from the
Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association
Alan Schwartz president of
the Monticello Harness Horsemen's Association, said that we were informed that
racing at Monticello Raceway was going to cease on March 16th
.
"Our family of drivers,
trainers, grooms was devastated, Schwartz noted. "Not only did they fear
for themselves being unable to eat but what was going to happen to the horses
at the track. They need care on a day- to- day basis so abandoning them was
definitely not an option."
So Schwartz got things
moving. He reached out to the track's parent company, Resorts World
Catskills, and with their financial help, every horse stabled at the
track would be provided with feed, hay and straw. Each driver, trainer and
groom would get a monetary subsidy for two weeks based on their prior 2
weeks of income.
After meeting with track's
parent management Schwartz negotiated that horses would be able to jog every
day and it was agreed that the track would provide a
maintenance crew that would come every other day.
"Seems this is
extraordinary to have been accomplished when none of the other race tracks has
gone the extra mile to take care of those people and animals that support
their track all year long," Schwartz said. "Where are the owners of
these tracks hiding ? Don't they have some responsibility as well?"
Perhaps this should be known
throughout the industry as a prime example of helping when help is truly
needed.
.
