Live Harness Racing Returns!

It's officially that time of year again! Live harness racing is back, and that means it's time to plan your next trip to Isle Casino® Racing Pompano Park! There's a reason we’re referred to as the "Winter Capital of Harness Racing." We have showcased world-class trotters and pacers for over fifty years, making Pompano Park THE place to be for racing fans everywhere.

Trotters and Pacers 101: Brush up on Your Harness Racing Know-How

Harness racing differs from saddle horse racing in Florida in a few key ways. Harness racing uses a two-wheeled vehicle, called a sulky. Horses pull both the sulky and driver by "trotting" or "pacing," depending on the designated race gait. While watching these races, you will notice some distinctions between trotters and pacers:

Trotters: Also know as a jog, an equine trot is defined by simultaneously moving diagonally paired legs. Essentially, if you notice the horse moving his back left leg at the same time as his front right leg (and likewise, back right leg with front left leg), you are watching a trotter event.

Pacers: Pacing, a more popular gait than trotting, is indicated by lateral leg movement. Rather than pairing diagonal legs, racing Standardbreds move the legs on the same side of their bodies in unison. You'll often notice horses wearing hopples (leg loops) on all legs to assist with pacing form.

Check Out Our Racing Schedule

Now that you know more about harness racing, you're ready to check out the action at Pompano Park. We proudly offer 126 days of live races here at our state-of-the-art gaming facility. Check out our event calendar to plan your trip between the months of October and May; you'll love getting a chance to see these superlative trainers, drivers, and gorgeous animals do what they do best.

Even if you can't make a live race, you still have plenty of opportunities to get your racing fix… We also simulcast harness events! You and your crew can place your bets and test your luck throughout our sophisticated and modern gaming floor - it's a great way to enjoy horse racing in Florida all year round!

Plan Your Visit to the Isle

Come see for yourself why we’re a renowned hotspot for harness racing. Enjoy the festivities and fuel up trackside at The Lone Wolf® food truck. Burgers, ribs, fries and even street tacos – these are just some of the delicious quick bites you and your group can dig into on live race nights. We hope you all enjoy the season!