I used to go there whenever they had Quarter Horse racing, even claimed a horse once. Two days later had to have surgery on him, chip in the knee. I loved that track, crying shame. Seems everything I grew up with is gone. So much for getting old.
I first arrived in Pompano in the fall of 1977 and the training side was full of HOF trainer/drivers like Haughton, Dancer, Shotly, Garnsey, Insko, Del Miller, Bessinger, Jimmy Arthur and now Showbiz has been added to the HOF, also you could often see Whitey Ford and Arnold Palmer training horse's and see some of the Miami Dolphins killer B's around Bill Popfingers barn great memories of a bygone era.
I got there back in the heyday Breeder'scrown weekend.Has anyone else noticed ,harness racing doom wassealed when slots were allowed to proliferate.There could of been so much potential,for a crossover effect,one's fans become fans of another and viceversa.Leadership yeah right or write.
I know it’s sad that I am going to miss betting on the races from Pompano Park. I loved that track which I liked the graphics on the screen and there were a lot of memories. After 58 Years, Thank You. Pompano Park! 🏝❤️
My whole life I grew up at the track. My grandfather Phil cable was a blacksmith at Pompano Park. What a ledgend. So many memories of the grandstand and racing. He taught me so much. I learned how to fix golf carts to shoeing it self. Just so many things I learned. Pompano is my blood. I was Born and raised in Pompano beach.
Those are the good times. The lessons he taught me over the years will always b there. Especially fixing and towing all those golf carts. Also al lthose jokes he told over the years.
This was great. Something like this should have been done for Balmoral Park. I was there on the last night and it was sad too. I grew up 5 mins from Balmoral Park and it was my intro to harness racing. It's a shame pompano is gonna close.
Much appreciated mini documentary M. Demsky! Nice memories of a time when all aspects related to standardbred racing were real! Great comments by all the participants! Loved it!
Only a casual harness fan. But this kind of thing breaks my heart. Same with Arlington, Hollywood, etc, etc. These places have historical significance. Just really sad. Even more of a tragedy that a lot of people don't even know what they're missing. Racing is great BECAUSE of the mental challenge of making a prediction and the emotional ups and downs of the race results. But people would rather flush their money down the drain on a machine with instant results that's rigged against them. I cannot relate to that sort of mentality. Mindless casino gambling does nothing to enrich the world. Racing provides an opportunity for anyone with $2 to participate in a sport of kings that creates lasting memories.
My mom worked there in the 70s as a Groom. Maureen Karle (Kelly) as did my father Randy Karle. So sad I didnt make it to the last race. So sad to see it go.
Beautiful video. I will always wonder, did it really have to end this way? Was it the power of a casino v. the Florida Standardbred Industry? Did the Governor of Florida demonstrate little interest in saving racing? Like many people out there, I have many questions and feel very sad to witness the end.
I just happened to see the video on my CZcams suggestions. I love horse racing. I've been going to the track since before I was 10 with my family. Throughout the years if we were in vacation I always wanted to go to the track, even if it wasn't racing. The first time in '87 me and my buddy were driving to Kentucky for the Derby. On the way we wanted to see Keenland. We walked right onto the racetrack and took some pictures. That night we went to Lexington at The Red Mile. The next day we were in the infield at Churchill. That year when my better half Julie for 30 years went on our honeymoon to Florida and a cruise. The first day of the boat we headed to Calder. I recall Joe Robbie Stadium was in the same parking lot. I felt seasick the whole time at the track. Until this video I didn't know they had shut down Calder / Gulf Stream West. I had Just previously watched a video on the closing of Pompano.. I had actually been playing Pompano a few nights ago. I even happened to watch the match race which the race call was great! I didn't know the track was closing. That year we went to Calder on our honeymoon, where do you think we were but at Pompano. These videos brought me back and I must admit I'm crying over it. I always am sad to see a track go. For people that aren't racetrack horseplayers they don't get it. It's not like other types of gambling. As I heard some of the driver's say it's a way of life. I feel more at home at a racetrack than anywhere else on earth. There are more tracks that I dragged Juliyfo that are now memory. Twelve year's ago tomorrow Julie passed away by April 23rd, 2011. In the end it's the memories is all we really have. To take a walk down memory homestretch lane I'll list the racetracks we visited that are from days gone bye: Garden State Park, Atlantic City Racecourse, Roosevelt Raceway, Lincoln Downs, Suffolk Downs, Foxboro Raceway, Liberty Bell Park, Brandywine Raceway, Bowie Racetrack, Waterford Park, Hawthorne Race Course, Hollywood Park, and now Calder and Pompano Park. There are so many memories and torn up tickets along the way. There thankfully still a number of tracks still running that we ventured to from coast to coast. But it is bittersweet recalling our honeymoon and visit to the tracks in Florida that have passed along with the anniversary of Julie's passing twelve years ago tomorrow. Thanks for the memories! Each and everyone lives on in our hearts 🥲.
Nice memories. I'm pretty sure Hawthorne is still up. Maybe they relocated, not sure, but there still is Hawthorne thoroughbred as well as harness running under the name Hawthorne. I like Desantis but I think he was real shortsighted to signing the bill which basically executed the standardbred industry in Fla. No thought to all those who enjoyed it and especially no thought for the people who's livelihood depended on it. Eff Caesar's while I'm at it! Not that they'll notice but I won't set foot in a Caesar's run business if I know they're owner.
That’s a nice story. Like you I am a die hard horse racing fan, both thoroughbred and harness. As a child my parents took me and my sister to both Delaware Park and Brandywine Raceway. Delaware Park closed for one year and we almost lost it but the state approved casinos at racetracks and the track was saved. Unfortunately it was too late for Brandywine. I have visited many of the now dead tracks you mentioned. However one track you mentioned Waterford Park still exists today, like Delaware Park they were one of the first tracks to get a casino and it saved the track. It was renamed and now is known as Mountaineer Park. Unfortunately I feel we will see even more track closures ahead since non horse racing gambling continues to expand and compete for the same dollars. If other states decide decouple casino licenses from racing those tracks would also be in danger. Just keep up the hope by continuing to both visit and bet by simulcast or at home betting on horse racing. It is a great sport especially when seen live and makes for a fun afternoon or night of activities.
Great tribute to a fantastic location I am honoured to having visited during vacation in Orlando Central Florida to such a jewel in the crown of Harness Racing in the world. ( Glasgow UK)
Moved here Feb.83.... Saw many of the greatest trainers ,drivers and horses race here... Cam Fella ,Mack Lobell , Peace Corp ,Valley Victory , Baltic Speed. McWicked... Saw Mickey win with that breaking horse Until We Meet Again... Dancer ,Haughton Del Miller , And Locals like McNicols ,Pavia ,Wallace , Ranger , Hennessy drivers that won 8 or 10 thousand races. It would be nice if Palm Beach county could move the track to Sunshine Meadows..
I agree that would be a good idea since some of the facilities to support the horses already exist. However they still would have to build a grandstand and see if there is enough room for it and the additional parking that would be needed. One other alternative I felt might work would be to see if any of the old dog tracks that are still standing could be redone for harness racing. The most expensive item the grandstand would already be there it just would be a question of is there enough room to build the larger size race track needed for harness racing and any other support facilities. In both cases it would be cheeper to do than build a new track from raw land and take less time.
Flew out in 2017from California visited Tampa bay, pompano , Gulfstream, one of my biggest thrills in horse racing was riding in that hummer 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼, thank you to everyone at pompano for the ride of a life time
Thanks for the great memories of the Pompono park. I only got to visit it one time when I was on vacation in Miami. It was a great harness track in winter for years. I did play their races via simulcasting till they closed. Unfortunately this is a trend for both harness and throughbred race tracks. With the expansion of gambling, lottery, casino and now sports betting the interest in any kind of horse racing seems to be decreasing. It’s a shame because unlike the other types of gambling the odds are set by the players not the house or the state. In casino games and lottery games if you play enough you will always lose. With some skill you can win betting horse racing if you study and bet on only races you feel you can win. The other problem with racing is in many cases like Pompono’s the land it sits on becomes too valuable to only use it for a seasonal part of the year operation. So the owners sell out to developers or decide to redevelop the land themselves.
Spent many a winter vacation coming down in the 80s and 90s…Had very good friends sadly no longer with us that were such good people…Tom Sells Bud Foster Dale Russell…good horseman better people…I’ll miss that place just as I miss the people…
Let's not forget what the casino did and never give them our money. They took over the Pomp under the guise of saving it because they needed racing to build a casino. Then years later they sued saying it was unfair to be saddled with racetrack. What a scam. Nobody fought for it because theirs more money turning into a mega property. This is just more greed. .But we can fight back by not going back to that casino. #LongLiveThePomp
Every time one of America's race tracks close down, I can't help but think that Churchill Downs is the reason. Hollywood Park, Arlington Race Track....CD has proven that nothing will stop their path to Monopoly, including Trainer Witch Hunts
I agree, I visited and always liked Hialeah Park but both Gulfstream and Calder worked together to get rid of Hialeah. With the addition of slots all of the tracks except Gulfstream seemed to only care about the casino business. Hialeah tried quarter horse racing but as soon as decoupling was permitted stoped running those races. Calder also did the same. As much as I did not like what Gulfstream did to help destroy Hialeah at least they completely rebuilt their race track building and continued to put effort into putting on good high quality races.
Does anyone know if there are any old tapes in the grandstand? There are folks that are able and willing to digitize old race tapes and post them to CZcams. My friend and I were able to save a lot of old tapes from Maywood Park in Chicago.
Jeff has done a great job saving the Meadowlands but he has just announced unless the state can do something on taxes he plans to shut down Vernon Downs. Also while Tiago Downs is also a nice facility without the casino being successful the track could not exist. It will take some good new management for many tracks to grow and survive. Someone with good promotional qualities. All horse racing suffers from lack of advertising and on track promotions to attract bigger crowds that will bet and spend money on food and beverages on track. Casino gambling can only go so far especially with there being more of them now, to help subsidies racing. I also would like to note that any track that has casino gambling hardly even lets you know there is horse racing in the casino part of the building. There should be both betting windows or terminals and monitors to be able to see racing when it is in operation. Otherwise there is little chance for crossover customers.
Gabe is a friend of mine. He also announces at the red mile. But yes I agree the big m would be a good place for him as well. Going to miss the pomp a lot. Last night when he called a romp at the pomp in I believe the 5th race. I told him that was the last time he would ever say a romp at the pomp. So sad
Yes, it’s over. The company that owners it only wants casino betting and dining and entertainment. They will tare down the old grandstand and build a new casino and other stores, hotels and restaurants in the tracks place.
Not sad at all....gambling establishments are licensed thieves....fixed races...corrupt drivers and jockeys...trainers...and owners. I've seen it all my life....all at the bettors expense. There's no justice in corruptly swindling money from the hands that feed you. The industry has never enforced legitimacy.....cheating is treated with a slap on the wrist and tracks have no interest in scandals.....they'd rather sweep it under the carpet. Racetracks didn't know how to keep a good thing going....at one time they ruled the gambling empire...but now that Indians have joined the casino industry and online betting has taken bets by phone the racetracks lost their backers. Too bad....they ran the market and gave their regular clients little to no value for their business. Disgusting as it is to cut the betting pools so that the public never get a true percentage of their wins.....these tracks always lagged behind in....at the very least...giving their clients the perks and comps they deserve for pissing their money away on a regular basis. All gambling is bad because it's cut for the house every moment of every day.....but horse betting is worse because they steal without even giving reasonable compensation for the action......
@@stevegold2784 they had casino but they decoupled so owners could not have racing if they wanted alot of tracks are coupled or they keep racing as a kind gesture to everyone like mgm yonkers raceway
because the owners cesars had the option when the law said it could decouple and not race if they wanted to rsead other articles mgm runs yonkers and they race maybe they have an option not to if its nor coupled but they arent cruel to close it
Governor has virtually nothing to do with this. This was long overdue. As a former professional jai alai player we got it too, still not Ron's fault. Decoupling is 15 years late and we were the benefactors of many law makers holding on for us. The people voted out dogs the rest were dominoes.
Even the simulcasting is going to hell. Horrible customer service, it is evident bathtubs do not want any form of horse playing there. Cold fish unfriendly bar waitresses and staff as well.
People will gamble but unfortunately they’ll gamble on the easiest thing they can gamble on. Shoving quarters into a slot machine is easier than handicapping a horse race. It’s so sad but there’s no changing it.
well they ran the horses since the casino and owners supported it till they were decoupled likr the dogs were the dogs were closed due to animal cruelty/well the owners could have taken the loss anyway and not clsoed
Unfortunetly it seems to be a disturbing trend, Who would have thought we would lose racing plants like Greenwood, Hazel Park, Detroit Race Course, Balmoral, Maywood and Sportsmans Park ??
Cheers to you...100% greed....people starting buy horses to make scores with no love...anymore...Trainers getting caught time after time cheating yet keep on racing...
well maybe thats the reason it closed the decoupling and no more support from casino for purses and other things/still it was cruel to close since its a small loss for cesars and put fans and workers out
Close them all.....Too many thieves fixing races.....they need stiffer penalties.....there's so many people trying to make a living in this industry.....the only way to pay them is through the betting windows
@@tonycurcio4518 I just read the news of the Allard case.....I'm aware of him as a long time trainer..... Meadowlands...Freehold...Dover Downs......I'm not surprised.....there's a lot of filth behind the SEEMINGLY clean hands of horse racing . There's so many horseman trying to earn a living. Lots of money behind the scenes.....but few are fortunate enough to stay afloat. It's survival of the fittest....or it was.....but now it's survival by any means.
One of my horses won on the last Tuesday before it closes. Lots of memories here. Will miss it with all my heart.
Congratulations, yes it’s very sad!
Congratulations!😊
I used to go there whenever they had Quarter Horse racing, even claimed a horse once. Two days later had to have surgery on him, chip in the knee. I loved that track, crying shame. Seems everything I grew up with is gone. So much for getting old.
I first arrived in Pompano in the fall of 1977 and the training side was full of HOF trainer/drivers like Haughton, Dancer, Shotly, Garnsey, Insko, Del Miller, Bessinger, Jimmy Arthur and now Showbiz has been added to the HOF, also you could often see Whitey Ford and Arnold Palmer training horse's and see some of the Miami Dolphins killer B's around Bill Popfingers barn great memories of a bygone era.
I got there back in the heyday Breeder'scrown weekend.Has anyone else noticed ,harness racing doom wassealed when slots were allowed to proliferate.There could of been so much potential,for a crossover effect,one's fans become fans of another and viceversa.Leadership yeah right or write.
Terrific piece. Shades, Gabe and John and more.. thank you
I know it’s sad that I am going to miss betting on the races from Pompano Park. I loved that track which I liked the graphics on the screen and there were a lot of memories. After 58 Years, Thank You. Pompano Park! 🏝❤️
My whole life I grew up at the track. My grandfather Phil cable was a blacksmith at Pompano Park. What a ledgend. So many memories of the grandstand and racing. He taught me so much. I learned how to fix golf carts to shoeing it self. Just so many things I learned. Pompano is my blood. I was Born and raised in Pompano beach.
Phil could shoe a horse faster than anyone I've ever seen and repair a car between horse's.
The whole Cable family are blacksmith legends. I got into the sport bc of Leon Cable
Cables bus behind Eric Wilt's farrier shop at Scioto.
The only guy I knew that could shoe a horse and put a starter in a car while the shoes were in theforge
Those are the good times. The lessons he taught me over the years will always b there. Especially fixing and towing all those golf carts. Also al lthose jokes he told over the years.
This was great. Something like this should have been done for Balmoral Park. I was there on the last night and it was sad too. I grew up 5 mins from Balmoral Park and it was my intro to harness racing. It's a shame pompano is gonna close.
Much appreciated mini documentary M. Demsky! Nice memories of a time when all aspects related to standardbred racing were real! Great comments by all the participants! Loved it!
Thank you!
Only a casual harness fan. But this kind of thing breaks my heart. Same with Arlington, Hollywood, etc, etc. These places have historical significance. Just really sad. Even more of a tragedy that a lot of people don't even know what they're missing. Racing is great BECAUSE of the mental challenge of making a prediction and the emotional ups and downs of the race results. But people would rather flush their money down the drain on a machine with instant results that's rigged against them. I cannot relate to that sort of mentality. Mindless casino gambling does nothing to enrich the world. Racing provides an opportunity for anyone with $2 to participate in a sport of kings that creates lasting memories.
What a shame Great documentary, The only thing you could have added is some interviews with the regular horseplayers. Pompano will be sorely missed.
Amazing documentary "Shades"
Thanks, Nate!
My mom worked there in the 70s as a Groom. Maureen Karle (Kelly) as did my father Randy Karle. So sad I didnt make it to the last race. So sad to see it go.
Loved pompano park, fond memmories in the seventies, eighties, and the nineties, great weather great racing, gonna miss you alot.
End of an era…. So sad 😭
Beautiful video. I will always wonder, did it really have to end this way? Was it the power of a casino v. the Florida Standardbred Industry? Did the Governor of Florida demonstrate little interest in saving racing? Like many people out there, I have many questions and feel very sad to witness the end.
What a wonderful video. I’m going to miss you guys! 😔
I just happened to see the video on my CZcams suggestions. I love horse racing. I've been going to the track since before I was 10 with my family. Throughout the years if we were in vacation I always wanted to go to the track, even if it wasn't racing. The first time in '87 me and my buddy were driving to Kentucky for the Derby. On the way we wanted to see Keenland. We walked right onto the racetrack and took some pictures. That night we went to Lexington at The Red Mile. The next day we were in the infield at Churchill.
That year when my better half Julie for 30 years went on our honeymoon to Florida and a cruise. The first day of the boat we headed to Calder. I recall Joe Robbie Stadium was in the same parking lot. I felt seasick the whole time at the track. Until this video I didn't know they had shut down Calder / Gulf Stream West. I had Just previously watched a video on the closing of Pompano.. I had actually been playing Pompano a few nights ago. I even happened to watch the match race which the race call was great! I didn't know the track was closing. That year we went to Calder on our honeymoon, where do you think we were but at Pompano. These videos brought me back and I must admit I'm crying over it. I always am sad to see a track go. For people that aren't racetrack horseplayers they don't get it. It's not like other types of gambling. As I heard some of the driver's say it's a way of life. I feel more at home at a racetrack than anywhere else on earth. There are more tracks that I dragged Juliyfo that are now memory. Twelve year's ago tomorrow Julie passed away by April 23rd, 2011. In the end it's the memories is all we really have.
To take a walk down memory homestretch lane I'll list the racetracks we visited that are from days gone bye: Garden State Park, Atlantic City Racecourse, Roosevelt Raceway, Lincoln Downs, Suffolk Downs, Foxboro Raceway, Liberty Bell Park, Brandywine Raceway, Bowie Racetrack, Waterford Park, Hawthorne Race Course, Hollywood Park, and now Calder and Pompano Park. There are so many memories and torn up tickets along the way. There thankfully still a number of tracks still running that we ventured to from coast to coast.
But it is bittersweet recalling our honeymoon and visit to the tracks in Florida that have passed along with the anniversary of Julie's passing twelve years ago tomorrow.
Thanks for the memories! Each and everyone lives on in our hearts 🥲.
Nice memories. I'm pretty sure Hawthorne is still up. Maybe they relocated, not sure, but there still is Hawthorne thoroughbred as well as harness running under the name Hawthorne. I like Desantis but I think he was real shortsighted to signing the bill which basically executed the standardbred industry in Fla. No thought to all those who enjoyed it and especially no thought for the people who's livelihood depended on it. Eff Caesar's while I'm at it! Not that they'll notice but I won't set foot in a Caesar's run business if I know they're owner.
That’s a nice story. Like you I am a die hard horse racing fan, both thoroughbred and harness. As a child my parents took me and my sister to both Delaware Park and Brandywine Raceway. Delaware Park closed for one year and we almost lost it but the state approved casinos at racetracks and the track was saved. Unfortunately it was too late for Brandywine. I have visited many of the now dead tracks you mentioned. However one track you mentioned Waterford Park still exists today, like Delaware Park they were one of the first tracks to get a casino and it saved the track. It was renamed and now is known as Mountaineer Park. Unfortunately I feel we will see even more track closures ahead since non horse racing gambling continues to expand and compete for the same dollars. If other states decide decouple casino licenses from racing those tracks would also be in danger. Just keep up the hope by continuing to both visit and bet by simulcast or at home betting on horse racing. It is a great sport especially when seen live and makes for a fun afternoon or night of activities.
Very sad that it has come to this. Well done Shades
i emember bill pop wally and kevin mickey/many years ago i used to go to roosevelt in a long time ago/they were in new york also
My father raced there and won the first race ever raced there ,Sam E Smith
Great Video Thank you
Great tribute nicely done!
Great tribute to a fantastic location I am honoured to having visited during vacation in Orlando Central Florida to such a jewel in the crown of Harness Racing in the world. ( Glasgow UK)
Moved here Feb.83.... Saw many of the greatest trainers ,drivers and horses race here... Cam Fella ,Mack Lobell , Peace Corp ,Valley Victory , Baltic Speed. McWicked...
Saw Mickey win with that breaking horse Until We Meet Again...
Dancer ,Haughton Del Miller , And Locals like McNicols ,Pavia ,Wallace , Ranger , Hennessy drivers that won 8 or 10 thousand races.
It would be nice if Palm Beach county could move the track to Sunshine Meadows..
Excellent idea.Im with you 100%
I agree that would be a good idea since some of the facilities to support the horses already exist. However they still would have to build a grandstand and see if there is enough room for it and the additional parking that would be needed. One other alternative I felt might work would be to see if any of the old dog tracks that are still standing could be redone for harness racing. The most expensive item the grandstand would already be there it just would be a question of is there enough room to build the larger size race track needed for harness racing and any other support facilities. In both cases it would be cheeper to do than build a new track from raw land and take less time.
i am a desantis backer but he failed this time
OMG great video.....I was a Freehold guy myself when Mickey was there....TY for sharing this.
I do security at the casino but also checked in the horses, drivers and trainers. It's really FUC-ED up that this is happening
They're all thieves.....licensed to steal ...Rob the public....GET OVER IT.....
Flew out in 2017from California visited Tampa bay, pompano , Gulfstream, one of my biggest thrills in horse racing was riding in that hummer 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼, thank you to everyone at pompano for the ride of a life time
Whitey Ford was a party waiting to happen. 😎
So many memories of Pompano Park....most of them good. Another of my favorite tracks gone.
Love seeing you all! Popfinger, Pavia everyone… so heavy hearted that it’s closing.
i knew popfingers back in the 80s at roosevelt and yonkers and others/i guess they have soc secutity at least
Thanks for the great memories of the Pompono park. I only got to visit it one time when I was on vacation in Miami. It was a great harness track in winter for years. I did play their races via simulcasting till they closed. Unfortunately this is a trend for both harness and throughbred race tracks. With the expansion of gambling, lottery, casino and now sports betting the interest in any kind of horse racing seems to be decreasing. It’s a shame because unlike the other types of gambling the odds are set by the players not the house or the state. In casino games and lottery games if you play enough you will always lose. With some skill you can win betting horse racing if you study and bet on only races you feel you can win. The other problem with racing is in many cases like Pompono’s the land it sits on becomes too valuable to only use it for a seasonal part of the year operation. So the owners sell out to developers or decide to redevelop the land themselves.
Spent many a winter vacation coming down in the 80s and 90s…Had very good friends sadly no longer with us that were such good people…Tom Sells Bud Foster Dale Russell…good horseman better people…I’ll miss that place just as I miss the people…
Saratoga Springs Has a Harness Track and most top trotters and pacers have gone to Pompano
no they havent--Meadowlands Yonkers and Pocono have the top US standardbreds, not Florida - FFS
Sorry to see it go.
Let's not forget what the casino did and never give them our money. They took over the Pomp under the guise of saving it because they needed racing to build a casino. Then years later they sued saying it was unfair to be saddled with racetrack. What a scam. Nobody fought for it because theirs more money turning into a mega property. This is just more greed. .But we can fight back by not going back to that casino. #LongLiveThePomp
Good I hope it never reopens. For the horses Yay
LongLiveThePomp #SendItIn
Every time one of America's race tracks close down, I can't help but think that Churchill Downs is the reason. Hollywood Park, Arlington Race Track....CD has proven that nothing will stop their path to Monopoly, including Trainer Witch Hunts
Dont forget the Cancer Called the Stronachs
I agree, I visited and always liked Hialeah Park but both Gulfstream and Calder worked together to get rid of Hialeah. With the addition of slots all of the tracks except Gulfstream seemed to only care about the casino business. Hialeah tried quarter horse racing but as soon as decoupling was permitted stoped running those races. Calder also did the same. As much as I did not like what Gulfstream did to help destroy Hialeah at least they completely rebuilt their race track building and continued to put effort into putting on good high quality races.
Does anyone know if there are any old tapes in the grandstand? There are folks that are able and willing to digitize old race tapes and post them to CZcams. My friend and I were able to save a lot of old tapes from Maywood Park in Chicago.
Wally 😭 Kevin Wallis 🙌🏾
Great documentary. You need a Jeff Gural. He saved Vernon downs.
He also saved tioga raceway and of course the meadowlands. If not for Mr. Gural ,I believe harness racing would be finished as a sport.
Just imagine ir they sold pompano to Frank Stornach When they. should and c ould have
Jeff has done a great job saving the Meadowlands but he has just announced unless the state can do something on taxes he plans to shut down Vernon Downs. Also while Tiago Downs is also a nice facility without the casino being successful the track could not exist. It will take some good new management for many tracks to grow and survive. Someone with good promotional qualities. All horse racing suffers from lack of advertising and on track promotions to attract bigger crowds that will bet and spend money on food and beverages on track. Casino gambling can only go so far especially with there being more of them now, to help subsidies racing. I also would like to note that any track that has casino gambling hardly even lets you know there is horse racing in the casino part of the building. There should be both betting windows or terminals and monitors to be able to see racing when it is in operation. Otherwise there is little chance for crossover customers.
I think of Neil Rodgers and Fat Rich betting the races and then Neil talking about his bets and the Jocks. And the bad beats...
So sad
Gabe Prewitt is a pro.
Why doesn't Big M hire him?
Gabe is a friend of mine. He also announces at the red mile. But yes I agree the big m would be a good place for him as well. Going to miss the pomp a lot. Last night when he called a romp at the pomp in I believe the 5th race. I told him that was the last time he would ever say a romp at the pomp. So sad
I’m confused. I know they don’t race in the summer but are they saying that it is closing indefinitely??
Yes, it’s over. The company that owners it only wants casino betting and dining and entertainment. They will tare down the old grandstand and build a new casino and other stores, hotels and restaurants in the tracks place.
@@johnchambers8528
That’s sad news : (
They had a ton of land already as unused parking. Bad idea!
The best race I ever saw there was AMA motorcycles in the late 70’s
Very sad day !
Not sad at all....gambling establishments are licensed thieves....fixed races...corrupt drivers and jockeys...trainers...and owners. I've seen it all my life....all at the bettors expense. There's no justice in corruptly swindling money from the hands that feed you. The industry has never enforced legitimacy.....cheating is treated with a slap on the wrist and tracks have no interest in scandals.....they'd rather sweep it under the carpet. Racetracks didn't know how to keep a good thing going....at one time they ruled the gambling empire...but now that Indians have joined the casino industry and online betting has taken bets by phone the racetracks lost their backers. Too bad....they ran the market and gave their regular clients little to no value for their business. Disgusting as it is to cut the betting pools so that the public never get a true percentage of their wins.....these tracks always lagged behind in....at the very least...giving their clients the perks and comps they deserve for pissing their money away on a regular basis. All gambling is bad because it's cut for the house every moment of every day.....but horse betting is worse because they steal without even giving reasonable compensation for the action......
Why is it closing ?
The laws have changed that no longer force the casino owner to support live racing
Sad to see it end the way it has through political greed. Nice mini documentary about the track and the those who lived it.
well said mike
I’m surprised harness racing lasted this long in America.
Oldest sport in America dating back to the early 1800s
Was bigger than any other sports attraction...Baseball ,Football etc could not draw the crowds Harness Racing did.
Slot machines saved harness racing, have to have the slots going.
Can Balmoral ever race again.Is it still standing?
@@stevegold2784 they had casino but they decoupled so owners could not have racing if they wanted alot of tracks are coupled or they keep racing as a kind gesture to everyone like mgm yonkers raceway
And Your All Still There.
And I'm Not. !
What do ya think killed it ?
because the owners cesars had the option when the law said it could decouple and not race if they wanted to rsead other articles mgm runs yonkers and they race maybe they have an option not to if its nor coupled but they arent cruel to close it
the state previously said you had to race to allow casino just like some dog traxks then the dogs had animal cruelty so that was the reason
Crooks I can't wait till thier gone 😏
Sad you say !!!!! A bunch of crooks !!!!!!!
It is a damn shame that the casino bosses and moronic governor of Florida allowed that great track to close.
Governor has virtually nothing to do with this. This was long overdue. As a former professional jai alai player we got it too, still not Ron's fault. Decoupling is 15 years late and we were the benefactors of many law makers holding on for us. The people voted out dogs the rest were dominoes.
@@showtimeman5673 Connecticut loss jai alai and dog racing in pretty much the same way.
@@rendragmedia well the dogs were done in by animal rights not all decoupling only 3 dog tracks left but overseas they are all over
yes what was the loss for that huge casino and hotel company to stay open and support it
Even the simulcasting is going to hell. Horrible customer service, it is evident bathtubs do not want any form of horse playing there. Cold fish unfriendly bar waitresses and staff as well.
It’s evident they do not want any form of horse playing at this Isle Casino at Pompano
People will gamble but unfortunately they’ll gamble on the easiest thing they can gamble on. Shoving quarters into a slot machine is easier than handicapping a horse race. It’s so sad but there’s no changing it.
well they ran the horses since the casino and owners supported it till they were decoupled likr the dogs were the dogs were closed due to animal cruelty/well the owners could have taken the loss anyway and not clsoed
MANAGER MUST BE SELECTED TO HARNESS HALL OF FAME FACT MANAGER
Not much point of going to Florida anymore. 1st the dogs went away and now Pompano is gone. Not much of a reason to go anymore
First time your caught cheating....one and done....no second chances ...
TOO BAD ANOTHER TRACK I DID GOOD THAT IS CLOSING AFTER BLUE BONNETS AND WINDSOR RACEWAY BYE POMPANO BYE
Unfortunetly it seems to be a disturbing trend, Who would have thought we would lose racing plants like Greenwood, Hazel Park, Detroit Race Course, Balmoral, Maywood and Sportsmans Park ??
Saw the writing on the Wall years algo for Pompano Park
Tve horsemen had no backup
Joe Pannachio ?
Crooked racing thats why its closing all the druging
It has nothing to do with that
Cheers to you...100% greed....people starting buy horses to make scores with no love...anymore...Trainers getting caught time after time cheating yet keep on racing...
no reason for casinos to support the standardbred industry
well maybe thats the reason it closed the decoupling and no more support from casino for purses and other things/still it was cruel to close since its a small loss for cesars and put fans and workers out
Boo hoo 😂😂 they should close down more tracks
Ignorant troll
Close them all.....Too many thieves fixing races.....they need stiffer penalties.....there's so many people trying to make a living in this industry.....the only way to pay them is through the betting windows
@@johncummings5350 your right !!! Lock them up like rene allard 😅 hes going to jail soon
@@tonycurcio4518 I just read the news of the Allard case.....I'm aware of him as a long time trainer..... Meadowlands...Freehold...Dover Downs......I'm not surprised.....there's a lot of filth behind the SEEMINGLY clean hands of horse racing . There's so many horseman trying to earn a living. Lots of money behind the scenes.....but few are fortunate enough to stay afloat. It's survival of the fittest....or it was.....but now it's survival by any means.
@@johncummings5350 not just him what about the vet seth Fisherman what a crook they want him for 20 years !!! He get sentence soon