by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

MONTICELLO, NY –When Mike Forte guided Big Horn to victory in the 10^th race at Monticello Raceway on Friday afternoon it sparked the one of the biggest win pay-offs in years at the Catskill Mountain oval.

Patrons who wagered on the 5-year-old pacer were rewarded with $157.00 for each two dollars.

“We started from post seven and I kept my horse (Big Horn) near the back of the pack in the early going then squeezed between horses at the three-quarter pole and passed tiring horses in the stretch,” Forte said stoically about the way Big Horn paced to victory.

“I was surprised that my horse was that strong at the end of the mile but the ones on top tired badly and we just picked up horses in the lane,” Forte added.”

Asked if he had ever driven a winner that paid more than $157.00 Forte replied “yeah, at Yonkers (Raceway), about 15 years ago.”

Owned by Frank Petrelli of Monticello, NY and Owen Eiler, Jr. from Philadelphia, Pa., Big Horn paid $157.00; $34.00 and $7.10 across the board.

The 7-2 perfecta was worth $655.00 and the 7-2-4 trifecta paid a whopping $9,770.00.