by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — At Monticello Raceway on Thursday afternoon, May 1, Jimmy Marohn scored victories with Jimmy Van Alstyne’s Bells Pond Road in 1:59.3 and with Ettore Annunziata’s Vince The Prince in 2:00.1. “The Mighty Mite” needs just seven more victories to join an elite group of harness drivers who have driven 5,000 or more winners in their career.

Since returning to the Mighty M in 2005 the diminutive reinsman has been among the track’s winningest drivers each season. Currently with 50 winners, Marohn is fourth on the local leaderboard.

Marohn began his career at Monticello Raceway in the mid-1970s and after he established himself as a premier driver at the Mighty M he moved on to Yonkers Raceway where, for decades, he was not only among the leading drivers at the Hilltop oval but also among the leaders nationally.

During the 1982 campaign Marohn’s 262 winners were 17th best in North America and the following year his 242 wins ranked him 22nd on the leaderboard. Marohn also enjoyed national ranking in 1990 (17th-334 wins) and 1991 (25th-285 wins).

Though he has driven many good horses over the years, arguably Marohn’s most cherished victory came in 1981 when he guided longshot Wildwood Jeb to a 1:58.1 victory in the prestigious Cane Pace, one of Pacing’s Triple Crown events.

Now as he is closing in on a significant career milestone Marohn was asked if he feels any pressure.

“You’re talking about the countdown,” he laughs. “Nah…I thought I was lucky to win one race. You know, just doing your job day in and day out over the years the numbers add up and to be among those who won 5,000 races is a nice club to be part of.”