Delray Beach, FL — A great unofficial opening day was had by all who attended the Saturday morning (Jan. 4) On The Deck viewing of 2- and 3-year-old trotters and pacers training at Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Center.

A large crowd turns out to witness some of the most talented horses in training. Steve Wolf photo.

More than 50 people came out to On The Deck with some bringing their own lawn chairs to sit under the big tree at the finish wire and watch the training sessions. It was a sunny morning with a warm breeze at around 84 degrees.
For those with an appetite, there were bagels and flagels, cream cheese, butter, coffee and fruit salad, all compliments of Myron and Stephanie Bell.

And for those with a eye for horseflesh marveled as they saw Maverick out on the track. The $1.1 million Father Patrick yearling, now a magnificent looking 2-year-old, continues to impress everyone that sees him. He is trained by Tony Alagna. There was also talk about how Maverick’s full brother, Greenshoe, who was voted Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association that was announced last night and has a great chance to be named Trotter of the Year.
Hall of Famer Jimmy Takter was out on the racetrack jogging some of the 2-year-olds. Prominent local horseman Tom Merriman, talked about how he has just retired from training horse after more than 60 years in the business. Merriman is one of the few remaining horsemen who was at Pompano Park when it first opened in 1964.

Missing from the lineup of regulars was Murray Brown. Jeffrey Bell said the 2020 Roster Book will return from the printer and will be available next Saturday.

Others that were at On The Deck included Ted Smith, Bob Marks, Ron Gurfein, Christina Takter, Eric and Lisa Cherry, Vicki Howard, Steve Oldford, Joe Pennacchio, and many others.