by John Manzi, for the NAADA

Monticello, NY — Though the visiting Italians won one of the two contests in the Italy vs. USA Friendship Competition at Yonkers Raceway on Tuesday, April 28, the homeboys emerged victorious in the competition.

The USA team, comprised of members of the North American Amateur Drivers Association who hosted the visiting Italians, garnered 84 points to the Italians’ 68.

However, at Yonkers on Tuesday night the Italians showed that they know how to handle their trotters, especially in the first of the two events where the visitors finished one-two-three, which prompted John Hernon, the Yonkers Raceway announcer, to declare “it’s a clean sweep for the Italians.”

In that contest Marco Montaldo reined 23-1 longshot Strongbow to a 2:02.1, head triumph over fellow Italian, Enrico Colombino, who was aboard Roundabout. The third place finisher, Winning Prince, was handled by the visiting Livio Calorio.

“When we got back to the paddock Jeff Gregory told me and George Casale to come with him to the locker room where he picked up a broom, shaking it and rubbing it in, shouting for all to hear ‘clean sweep for the Italians’”, laughed NAADA President Joe Faraldo, who drove the fifth place finisher in that race.

But Team USA rebounded in the second split when Tony Verruso guided Phish Food to a length victory over Italy’s Marco Montaldo, who drove Wishwell Sugarplum. At A Boy Eric, who was on the lead until the final strides, ended up third for the USA’s Mike Strada.

“The Italians got acclimated at Monticello and were stronger opponents here at Yonkers,” Faraldo added. “It was an excellent competition with good races and a wonderful time for all and we certainly appreciate Yonkers and Monticello for putting on races for us. But without the efforts of the New York State Racing and Wagering personnel and of course, the horsemen who supplied the horses, this competition never could have been done.

“Now we are looking forward to a return match in Italy next April.”