Set on Pompano Beach in Florida, the Isle Casino Pompano Park racetrack is known as the ‘Winter home of Harness Racing’ as the track is able to race during the winter months when other American tracks are forced to close because of the inclement weather. The track does have a close season during June, July and mid-August, but is able to offer live racing for almost 10 months of the year. It has a tight race track of 5 furlongs circumference, with 185 metre home straight, and first opened for racing on 4th February 1964, being the brainchild of Frederick Van Lennen. The track was originally designed in 1926 and was bankrolled by William L Kester. As well as offering competitive Harness Racing it also allowed amateur drivers the opportunity to compete in motor races, although this only lasted for a brief period. It is a popular course and can host over 7000 people in its grandstand, particularly necessary around the time of the Broward County Fair. To boost its income the season was extended to incorporate a quarter horse programme in 1972 which was seen initially as a financial experiment. The highlight of the live racing season is the running of the Isle of Capri, although the track is now open 365 days a year for people to enjoy the racino and casino.

I am grateful to our American Racing Correspondent Richard Gauthier for the badge shown below.