by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — During the month of July there will be a change in the racing schedule at Monticello Raceway. Two Friday cards have been added and the Wednesday (July 4) program will be in the evening with first post at 5:30 p.m.

“Added to our usual Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday format will be the Fridays of July 6 and July 13,” noted Raceway GM Shawn Wiles. “Our Wednesday (July 4) program will begin at 5:30 p.m. and after the races we’ll have our annual fireworks display. All the other racing post times during July will be at 12:50 p.m. in the afternoon.”

According to Eric Warner, the track’s director of racing, the Fridays were added to accommodate our horsemen.

“With the (N.Y.) Sires Stakes and the Excelsior Series for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings carded for July 4th, they figure to fill the majority of the races that day so we added Friday, July 6th, so our regular horse population will get a chance to race that week.

“We’ve also added Friday, July 13th, for the national racing promotion of Back to The Track and on that date we will have our second annual All-Amateur Day.”