by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — The Mildred Williams Driving Series visited Yonkers Raceway on Monday night (August 9) and did what it does best — put on a good show and raise money for a terrific cause.

Mike Lizzi photo

Sue Rooney and family join the Mildred Williams drivers in the winner’s circle as a $2,500 check is presented to the Kelly Rooney Foundation.

Pembroke Cushy — making his first purse start since last August — and driver Debbie Rucker overcame the eight hole, wiring seven foes in 1:58.4. Goodbye Gary (Leah Vandervort) chashed from the pocket, missing by a neck. The Travelling Man (Doreen Dailey), Jumpin Jack Flash (Anita Valstad) and Albert Street A (Kelly Case) completed the cashers. Racketeer (Stacy Chiodo), Torero Hall (Elisabeth Jansen) and Mon Ami Hall (Megan Fortna) rounded out the order.

Pembroke Cushy, an 8-year-old Neutralize gelding owned by Jose Iran Ramos and trained by Lou Pena, returned $7.10 in a winning 2010 debut. The exacta paid $25, the triple returned $120 and the superfecta paid $686.

“I wasn’t even supposed to drive originally, but I work for Lou (Pena), and when they said they needed someone, I volunteered,” Rucker said after career win No. 211.

This was the fourth local visit by the Mildred Williams Series, a lady drivers-only competition which travels across North America raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities, primarily associated with breast cancer research.

All the drivers donate their fees, and the host venues — including Yonkers Raceway — make a contribution to the worthiest of causes. The Raceway’s organization of choice remains the Kelly Rooney Foundation (www.kellyrooney.org). Based in Wayne, Pa., its mission is funding research, education, awareness and outreach programs focused on breast cancer prevention.

“I’m always so grateful to the girls who give their time and talents, the trainers who put their horses in our races, and especially the tracks like Yonkers who have welcomed us,” series organizer Ann Curran said.

“It’s one of our favorite places to race.”