by John Manzi, for Goshen Historic Track

Monticello, NY — Each year for the past 12 seasons, Historic Track Board Member John Farrell has donated $1,500 for a race for lady drivers during the Grand Circuit meet at the National Historic Landmark. And for nearly every year the race was presented, that is, until last season when they couldn’t fill the event so Farrell’s money was used for an amateur race.

Not that Mr. Farrell has anything against amateur drivers, but like most men he enjoys doing something for the ladies and he would really appreciate it if this race can be presented this season.

According to Thom Young, general manger at Historic Track, the main reason the race didn’t come off last year was because they couldn’t get enough horses for the ladies to drive. So this year Young is making a plea, not only for lady drivers, but for those who will bring their own horses for the competition.

The race, which is called the Farrell Invitational, will be carded on Saturday afternoon, July 2, and now the call is out for lady drivers to participate in the event.

Already confirmed are Karyn Malinowski and Jody Riedel, but according to Historic Track Board Member Gerry Fielding, who is instrumental in getting the event to fruition, there are still plenty of ladies we haven’t heard from.

“We’re hoping to hear from Sherry Urquidez, Betsy Phillips, Lisa Krom, Lia Tingely and Terry Donnelly, who compete regularly at nearby Monticello Raceway, but we welcome any other lady driver who has at least a matinee license,” Fielding said. “The non-wagering event will be carded as a pace though we are yet to set the eligibility conditions.”

Any lady with at least a matinee license who would like to compete in the Farrell Invitational on July 2 is asked to call Historic Track in Goshen, New York at (845) 294-5753 or (845) 294-5333.