Rick Harp scores 1,500th career win at Pompano

Third-generation horseman Rick Harp posted his 1,500th career victory in the fourth race pace at the Isle Pompano Park Wednesday.

Harp, 48, of Vasser, Mich., won with the 3-year-old Florida-sired gelding, Johnny Appleseed ($6.80), in a lifetime-best time of 1:56.4, winning by 2 1/2 lengths. It was the second straight win for Johnny Appleseed, who is owned by Harp’s father, Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fame member, George Harp Jr., and Rick's mother, Jacqueline, of Vernon, N.Y.

“I feel real good about winning my 1,500th race tonight.” Harp said. “Especially with this horse because my dad owns him with my mom and his dam was one of my father’s top mares and broodmare.”

Sired by Signed ‘n Sealed from the Raging Glory mare, Saxaphone Sally, Johnny Appleseed was bred to be a winner. Like Rick’s father, Saxaphone Sally is also inducted in the Florida Harness Racing Hall of Fame by the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association.

As a racehorse, Saxaphone Sally was a multiple Florida Sire Stakes winner with eight stakes victories and a record of 1:57.2. She also had eight foals, all of who made the races.

The race started off with Julie’s Solo and driver Dan Clements going to the early lead with Doc’s Lenny (David Ingraham) grabbing the two-hole trip and Johnny Appleseed leaving from post seven and settling in third place. They raced Indian-style until the final turn when Harp made his move with Johnny Appleseed and they were able to collar Julie’s Solo in the stretch and pass her by. Julie’s Solo was second with Doc’s Lenny third. (Pompano Park)

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