No live racing? That's no problem in August and the early weeks of September during the 2011 break for live harness racing at Pompano Park
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"We were contemplating just what would be the best way to promote horse racing keep the profile of it at a high level during the seven week dark season for our live harness product," explained Joshua LeDuff, the track's senior director Of Marketing. "We're pleased that we were able to join forces with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association for the National Handicapping Contest, sponsored by the Daily Racing Form. We'll become the state's only pari-mutuel facility to be offering a local championship event in the national contest.
"This promotion follows the reduced takeout rate we implemented for our own live harness racing and continues the great relationship we have with our simulcast partners," LeDuff added. "Starting at noon every day, we have an intense schedule of simulcasting from several harness tracks. The championship final of this contest is set for Saturday, September 10, and that's only 11 days before we resume live racing here, so this is an excellent fit for us."
In addition to cash, the winner of the event at Pompano Park will earn a berth in the championship final of the National Handicapping Contest, slated for January 28-29, 2012 at the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas. This year's record prizes are a total of $2 million, with $1 million to the winner. That's a tenfold increase from the total prizes offered in the first contest in 2000.
The 2011-2012 live harness racing season begins on Wednesday, September 21. A qualifying day has been for the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association eligibles on September 3 prior to non-wagering cards for the State bred program on September 10 and September 17, with full particulars available at flstandardbreds.com .
The stall application deadline is August 26. The application form is available by clicking here.