By Shawn Wiles
Monticello,
NY - On Monday September 21, Monticello Raceway hosted its first live racing
card since March 12, due to a 6-month hiatus due to COVID-19, Race Secretary
Eric Warner was able to card 7 races for the first program. Greg Merton
sat the pocket in the first race with Love Trumps Hate following Pine Tab the
entire mile, Pine Tab made a miscue in the stretch, giving Merton the lead and
the win in 2:02 for trainer Wesley Miller. Merton would also go on to win
with Sea’s Ideal in race 5. Mcgwire Sower also have a driving double on
the afternoon and Trainer Steve Ray had a training double win with the hardy
campaigner Racingtowardsadream and With Our Luck.
On hand for
the opening was Charlene Cushing, Cushing was the former longtime Marshall at
Monticello Raceway, often referred to as the “best outrider in the industry”
Cushing made the 8 hour trek from Farmington Maine to be on hand for the first
race at Monticello. Cushing has made the transition from harness racing to
nursing after moving to Maine, Charlene graduated Nursing school a year
ago and now works as a nurse in Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington Maine.
Charlene is married to Mike Cushing of Farmington Maine, Mike is the President
of the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association.
Ironically
today marks her 30th anniversary of when she first started as
Marshall at Monticello Raceway, Charlene brought her favorite steed to
Monticello Raceway for the occasion, Leo Shady Jack a registered quarter horse.
