by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — It was an evening that had it all — a contest with a premium top prize, miniature horse rides trackside, winners’ circle interactive games, a handicapping seminar, a showcase of state bred stakes races, and exotic distance races all under a perfect 81 degree setting. Back to the Track Night 2011 was a resounding success in Florida at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

The on-track handicapping contest, held over races two through nine, was won by Edgar Awin who amassed almost $600 in profits in imaginary bets. He was presented with the grand prize of a trip for two to the Little Brown Jug in a live winner’s circle ceremony by trackside reporter Gigi Diaz and Steve Carpenito, the assistant Racing Secretary and handicapping commentator at the South Florida venue.

The early races of the program featured first leg divisions of the Sunshine State Stakes with purses ranging from $5,000 to $7,700 in the opening event of the 2011 program for the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.

The Tom and Maggie Audley stable has served notice that Gold Star Glitter will be the one to the beat in the 3-year-old filly pace division as she scored impressively in 1:54.3 with Wally Hennessey in the bike. The other 3-year-old filly pace division went to Souren Hovsepian and Rod Lorenzo’s Ruby Howard in 1:55.2 with Walter Ross, Jr. in tow.

The Audley barn was back in the winner’s circle after Gold Star Spike swept up to win his lifetime debut in 1:57.1 in the 2-year-old colt and gelding pace division with Gaston Lareau aboard.

The state program’s 2-year-old pacing fillies also made their seasonal bow for 2011 with Diamond Amber awesome in a front end victory in 1:57.1 with Richie Simard in the driver’s seat for trainer Brian Pelling and owners Sid Korn, Ann Pelling-Wade, and P.G. Wiley.

And in the season’s debut for the 3-year-old colt and gelding pace division, Diamond Star did not disappoint as he defeated Stevie Ray’s Dream (Ray Vizzi) and the 2010 2-year-old champ Palm Beach Boy (Wally Hennessey) in 1:54.2. Diamond Star is trained by Jim McDonald for owner Brenda Komers.

In addition to the non-stop fun, games, and giveaways which went along with free race programs and discounted food and beverage specials, there were also two exotic distance races which started and finished right in front of the fans. In the 1-5/16th mile trot for a $7,000 purse, L M Canon was driven to victory by Gaston Lareau in 2:37.4 while the 11/16ths-mile mares claiming pace was won by May Night in rein to Wally Hennessey in 1:18.4.

There’s a Pick-4 carryover of $918 when racing resumes on Wednesday evening (July 20) and five non-wagering events will begin at 6:05 p.m. prior to the regular card.