Pompano Beach, FL — Literally 1/1000th of a second decided the winner of Pompano Park’s feature trot on Tuesday night (Nov. 26) as Muscles For Life, driven by Wally Hennessey, eked out the photo finish win over The Lionking AS, with Kevin Wallis in the bike.

Muscles For Life eked out a photo finish win in the Tuesday feature at Pompano Park. American Teletimer photo.

Both trotters were timed in 1:53.4 with Muscles For Life timed exactly in 1:53.807 and Thelionking AS clocked in 1:53.808 according to the American Teletimer photo watch. Joey Pro was third for Corey Braden, four lengths away, while Railee Workable and Stache earned the final awards in the field of nine.

At the outset, both The Lionking AS (post five) and Muscles For Life (post nine) went in search of the lead with the latter out-muscling the former to a :27.4 opener. Once on top, Hennessey was able to rate a second quarter, reaching the half in :57.4. On the backside, the pace quickened noticeably with Muscles For Life and The Lionking AS remaining one-two past the third bend in 1:25.4.

Turning for home, the two grand trotters went on an all out war to the finish with Muscles For Life still fighting hard and The Lionking AS gnawing away right to the wire.

Lamenting about the event, Hennessey said, “It was a classic dog fight, wasn’t it? My horse trotted his last half in :56, so I know he wasn’t quitting and Kevin’s horse was as game as they come. To tell you the truth, I wasn’t sure if he got me or not…it was that close!”

Muscles For Life is a 6-year-old son of Muscle Mass trained by Steve Oldford for owner Jarold Hawks with the win being his 13th of the year, vaulting his 2019 bankroll to $101,930. Lifetime, Muscles For Life has won 25 of his 75 career starts, good for $290,590. As the 1-5 favorite, Muscles For Life paid $2.40 to his multitude of faithful.

Racing continues Wednesday with a Super Hi-5 Jackpot standing at $22,635.12. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.