Florida Amateur Drivers prove reincarnation is real

Reincarnation is real in harness racing!

The Florida Amateur Driving Club (FADC), declared dead at Pompano Park on April 17 of last year after the Governor of Florida signed the execution order for the track, has been reincarnated as the United States Harness Drivers Club (USHDC) with the rebirth taking place in Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in Kentucky.

Ironically, the “foaling” of the reincarnated club was April 16, about the same gestation period for the birth of a standardbred foal..

The former FADC, whose membership unselfishly has donated over $300,000 in their personal driving fees to worthy charitable causes since its inception 25 years ago, has already started their 2023 season with donations to the Christian County Animal Shelter, Christian County Humane Society and Sanctuary, Inc.

Over the years, donations have benefitted equine rescue organizations, therapeutic riding centers benefitting “children of all ages,” standardbred retirement facilities, the Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and countless others.

The amateur club dates back to 1998 with current stars like Anthony Napolitano and Matt Kakaley, among others, being former members of the FADC.

Also, ironically, the President of the USHDC, Dein Spriggs, won the first race under the newly reincarnated club by guiding the eight-year-old pacing gelding Ayr Pioneer (GB) to an upset 13 to 1 win for trainer Jack Rice.

Spriggs, who has 500 career wins, including overseas triumphs, was also on the roster during the infancy of the club in 1998.

In the winner’s circle for the inaugural USHDC win, Spriggs lamented, “This is a very special moment as we are able to continue our efforts to make the lives of our equine athletes better in retirement as many, themselves, are able to take on another vocation to help children in need as therapeutic horses.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the effort of Kentuckian Mike Murphy, one of our leading trainers at Pompano Park in the past. His efforts were heroic in our rebirth.”

Tom Eiches, Secretary-Treasurer of the Club, remarked about the Club’s reincarnation saying, “The great part of Amateur Racing is the fact that we can do so much for the sport, local community, city and State…and we even have a national reach with places like the Make-A-Wish Foundation benefitting on occasion.

“Our donations save countless retired horses and help children and adults with therapeutic programs that improve the quality of life for so many!

“When Spriggs won that opening event, it ‘foaled” yet another opportunity for giving and improving lives and we hope to continue our work forever.

“Of course, it takes a gigantic team effort to make things happen and we have been getting superior support and help from Ken Jackson at Kentuckiana Farms and the entire Oak Grove team with Cara Collins and all the trainers entering horses for our events.”

USHDC events will be weekly events at Oak Grove throughout the meet.

by John Berry, for the United States Harness Drivers Club