Racing Dates

Pompano race August through June with just a short break in between. The track has become known as the “Winter Capital of Harness Racing”.

About Pompano Park

Pompano Park, known these days as Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, hosts standardbred harness racing during the winter months which has become its niche due to the fantastic weather they enjoy in South Florida.

As well as its own busy harness racing schedule, Pompano simulcasts racing from all across North America on a daily basis which means regulars can wager on races all day, every day for all but two days of the year.

As well as harness and thoroughbred racing, the simulcast offering includes greyhound racing from over 20 venues as well as jai-alai games from noon to midnight, or from 10AM for special events.

Like most successful tracks in the States, Pompano Park is these days operated as a “racino” with slot machines providing the bulk of the venture’s revenue as well as hosting live poker games. Some of the track’s revenue goes back into the community too, Pompano Park being a donor to Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen in Pompano Beach which is to their great credit.

The track sits in a great location just 8 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale, less than 40 miles from Miami Beach and within easy reach of two international airports.

Pompano Park History

Pompano Park have been racing since 1964 in their beautiful South Florida location which has become a favorite for trainers and drivers, seeing top action from both trotters and pacers. Back then the track was the brainchild of Frederick van Lennep who oversaw operations right up until his death in 1987.

Before that however, an original track at Pompano stood on the same site having been built back in 1926 with the grand opening taking place on Christmas Day with huge crowds coming in to the area for the event.

Racing had to cease for a little while however after the Florida Governor branded those in charge of the track “law breakers” (as pari-mutuel betting was illegal back then). Further damage was caused, this time literally, in 1928 when a hurricane devastated the area and the site became dormant until 1953.

Van Lennep though bought the land and envisaged a new track in the area and having balloted successfully in 1962 to have pari-mutuel betting made legal, his dream was finally to be realised.

Pompano Park Track Details

A standard 5/8 mile dirt oval harness track is in situ at Pompano Park, the surface proving a popular one with drivers and trainers alike.

Address

777 Isle of Capri Circle, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, USA

Contact

Aaron Feinberg (aaron.feinberg@islecorp.com)