Less than two years ago he was the third place finisher in the Kentucky Futurity to Muscle Hill and it's been a bumpy and challenging road back to prosperity for
trotter Tom Cango.
In the $10,000 purse weekly top trot handicap on Wednesday, June 22 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, Richie Simard wheeled the five-year-old Tom Ridge-B Cor Tamgo son to the lead just past the quarter over Bull Durham. For the first time in over 14 months, Tom Cango was able to go the rest of the way in 1:55.3 to notch his first win in 17 tries in 2011 for owner Joe Chnapko of Livingston, New Jersey. Bull Durham, in rein to Tom Sells, stoutly held the place position. Norm Desserault's Bay Lightning made the final half first over move and was third best.
Tom Cango was a $130,000 purchase from the mixed sale portion of the 2009 Harrisburg Sale after campaigning from the Jim Campbell barn for owners Arlene and Jules Siegel.
Prior to this win, Tom Cango had not tasted victory since April 17 at Pompano. Trainer Bill Gallagher has stated in interviews that Tom Cango has been an exceptional horse to be able to overcome severe gastric ulcers and a litany of problems to be able to return to winning form.
Tom Cango boasts more than a half million dollar in career earnings.
Just a single Monday evening program remains on the schedule for live harness racing at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park on June 27, preceded by the weekly $14,000 purse top class pace highlighting the Saturday, June 25 program. For the final month of the current meet in July, post time is 7:05 p.m. Eastern every Wednesday and Saturday.
(With files from Pompano Park)