by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Races for bartenders, hunters, dude ranchers, horse owners and many different ethnic groups are nothing new at Monticello Raceway. Now, fresh off the heels of the Dr. Martin Luther King race is another unusual event — the ninth edition of the Mighty M’s Lady Godiva Pace, a race strictly for lady drivers. That race, which will be the second leg of the track’s Heritage Drivers Series, will be presented on Valentine’s Day, Monday, Feb. 14.

“Being that the race is on Valentine’s Day, and that all the horses will be driven by lady drivers, besides a trophy the winning driver will also receive a big box of Godiva Chocolates,” said Shawn Wiles, the raceway’s general manager.

At one time filling a race for the ladies was a tough chore since most of the gentler sex didn’t drive very often. But things have certainly changed over the years and there is a growing number of women who enjoy racing harness horses, especially since the inception of Ann Curran’s Mildred Williams Series a few years ago.

Some of the most famous women drivers who have competed in North America are the long-retired Bea Farber, the forever youthful Jackie Ingrassia and, of course, the Canadian pioneer Mildred Williams.

Though Farber hasn’t driven competitively since 1995 she still leads the pack with 1,801 winners while Ingrassia is the reigning queen with 1,070 driving victories. And Williams, with over 500 wins during the 1950s and 1960s, was instrumental in getting the United States Trotting Association and the Canadian Trotting Association to license women to drive in harness races.

Director of Racing Eric Warner has a few women drivers currently competing at Monticello Raceway, among them the Mighty M’s all-time leader Betsy Phillips with 548 career victories.

Possible local participants include former two-time Lady Godiva champion Jody Riedel, last year’s winner Jennifer Lappe, Terry Donnelly, and Lisa Krom. Another possible participant is Julie Miller, who competed in the event last season.

However, Warner will still need eight to fill the race. Currently he is seeking lady drivers who might be interested in participating in this year’s Lady Godiva Pace.

To participate, or for further information, interested parties are urged to contact Warner by calling the track’s race office at 845.794.4100, ext. 557; or they can contact the raceway’s publicity office at ext. 455.