trucks and deejay Summer Party. On Saturday May 5, the Kentucky Derby simulcast program will be followed by a mandatory payout night for the ten cent MEGA-9 wager. Free race night live streaming, handicapping selections by Hall Of Famer John Berry, the replays archive and much more is available in the 'racing' tab at www.theislepompanopark.com .