by Steve Wolf, senior director of racing operations, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Battleshoe Victor ($4.60) was able to lead from start to finish in capturing the sixth annual Lew Williams Memorial Trot at Pompano Park on Monday (Jan. 15), winning by a half-length over U Toe The Bike and Muscular in 1:56.3.

The race was named after the sport’s greatest African-American driver/trainer, Lew Williams, who was the national driving champion in 1972 and 1973. He was also the leading driver at Pompano Park in 1972. His daughters, LaVonda Williams and Chelsea Williams-Kellerhouse, made the winner’s circle presentation to driver Wally Hennessey.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

Battleshoe Victor and driver Wally Hennessey win the Lew Williams Memorial Trot at Pompano Park in 1:56.3.

The fourth race $10,000 Open Handicap Trot saw Hennessey and Battleshoe Victor shoot right to the early lead from post five and stuff a determined Talk About Me (Anthony Napolitano) into the pocket seat by the opening quarter in :28.3.

Hennessey then gave Battleshoe Victor a breather on the front end, going to the half-mile pole in :59.3, but that forced Muscular and trainer/driver Dave Mercer to come first over and they pressured the race leader to the three-quarter mark in a brisk 1:27.2.

As they came down the stretch, Muscular could not catch Battleshoe Victor, but U Toe The Bike and driver Daryl Bier made a valiant effort late in the stretch to finish second.

It was the first start this year for Battleshoe Victor, a 5-year-old gelding by Valley Victor. Michael Polansky of Loudonville, New York owns Battleshoe Victor, who is trained by Tom Harmer.

“It was the first time this horse had been on lasix and it really helped him,” Hennessey said. “He was on the bit leaving and after an early breather going to the half-mile he still had plenty of trot for the finish.”

Due to an electrical problem that shut off part of the lighting system on the main track after the sixth race Monday, the remainder of the live racing program was canceled.