by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Around Monticello Raceway he’s been affectionately known as “the Duke of Oil” but make no mistake about it, Howard Oil is a world class race announcer. And he’ll show his prowess on Saturday night, August 14 — Back to the Track Night — when the veteran announcer calls the races from the winner’s circle on a portable microphone.

And as part of the attraction on the national harness racing promotion night, Oil will also handicap each race from a vantage point that will afford all race patrons the ability to interact with him.

Howard Oil

Over the years, besides his announcing duties, Oil has authored a handicapping tip sheet which is available for every race card here.

“We think that having Howard ply his trade in front of the racing fans instead of above them, that it will add another layer of excitement to our special Back to the Track racing program that evening,” noted Shawn Wiles, the track’s assistant general manager.

Oil came to the Mighty M back in 1984 and has been the voice of Monticello Raceway for over 27 years. His signature “who do you like?” call as a tight field rounds the final turn and heads for paydirt has become an enjoyable part of his repertoire and Oil prides himself by giving the race winner his last call; and over the years he hardly has missed a cue.

But Oil’s outdoor race calls will be just a part of the evening’s festivities. Also featured will be an all-expense paid trip to the world famous Little Brown Jug in late September. The Jug, which is raced at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio, is the best attended harness race in North America year-in-and year-out, attracting over 50,000 fans.

Add to that a t-shirt giveaway (while supplies last), free official race programs and the introduction of inter-track wagering between Monticello Raceway and Tioga Downs, known as the “Dueling Doubles.”

The United States Trotting Association-sponsored Back to the Track promotion is aimed at bringing back the former faithful and nearly every harness track in operation during this time of the year will be involved.

Monticello Raceway went out of its normal schedule to join in the promotion.

“We (Monticello Raceway) race during the afternoons Mondays through Thursdays but we so wanted to be a part of the industry- wide promo that we even added a special race date on August 14,” Wiles added.

The Saturday racing program will coincide with a Chevy Malibu giveaway in the casino that night. First race post time will be at 7 p.m. with the Chevy Malibu giveaway slated for 11 p.m. in the casino.