by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway’s Au Revoir Pace, a race for 14-year-olds, is getting closer to fruition as interest is peaking from around the country and from Canada, too. And that the track is offering an $8,000 purse for the race might help things along.

The Mighty M’s lone local senior citizen pacer, Back O Benachie N, is poised to take on all comers and he may get a chance to do so. He’s had two wins, a second and a third in his last four starts and thus far has recorded 14 victories in his final season of racing.

“I’ve had an inquiry from the connections of Air Albert, the 14-year-old pacer in Michigan who has already won 23 races this season,” said Eric Warner, Monticello Raceway’s Director of Racing, who, if he gets enough entries, has the task of carding the race for the betting public. “If the Mayes family, who campaign Air Albert, decide to bring their incredible old-timer to Monticello for our Au Revoir Pace, there’s talk that some other Michigan trainers with 14-year-olds would be willing to come along with them, and if that happens we would be close to getting the race together.”

Air Albert, an Albert Albert gelding, is the winningest horse in the country this season with his 23 victories. He is owned by James Mayes of Leslie, Michigan and driven by his son, Mark, who is the brother of Monticello Raceway’s top trainer, Kim Asher.

Leslie Joyce, from Peterborough, Ontario, told Warner she would be willing to bring her 14-year-old, Seahawk Lynch, to Monticello if it would help to get the race filled.

Warner said he also heard from Todd Frocione, who is willing to bring Armbro Nocturne to the Mighty M for the Au Revoir in spite of the fact that he is a trotter.

“Last season the New York State Racing and Wagering Board allowed us to race against the pacers and I hope if we need him to fill that they’ll do the same again this year.”

Though the prospect of the Au Revoir Pace filling is moving forward, by no means does Warner have enough for a contest at this time.

Anyone with a 14-year-old still racing who would like to compete in Monticello’s Au Revoir Pace is urged to contact Warner in the racing office at Monticello Raceway by calling (845) 794-4100, ext. 557; or they can contact the track’s publicity office at ext. 455.