by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — When Lively Moment won last season’s Monticello Marathon the veteran trotting mare established a world record at a distance of 1-3/4 miles over a half-mile track as Bruce Aldrich, Jr. guided her home in a time of 3:42.4. Racing well again this year Lively Moment may want to take a shot at lowering her own standard when the Mighty M presents another edition of the Monticello Marathon on Wednesday afternoon, December 16.

Geri Schwarz photo

Bruce Aldrich, Jr. hustled Lively Moment to a world record 3:42.4 over the 1-3/4 mile distance last December.

Lively Moment’s clocking marked the second time that a Monticello Raceway-based trotter set a world record in the 1-3/4 mile contest. During the 1998 season Poppa IM, in rein to Jack Rice, established the former standard when they beat a solid field in a time of 3:45.2.

Now Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing, is in the process of putting together a field of trotters for the Monticello Marathon, again with hopes of establishing yet another record.

“It may sound trivial to some but here is a chance for a horse and driver to go into the record books if they can win our Marathon in a time better than the one posted last year by Lively Moment,” noted Warner. “And over the years we’ve found that the 1-3/4 mile distance is a great equalizer where lesser caliber trotters are just as competitive as better class trotters.”

The race at the 1-3/4 mile distance is also a respite from the usual one mile contests and every season the event creates attention and has been a fan favorite.

Though the race is still weeks away anyone interested in more information or to perhaps enter a trotter can do so by contacting Warner in the race office at 845-794-4100, ex: 557; or they can call the track’s publicity office at ex. 455.