Editor’s Note: The Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association has issued a statement with respect to the impending closure of the backstretch at Pompano Park.

It reads as follows.

Pompano Beach, FL — All trainers, caretakers and their horses in the backstretch at Eldorado’s Isle Pompano Park racetrack have been told that they must vacate the premises by March 31.

Notices were sent out to the horsemen and women at Pompano Park late Thursday morning. Flyers posted in the backstretch state: “Closure Notice … For the safety and security of all, the backstretch will be closing March 31. All dorms and barns need to be vacated by March 31.”

“This is just outrageous, dangerous and just plain disappointing,” said Dein Spriggs, president of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. “The horsepeople in the backstretch and their horses at Pompano Park should remain stabled right where they are. The backstretch is the safest place for them right now.

“There is almost no place for the trainers to go with their horses and caretakers. Many caretakers live almost year-round in the dorms. Now they want them to move. Where are they supposed to live? This is just so wrong for Eldorado to do this.

“We would like to work things out,” Spriggs explained, “but was told by Troy Buswell, the Isle Casino general manager, at 10:41 a.m. that Pompano Park was terminating the race meet.”

Currently, there are approximately 50 caretakers that live on the backstretch of the track and approximately 650 horses that are stabled on the grounds.

The racetrack conducted live racing without fans in attendance on Wednesday, and now have canceled live racing indefinitely at Pompano Park while Gulfstream Park is still holding their races without any fans.

“Eldorado’s eviction of the horses and horsepeople from the backstretch, along with the ceasing of racing, will cause serious financial hardships to the industry, as well as the safety and welfare of the horsemen and horses,” said Spriggs.