by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Last year, on a rainy and wet mid-December afternoon, Lively Moment, a 5-year-old daughter of Master Lavec, covered the 1-3/4 mile distance in a world record time of 3:42.4 to win the Monticello Marathon at the Catskills Mountain half-mile oval. On Wednesday, December 16, Lively Moment will attempt to win this year’s event and lower her own world mark in the process.

Geri Schwarz photo

Lively Moment will be looking to lower her own world record of 3:42.4 in the Monticello Marathon.

With six wins already under her belt and purses in excess of $54,000 this year owner Tom Carpenito is looking forward to having his mare compete again in the odd-distance race.

“We’re putting her in the race and we’ll be ready to take on all comers,” Carpenito said by phone when contacted about the possibility of again racing his trotter in this season’s Monticello Marathon. “My trainer Bob Lounsbury has her in top form and we’re out to beat our old mark.”

Less than a month ago Lively Moment was victorious in 1:59.2 and owner Carpenito again expects Bruce Aldrich, Jr. to drive her in the Marathon.

“He (Bruce) drove her to victory in last year’s Marathon and he not only knows her well but he has experience driving in the long distance race,” Carpenito added.

But according to Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing, the longer distance is a great equalizer.

“When we first presented this race back in the late 1990s, a $4,000 claiming trotter, Poppa IM, defeated better class horses in a then world’s record time of 3:45.2,” Warner said. “So besides speed, stamina is an important part of distance races.”

A $7,500 purse is being offered for the Monticello Marathon and according to Warner the entry box will close at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 11.

Anyone with a trotter who would like to compete in this year’s Monticello Marathon, or for further information about the race, please contact Warner in the race office by calling 845-794-4100, ext. 557.