by Frank Salive, publicity director, The Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — He’d just arrived from campaigning at Rockingham Park and Colonial Downs and 21-year-old driver Dustin Ingraham won the debut race of his return to The Isle Pompano Park.

“I do have a lot of people I can look up to, and there are expectations I’m going to try to live up to,” Dustin said in a live pre-race trackside TV interview. “Having a Mom and Dad that have both been so successful in the business gives me some good goals to shoot for. Time and experience are what I’m counting on now to help me make my way.”

Dustin is the son of David Ingraham and Kelly Case. David recently surpassed the 6,000 win milestone and his mother has amassed almost 800 wins herself in the bike. Fresh out of the starting gate, Dustin helped his own cause to get more notice at The Isle Pompano Park in the current meet. He gave a textbook pocket trip to his own mare, Canaco Piment, to win in 1:56.1 over eight rivals in a claiming pace on the Monday evening, November 16, program and in the process toppled heavily favored Silvers Luck with Bruce Ranger.

“I was born in Lewiston, Maine and one of that State’s greatest ever horsemen, Leigh Fitch, was a great influence and someone I learned from by watching, just like my Dad did early in his career,” Dustin says.

In the training department, the younger Ingraham is amassing a career best year with 11 winners from 54 starters thus far in 2009 for a fine UTR hovering near .360. In the bike, the Monday evening win in South Florida was his 16th of the year from 195 drives.

Along with explaining how he watched his Dad’s recent milestone win on television, Dustin also retraced his friendship with the other 21-year-old in the Florida driving colony this meet, Matt Kakaley.

“We’ve been friends as I recall since we were 13 years old,” Dustin says. “We are good friends and have lots to talk about almost every day as two young guys trying to make our way upward in the racing business. Matt has been so focused to become the catch-driving success that he is as the youngest driver in history to surpass a thousand lifetime wins. I really admire his achievements.”

Before leaving that point to conclude his trackside TV interview though, Dustin couldn’t pass up the chance for some good natured ribbing at his fellow youthful reinsman.

“When Matt got his 1,000th win a few months ago I was hoping to be the first one to call and congratulate him,” Dustin explains. “I never got the chance. Matt was right on the phone to me before I could call him. He gave me every detail about it and I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. As far as someone my age to compare notes and chum with here at Pompano though, I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have around.”

Big card slated for Wednesday

On Wednesday evening, November 18, there’s an added element of intrigue for the non-wagering races at 6:30 p.m. preceding the regular program. There are a pair of $13,140 divisions of the Florida bred Sales Stakes for 2-year-old filly trotters.

Pocohontas Fame is still alive in her quest for a share of the $100,000 bonus for undefeated rookie performers in the four major events staged by the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. The fall meet stakes will conclude on December 5 with the annual Florida Super Night.

Post time is 7:05 p.m. at The Isle Pompano Park. Live programs are conducted in November every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing.