by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway’s Caretakers Classic was designed to include two separate races on consecutive days with local grooms doing the driving in jog carts without the use of whips.

Geri Schwarz photo

Once Jonathan Oney and Bibbo Blue found room along the pylons they rallied to victory.

Upon the completion of the first division, which was held on Wednesday, the second was presented on Thursday, September 9, and when the cheering was over Jonathan Oney gunned his pacer Bibbo Blue down the passing lane for a 2:12.4 victory, defeating Western Spur and driver Robert Houghtaling.

“This was a real barn-burner with four horses coming down the stretch together and Oney, who never moved and saved ground the entire way, came on to defeat the early leaders in a driving finish,” noted Shawn Wiles, the track’s assistant General Manager. “It was really a well contested event.”

Maxi David, with Cody Houghtaling driving, was the early leader but along the way the lead changed hands because of challenges by Rebel Raider (John Oney, Sr.) and Western Spur (Robert Houghtaling).

When the tight field zipped by the third stanza announcer Howard Oil gave his signature call “who do you like” as three pacers were abreast and the other two within striking distance.

Around the final turn the pack was still tight and when they straightened for home every horse got a call except Bibbo Blue who was fifth and last at that point, but only a couple of lengths off the leaders.

When the passing lane opened Jonathan Oney angled Bibbo Blue to the inside and while the others were fighting in mid-stretch Oney stole all the marbles, rallying down close to the pylons for a half-length victory over Western Spur and Robert Houghtaling. Third place went to Maxi David driven by Cody Houghtaling. John Oney, Sr. and Rebel Raider finished fourth, not more than a length and a half off the winner, while Connie Lawrence and Cutting Line was fifth and last.

In the winner’s circle after his victory Oney, who works for trainer Anthony Regina, was jubilant. When asked what he was thinking as his pacer came off the final turn with a wall of horses in front of him, Oney commented, “I knew I still had some horse since I never pulled off the rail (pylons) but my main thought as we headed for home was get’em outa my way,” he said smiling.

“When we found room Bibbo Blue charged by everybody. It felt great to win.”