Fla. track ready to go

Pompano Park will re-open for night harness racing on Friday, Dec. 2, following repairs and cleanup of damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. The track will begin with live racing three nights a week, on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with post time 7:25 p.m.



“(Monday) night we tested the lighting system and everything worked fine,� general manager Dick Feinberg said. “Along with some of our horsemen, we actually walked around the racetrack at night and made sure there is adequate lighting for night racing.�



Live racing will continued on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, until Dec. 19, when the track will add Monday nights to the live schedule.



“Our tote system and teletimer infield board have been repaired,� Feinberg added. “We still need to finish repairs on the sound system on the backstretch. We have relocated the state licensing office, race office, and the judges and security offices, and hope to have the poker room rebuilt in time for reopening.�



The Top of the Park Restaurant, on the sixth floor is set to open Friday, but the children’s playground area will be closed until new fencing arrives. The fourth floor box seats and the Players Room Buffet will not be ready on opening night. The second floor, which leads out to the track apron is temporarily open air, because the 60 glass-etched doors were destroyed by Hurricane Wilma. Crews are also preparing to build two, 100 stall, makeshift tent barns to house horses until new barns are built on the backstretch.



“In time we will have most everything repaired or replaced,� Feinberg said. “But it will take time, and we are happy to be able to get back into business before the start of the winter season.�

« Back