Pompano to re-open Dec. 2

Pompano Park general manager Dick Feinberg has announced that the racetrack has set a timetable to reopen for simulcasting on Thursday, Nov. 17, and have targeted the return of live racing for Friday, Dec. 2.



"After assessing all of the repairs that will be needed to reopen the facility from the damage caused by Hurricane Wilma, we are happy to announce that we should be able to reopen ahead of schedule," Feinberg said.



Pompano Park suffered considerable damage to the second, third, and fourth floors of its clubhouse and grandstand, and to the poker room. The tote board was also damaged, as were the race paddock and more than 10 barns on the backstretch, that will have to be replaced. The outdoor bleacher area and the drivers' room building, which also houses the race office, state offices, judges office, and security offices, suffered major damage and will most likely have to be torn down.



In preparing for the start of live racing, there will be special matinee races, with purses, on Saturday, Nov. 19 and on Saturday, Nov. 26, starting at 11 a.m. The general public is invited to attend, free of charge.



"We hope that everything will go according to schedule," Feinberg said. "We will be working with our horsemen's organization, the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, to ensure that safety comes first and foremost for our horses and drivers on the track, that we have adequate lighting in the barn area and on the racetrack, and that our building is safe for our patrons, too."



Siimulcasting will take place only on the third floor and part of the second floor. When live racing resumes the sixth floor Top of the Park Restaurant will be open.



"We hope to be able to race a full schedule when we reopen," Feinberg added. "Provided we have enough horses, we will race four nights a week, (on) Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday."

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