PPK race being investigated

The Florida Department of Business Regulation and officials at Pompano Park are investigating the results of a July 5 race that resulted in a suspiciously low exacta payoff after a 130-1 shot finished second in the race.

In the 10th race on July 5 at Pompano, the 3-1 second choice, Rip Rock And Roll, was the winner for driver Wally Hennessey. Finishing three-quarters of a length behind in second was Winchendon Walt, driven by trainer Gaston Lareau. The 2-5 betting favorite, Mini Assault, driven by Bruce Ranger, was third.

Winchendon Walt, a 3-year-old gelding by Raging Glory, was unraced as a 2 year old and was making only his fourth pari-mutuel start on July 5. In the July 5 race he sat a pocket trip the entire mile.

According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the exacta in the race should have paid more than $400 but instead returned only $25.80.

The Sun-Sentinel story also said that a $600, three-horse exacta box was bet off site using Winchendon Walt.

On June 23, 2006, Mandy LePage Lareau purchased Winchendon Walt from Walter LaFreniere. Earlier this month the Florida Attorney General’s office filed charges against LaFreniere for alleged price gouging.

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