by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Since Monticello Raceway presented its first race strictly for 14-year-olds on New Year’s Eve day, December 31, 1991, dubbed the Au Revoir Pace, there have been only a few other occasions when that race has filled. Nevertheless, this year could be one in which the Au Revoir Pace attracts enough horses to be a betting contest again.

According to Monticello Raceway’s Director of Racing, Eric Warner, he has had some serious inquiries from the connections of five horses that would like to compete in this year’s event and two are currently racing here at the Mighty M. They are Jodie Poynton’s Camelia Classic, and Cookie N Moe Stables’ Parawanga A.

Others interested include Kelly Clark’s grand ole campaigner, Timbo Timbo; Jeff Lilly and Rebecca Horton’s Kendal Python; and Steve White’s B’s Classy Dude, the latter a trotter.

“In years past the New York State Racing & Wagering Board has allowed us to race trotters against pacers in the Au Revoir and we assume that they’ll again allow us again to have a trotter, or two, in our race this year especially if that’s the only way we can fill,” Warner added. “In fact, in the first Au Revoir Pace one trotter raced against six pacers.”

The Au Revoir Pace is unique in that it is the last time that any of the horses would be able to compete since on every January 1 all horses become one year older and the rules of harness racing state that when a horse becomes 15 years of age they are no longer eligible to race.