YOUNG TURKS, TRUMAN GALE & MICKEY HOLLIDAY, SHOW PROMISE AT THE MIGHTY M

December 8, 2011, by John Manzi, Publicity Director, Monticello Raceway

After its inception in the late 1950’s Monticello Raceway became somewhat of a  proving grounds for  up and coming driving talent. For those driving here during the early years  it was almost  like competing at the Triple A level and the ones who possessed the most ability would eventually go on to the then big time, which, in those years, was Yonkers and Roosevelt Raceways.

Hall of Famer, Carmine Abbatiello won his first driving title at the Mighty M back in the early 1960’s and Hall of Famer Cat Manzi started right in the late 1960’s. So, too, did Lucien “Loosh” Fontaine who could drive a horse with the best of them.

Over the years the Popfinger brothers, Billy and Frank;  Real “Coco” Cormier and Eddie Lohmeyer vaulted into prominence after leaving the Mighty M. And Luc Ouellette  made  his bones here  before moving on as did Patrick Lachance. Even Walter Case, Jr., who spent just one award filled season here  in 1983 went on to record breaking heights. And of course George Brennan  began his illustrious career here, too.

A scant few years ago Jordan Stratton, barely 21 years of age, dominated the leaderboards at Monticello Raceway and in 2008 and on the strength of 362 victories he became the youngest reinsman to ever to win a driving title here at the Mighty M.

Truman Gale hustles 25-1 shot My Irish Molly to a
2:04.2 victory (Geri Schwarz Photo)

Most recently, on December 7^th for that matter, two young turks, Truman Gale (22) and Mickey Holliday (18)  showed the railbirds that they know  their way around the racetrack, too.

It’s true that Gale and Holliday aren’t’ household names’ in the industry but  each seems to  have  what it takes to be successful.

On the Wednesday card Gale had two wins in three drives while Holliday had a win  and two seconds in five starts.

Gale, from Helena, NY, won both ends of the early daily double when he  copped the first race with Breezy’s Best in a time of 2:01.2 and then won the second race trot behind 25-1 shot My Irish Molly in 2:04.2.

Gale, who usually competes in upstate New York at Vernon Downs and on the NYS county fair circuit, has reined 40 winners this year.

Mickey Holliday used the front-end route to score  a

2:02.1  triumph with MG Energik  (Geri Schwarz Photo) 

 Holliday, from Cowlesville, NY  who just  became  18 years of age this past  September 3^rd, carries a provisional license  and didn’t drive in pari-mutuel races in western New York  until that date but still has nine wins to his credit  from a  minimum amount of starts.

Holliday chased Gale home in the second race and finished second and had another second place finish in the ninth race  before he reached the winners circle behind M G Energik in 2:02.1 in the 11^th race.

It remains to be seen  whether Gale or Holliday approach the heights of the aforementioned Monticello Raceway alumnae  but these young turks already show great promise.