by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway announced today that on Wednesday (April 4), it will begin taking entries for horses that are not currently housed at Monticello Raceway and will permit horses to ship-in to its facility beginning on Monday (April 9).

Since March 26, no horses from outside the property have been allowed to ship-in to Monticello in order to limit exposure to an occurrence of streptococcus equi, commonly known as strangles, at Saratoga Harness Raceway.

While ship-ins will once again be permitted beginning next week, management continues to take precautionary measures to protect the health and safety of its horse colony. Precautionary measures, which will remain in effect until further notice, include requiring a health certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian for all horses that will be transported onto Monticello Raceway grounds and proof of a negative PCR test for certain horses.

Health certificates must state whether or not the horse has been stabled at a barn with a confirmed or suspect case of strangles or raced or resided at Saratoga Raceway, and confirm that the horse does not exhibit any physical signs of the disease and has not been feverish in the previous three weeks.

Horses that have been stabled at a barn with a confirmed or suspect case of strangles or raced or resided at Saratoga Raceway from March 16 through March 24 are required to have proof of a negative PCR test. The PCR test is the most reliable medical indicator of strangles infection.

Health certificates and PCR laboratory results must be faxed to the Monticello Raceway racing office at 845.794.6218 prior to the horse’s arrival at Monticello Raceway.

While there have been no reported cases of strangles at Monticello, management continues to monitor the situation and may once again reinstitute more restrictive measures should events warrant.