by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — On Sunday (June 12) Monticello Raceway hosted a day of racing where all 13 races were driven by amateur drivers and it turned out to be quite successful.

It was a fun day with jog cart rides before the races and rides in the starting gate between races and Elvis was even in the building. Moreover, a major part of that afternoon’s festivities was to raise money to award scholarships to students whose families are in the Standardbred business.

Sponsored by Monticello Raceway and the North American Amateur Drivers Association, in conjunction with the Edward Weiner and Edward Yarock Equine Scholarship Fund and the Donald Meyer Equine Scholarship Fund, the day also was utilized to introduce the fun of harness racing to people not familiar with the sport.

“A total of $21,000 was distributed to 18 very deserving students,” noted Dave Yarock, the president and administrator of both scholarship programs. “As of today all the scholarship checks are in the mail.”

Enclosed is the list of the scholarship recipients and the amount they have been awarded.

Name–Award
Brent Ashley–$1,750
Mary Beth Beauregard–$1,000
Anjelka Bosnjak–$1,750
Suzanne Boudet–$500
Chad Calice–$1,750
Marissa Jay Collins–$500
Tyler Di Benedetto–$500
Chelsea Fahy–$1,750
Kelly Finnigan–$1,750
Marguerite Frazier–$500
Tasha Harris–$500
Riyah Myers–$1,000
Amy Narotsky–$1,000
Brianna Reid–$1,750
Savina Reid–$1,750
Kareem Rosser–$500
Amy Turner–$1,000
Braden Watson–$1,750

“The day turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone involved and I’m hopeful we can do it again next year,” Yarock added.