by Shawn Wiles, for Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — In the span of three weeks, Monticello Raceway has increased purses by 35 percent.

Race Secretary Eric Warner noted that the last three condition sheets have shown a purse increase of 10 percent, 15 percent and 10 percent.

“Historically this is when we always raise our purses; it is our intention with the increased purses that we can attract more horses. It is very difficult at this time of the year to fill the box with all the tracks being open,” said Warner.