Pompano Beach, FL — In a see-saw finish right to the wire, the USA amateur team eked out a narrow victory over the visiting Italian team at Pompano Park on Monday night (Dec. 9) in the annual friendship series between the two countries.

The final tally was 100-86 with Ron Cusimano reaching the winner’s circle with Everyone’s Talkin to give the USA the narrow win.

With USA taking a 53-40 edge on opening night, the Italian visitors struck first on Monday night when Italy’s Daniele Orsini gave a heads-up drive to Kelly Walker Stable’s Thisisshe, pushing the Italians into the point lead with one race to go. Thisisshe completed her one mile journey in 1:57.4.

Ron Cusimano was presented the MVP trophy in the Italian-American amateur competition by Joe Pennacchio. Dee Leftwich photo.

In the finale, Cusimano sent Everyone’s Talkin, who he co-owns, right to the front from his mid-pack post and proceeded to wire his foes in 1:55.4. The Jake Huff trainee carded panels of :28.1, :57.2 and 1:26 along the way to earn his 25th career win.

Both winning drivers were gracious in he winner’s circle with Cusimano applauding his main rival for the “fantastic drive” he gave to Thisisshe and Orsini thanking Dein Spriggs and Joe Pennacchio for their “grand hospitality” during their stay.

Spriggs added, “This is what our sport can do for the community and beyond in the form of promoting our industry and, at the same time, be of benefit for so many worthwhile charitable organizations.”

The Florida Amateur Driving Club has donated more than $200,000 to charities benefiting everything from Make-A-Wish and Animal Rescue Organizations to finding a cure for cancer.

Racing continues Tuesday with a Pick-6 carryover and a blossoming Super Hi-5 jackpot of $4,731. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.