PPK5/8 - Big Bad John Draws Outsite New Year's Eve at Pompano

The clock is not only ticking toward the arrival of the New Year but also toward the highly anticipated return to the track of the 2011 Little Brown Jug winner Big Bad John. His final start as a three year is set for New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

If he's going to win the final start of his three year old campaign and challenge the track's three year old colt pace track record of 1:51.2 set by Beach Towel in 1990, Big Bad John will need to be at his best. In the seven horse field assembled for the $12,000 Open Pace, the draw luck resulted in an outside post seven verdict. Now racing from the Dan Hennessey barn at Pompano, Big Bad John certainly appears to be ready after a 1:52.1 qualifier and Wally Hennessey is slated for bike duty. The career winner of over $988,000 for Edward Telle's Winchester Baye Acres of Ocala, FL is slated for stallion duty at Midland Acres in Ohio at a future date after surpassing $1 million in career earnings.

Also on the New Year's Eve card, Dan Noble is expected to put the finishing touches on his quest for the 2011 drivers' dash title. The 28 year old reinsman from Ohio will appear in at least three races at Pompano on the December 31 program. Going into Tuesday evening's action, Noble had amassed 764 victories on the year for a ten win advantage on George Brennan, and Noble was scheduled for duty in 11 of 13 races on the Northfield Park program. The support party festivities trackside at Pompano on Saturday night include the Miami Food Trucks, free race programs, and a huge fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. after the eight race card convening at 7:15 p.m. is completed. 

Eldorado Max Passes

London (December 27, 2011) - Tuesday’s program at The Raceway in London was marred by tragedy in the afternoon’s fourth race when 14-year-old Eldorado Max collapsed just after the finish and passed away.

The local fan favourite was scheduled to make his final career appearance in the Old Lange Syne Trot on New Year's Eve at The Raceway.

The Raceway's television crew had just paid a visit to Eldorado Max at the farm just days ago. His longtime owner/trainer Dan Creighton commented that the trotter’s love of competition was what made him so good for so long.

“This is a very sad turn of events and we want to send out our condolences to the connections of Max who gave everyone so many wonderful memories,” said The Raceway’s General Manager, Ian Fleming. “He gave everything he had every time he faced that starting gate and he will certainly be missed.”

A son of SJs Photo, Eldorado Max ended his remarkable racing career with 46 wins from 195 lifetime starts while amassing $512,184 in purse earnings.

Qualifiers Canceled Friday In London

London, December 27, 2011 -- Horse people should note that The Raceway at The Western Fair District has canceled qualifiers for this Friday, December 30. There will also be no training on the track for the balance of this week.

Qualifying races will be held next at The Raceway on Friday, January 6.

There is live racing at The Raceway on Friday night with a 7:05 p.m. first post and there will also be live racing on New Year's Eve with the same 7:05 p.m. start time.