by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway, the Catskill Mountain racetrack that has offered such “unforgettable” events as the Battle of the Bosses, the Legal Eagle Pace, The Elephantonian, the Little Grey Jug, the Au Revoir, the Lady Godiva, the Metamucil Mile, and the Passover Pace, to name a few, is at it again.

Coming on Wednesday, September 8, and Thursday, September 9, the Mighty M will present the Caretakers Classic, and a race on each date will see the horses driven by caretakers from the track’s backstretch.

After the fifth race next Wednesday and Thursday five caretakers will line-up behind the mobile starting gate and compete over the usual one mile distance in jog carts without the use of whips.

“The caretakers are often underappreciated but if you ask any horseman they’ll tell you that they are among the most important people for any trainer’s success,” noted Alan Schwartz, the president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association. “We have often been asked about having a race for the caretakers and finally it will come to fruition next week.”

Currently there are ten caretakers ready to rumble, of which only Constance Lawrence will be carrying the staff for the gals on those days. The nine other caretakers who will be competing will be announced in the near future.