Pompano Beach, FL — Gulfstream Park’s Pete Aiello, driving the John Hallett trained Don’t Chip Me, edged by Pompano Park’s Gabe Prewitt, handling the Joe Chindano Jr. trainee Casie’s Believer, to earn bragging rights in the “Battle of the Big Mouths.”

Gulfstream Park’s Pete Aiello edged past Pompano Park’s Gabe Prewitt in the “Battle of the Big Mouths” at Pompano on Monday. Jessica Hallett photo.

Aiello stalked Prewitt through the journey, tilting his mare to the outside heading into the final bend and wearing down Prewitt’s charge inside the 16th pole to record the half-length win.

With a healthy crowd trackside cheering both sides, the event featured interviews with the trainers, pre-race interviews with Aiello and Prewitt and a special guest starting judge — Wally Hennessey — to spice up the occasion.

Though the contest between Aiello and Prewitt was decided by that half-length, it was a “dead-heat” for the two charities involved, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and New Vocations, both organizations dedicated to our equine athletes after they retire from the racing wars.

Said Aiello after the event, “Our racehorses give their heart and soul on the track and it’s imperative that their aftercare be insured as they also make great riding horses and show horses. It’s a true honor for me to participate in this event and, win, lose or draw, as long as these aftercare organizations benefit, that’s all that matters.”

Prewitt echoed Aiello’s thoughts, relating, “They may be different breeds, but all are horses that deserve a life of pleasure after their racing days are over. It was great that Pete came up north here to participate and I am grateful to him and all of those that donated to our cause — from Caesar’s Entertainment and Gulfstream Park to those who donated on our ‘gofundme’ sites.”

The final total benefiting horse aftercare could exceed $50,000 when the final count is completed.