by Steve Wolf, for the Florida Chapter USHWA

Pompano Beach, FL — Brian Hoggarth, the caretaker of one of the top pacers currently at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, Cruizin K C, will be honored Wednesday (April 17) at the track as the March 2013 Caretaker of the Month.

The award is presented every month during the racing season by the Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association. It was developed to honor and award the “unsung heroes” in the backstretch, the caretakers.

“Brian has been with my stable for nearly 15 years,” Mark O’Mara said. “I guess I have kept him this long because he puts up with me. But I am very proud that he is getting this award as he truly deserves it.”

During the month of March, Cruizin K C, who is leased, trained and driven by O’Mara, was at his best against the top pacers at the track. The 5-year-old gelded son of Mach Three closed out the month by winning the Open Handicap Pace in a lifetime best 1:51.1. And in doing so he paced his last quarter in :27 to win by three-quarters of a length. Cruizin K C now sports five wins in nine starts this year with earnings of $22,160 on the season.

“He (Brian) has done a great job with Cruizin K C and every horse he cares for in my stable,” O’Mara said. “Brian enjoys his job and is very loyal. He makes my life easier because I can sleep at night knowing if there is a problem that Brian will take care of it and/or call me. He is up early and gets the stable work started and he makes sure everything is attended to. I don’t have to worry when I know Brian is at the barn.”

Hoggarth will be honored in the winner’s circle after the first race Wednesday at Pompano Park with a special presentation by the Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, which includes a plaque and a check for $100.