Pompano’s 40th anniversary a big hit
February 7, 2004,by Steve Wolf, Director of Marketing, Pompano Park
Pompano Beach, FL — It was an evening befitting its title as Pompano Park Harness Track’s 40th Anniversary Night on Friday brought back the memories of the grand racetrack entitled the “Winter Capital of Harness Racing” as nearly 4,000 fans turned out for the gala celebration. Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith LIKE OLD TIMES, Pompano Park’s Jamie Rucker interviews Lucien Fontaine (center) and Jerry Silverman (left) before the first race Friday. “If only my mom and dad could have been here tonight,” said John Van 
Even Elvis made a special appearance to set-off of the evening in grand style as thousands heard Chris MacDonald’s Tribute to the King and hundreds danced in front of the stage.
On the racetrack the 11th race $11,500 Open Handicap Trot feature saw Beepbeep Move Over ($10.80, $5.60, $2.60) tie the track record (Power Hall — 2000) for older stallions with a 1:551 triumph for driver Wally Hennessey.
Lap Time Photo – Mary Scott
BEEPBEEP MOVE OVER scores a half length victory in the Open Handicap Trot Friday, tying Power Hall’s 2000 track record for older stallions with a 1:55.1 victory for driver Wally Hennessey.
It was a lifetime mark and the second straight win and third victory in five starts this year for Beepbeep Move Over, a five-year-old stallion by Esquire Spur, trained by Serge Nadeau for the Bruce Ranger Stable and owned by Paul Ministrelli of Brighton, Michigan. Trappers Salute A was second and pacesetter Damon Runyon finished third.
Former Pompano Park driving champion Mickey McNichol scored three winners on the evening to lead all drivers.
The fans also got to see and meet many of the drivers and trainers at Pompano Park that competed during the first season of racing in 1964, including Bill Popfinger, Lucien Fontaine, Dana Irving, Joel Jayson, Gordon Norris, Jerry Silverman, Larry Norris, Buddy Regan, Frank Tagariello, Tom Merriman and Jim Kennedy.
Even the great Stanley Dancer, despite his ill health, came out to the track to see his wife Jody’s horse compete in the third race and meet a few fans and friends.
“I’m impressed to see so many people at the races,” Dancer said. “It reminded me of all the great nights here when I was driving. And so many old faces that I have not seen in years. I only wish I felt well enough to stay for the night.”
John Walter, Sr., who helped build the stable area and first swimming pool for horses at the track, was in attendance along with Michael Saxton, who designed the uniforms first worn by the track employees.
“It was like the old days,” said Lucien Fontaine. “With some wholesome entertainment for both adults and children and a good racing program, the people came out and were treated to a great night of racing. And can these young drivers fly with these horses. It does the heart good to see a night like this and the many great memories it brings back.”
The track featured a special souvenir program with more than 40 photographs from the past at Pompano Park and even the program cover was a replica of the first season, done in Pompano Park Pink, which was Frances Dodge Van Lennep’s favorite color.
There was a commemorative key chain giveaway, free miniature horse cart rides for children, a clown and free face painting, a 1960’s antique car display, prize drawings throughout the night, a live race horse with equipment seminars done by the Florida Amateur Driving Club and it was $1 Night for draft beer, hot dogs, soda and other food items.