By Shawn Wiles
Monticello -
The odds are long these days that Standardbred’s are still racing at the age of
14, this trait is a credit and testament to the durability and hardiness of the
Standardbred. On January 1, 14 year olds will be forced into mandatory
retirement, as Standardbreds cannot race in pari mutual events over the age of
14.
Former
Monticello Raceway Publicity guru John Manzi started this event in 1991,
originally called the “Clash of the Senior Titans” its most famous dash of the
seniors was in 2004 when The Suleiman nosed out Troy D in 2:02.4.
Monticello
Raceway is seeking additional entries and will try and fill both the Au Revoir
Trot & Pace on December 27, the purse for each race will be $5,000, this is
an invitational event.
This year
Monticello Raceway has a handful of aged trotting campaigners that have been
competing at a high level throughout their last year of eligibility, Elias Joy,
My Cool Breeze and Crypto Man. Between the trio they have combined
lifetime starts of over 1010, 125 wins and over $850,000 in lifetime earnings.
After a long
hiatus of this event due to the lack of entries, I think we will be able to
conduct the race this year, I have been receiving calls from numerous horsemen
inquiring about the event, said Eric Warner, longtime Monticello Raceway Race
Secretary.
Horsemen
interesting in participating in these event should contact Eric Warner at (845)
794 4100 X 557 or ewarner@empireresorts.com for details.
