by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — They’re ready and champing on the bit. The caretakers, that is.

On Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 8) between races five and six at Monticello Raceway, five caretakers will don driving colors and settle on a perch behind a spirited steed and compete over the usual one mile distance in jog carts without the use of whips, each trying to win the huge trophy awaiting the victor.

“It’s an exciting thing for the grooms to be able to participate in since they work hard day-in and day–out,” said Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing. “I know that they are anxiously awaiting to drive and any one of the grooms would love to have their picture taken in the winner’s circle.”

Two races for caretakers are slated over the next couple of days. On Wednesday, September 8, and again on Thursday, September 9, two five-horse races will go to post as non-wagering affairs, each after the fifth race on the day.

The Wednesday event shapes up as follows: (with the post positions, horses, drivers and employers): #1-Call Me Biscuit (Alain “Chico” Diaz from the Billy Devine Stable); #2-Chesapeake Royal (Erin Murr from the John Peter Gobbetti Barn); #3-Four Starz Equine (Carlton Oney from the Art Stametian Stable); #4-Auditor (Daniel Houghtaling from the Dustin Miller Barn); and #5-Classy Ivory (John Houghtaling from the Bruce Aldrich, Sr. Barn). Should any caretaker scratch out then Nelson Arocho from the Gary Messenger Stable is the AE and will drive Time Slips Away.

All the aforementioned grooms are driving horses from their own barn except Daniel Houghtaling whose horse is supplied by trainer Gerald Decker. And, if he gets in, Time Slips Away is being supplied by trainer Bob Lounsbury.

On Thursday the field is as follows: #1-Maxi David (Cody Houghtaling from the James Doherty, Jr. Stable); #2-Bibbo Blue (Jonathan Oney from the Anthony Regina Stable); #3-Western Sour (Robert Houghtaling from the April Aldrich Stable); #4-Cutting Line (Constance Lawrence from the Raheim Strong Barn); and #5-Rebel Raider (John Oney, Sr. from the Frank Yanoti Stable).

Of the competitors in this division only John Oney, Sr. and Robert Houghtaling will drive horses from their barn. Cody Houghtaling’s horse is supplied by trainer James Clouser, Sr. Constance Lawrence’s horse is provided by trainer Steve Moore; John Oney, Sr.’s horse is supplied by trainer Ken Hopper; and Jeff Branning’s horse, if he draws in, is furnished by trainer John Stubits and from his barn.

The Caretaker’s Classic races will be shown on Monticello Raceway’s live simulcast signal each day. Post time for the 13-race cards on both days is at the usual 12:50 p.m. with 2:10 p.m. as the approximate post time for the Caretaker’s Classic events.