by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Hold the phone, not so fast, maybe Pompano’s legendary pacing mare Esmeralda Semalu won’t be retired from racing next month after all. A few weeks ago her trainer and driver Joe Pavia, Jr. said she’ll soon begin her second career as a broodmare.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

Esmeralda Semalu drew away in 1:51.1 in the top mares handicap pace at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

“After her performance tonight the thought entered my mind that maybe we should keep her racing,” says co-owner Stanley Levin of the AGC Stables of Highland Beach, Fla. “That was an iron tough mile that she went. She had to battle with all she had in the first quarter against Nillabomb and I’m Just Special. To still have that move left for the stretch and win comfortably will cause us to at least have a conversation about whether she should keep racing. If Joe and the other owners think it’s time to retire her then it will be great to see her go out at the top of her game.”

Her place remains secure in the speed records chart as the fastest mare in the track’s 47-year history at 1:49.4.

The Jan. 4 effort was typical of the toughness that Esmeralda Semalu has displayed over the course of her career. In the mares top class handicap event for a $12,000 purse, the daughter of Electric Stena-Anemone Semalu was embroiled in a hotly contested first quarter of :26.2 with Nillabomb (Dan Clements) and I’m Just Special (Bruce Ranger).

From the quarter onward Esmeralda Semalu enjoyed a pocket trip behind I’m Just Special and when shown clear road in the stretch she drew away to score handily in 1:51.1. It was her 32nd career win and improved her career bankroll to more than $406,000.

Levin also indicated a final decision is still pending on whether Esmeralda Semalu’s first breeding would be to a New York or Pennsylvania sire.

On Wednesday evening, the top weekly handicap trot heads to the gate for a $12,000 purse. Post time is 7:05 p.m (EST) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at The Winter Capital of Harness Racing.