Two years ago Monticello Raceway pioneered a day where all
races were driven by amateur drivers. Dubbed All- Amateur Day the afternoon
race card was well received .
This year the third All Amateur Day will be presented on the
added Friday program of September 6. However, this year’s event will take on a
special meaning .
“We’re renaming the program’ Veteran’s Day at the Races ‘and
it’ll be used as a fundraiser for the Sullivan County Veterans Food Pantry,”
noted Alan Schwartz the president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s
Association. “Monetary donations are urged and will be certainly be appreciated
by the unfortunate veterans.”
“Not only are the 20 participating amateur drivers paying
$500 just to be able to compete that day but the raceway is
soliciting good clothing and non-perishable food items from attending
fans.
The Rolling Thunder Chapter 4 has joined in the spirit of
helping their fellow veterans by donating $1000 to the Veterans Food
Pantry, and $500 each, to the Sullivan County Veterans Coalition
and to the Honor Flights for Veterans.
“We are hoping that many veterans of the armed services will
join us that afternoon and if they do they will receive 50% off the casino’s
buffet by showing their Military ID,” added Schwartz, himself a former
Marine corporal and a Vietnam veteran.
The first 200 fans attending the races that afternoon will
receive an American flag on a two foot wooden pole and a veteran of
any branch of our armed services will make a winner’s circle
presentation in each of the ten races carded that afternoon.
Also slated is a non-wagering trotting race under saddle
which will be presented after the sixth race on the betting card.
And as an added special attraction, sportswriters Dave
Little of the New York Daily News and Debbie Little of the New York Post, will
be on hand and can be met up- close and personal. They will interview drivers,
both amateur and professional, in the winner’s circle between races and they
may even offer some handicapping skills, as both a premier handicappers for
their receptive newspapers.
