by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — As part of Monticello Raceway’s 50th anniversary season, the Catskill Mountain oval is offering seven world class trotting and pacing events which will debut this year.

For the most part, the rich purse races will be presented during the summer, with more than $2.5 million up for grabs.

But in order for owners to participate they must nominate their horses to their desired events. Nominations to any of the colt or stallion races will cost $1,000 per nomination. However, to nominate to any filly event the cost is $500 and to declare in a race strictly for mares the nomination fee is $750.

All nominations are due by February 15, 2007.

The stakes events are to be raced under the auspices of the Hambletonian Society and payments should be made directly to them.

The first event, the $500,000 (est.) Nevele Pride, for 3-year-old trotting colts, will go to post on Monday, June 25, with $25,000 eliminations slated for Monday, June 18.

It will be followed on Wednesday, July 4 by the $240,000 (est.) Lady Catskill for 3-year-old pacing fillies. If needed, $20,000 eliminations will be held one week earlier on Wednesday, June 27.

Next up on Sunday, July 15, will be the $225,000 (est.) Silk Stockings for aged pacing mares. Elimination races at $25,000 each, will be contested on Sunday, July 8. That event will be run in conjunction with the track’s annual Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant.

Immediately on the heels of the Lady Catskill will be the $250,000 (est.) William J. Sullivan Memorial for aged trotters, scheduled for Monday, July 16, with $25,000 elims carded a week earlier on Monday, July 9.

The fifth new world class event will be the $450,000 (est.) Monticello-OTB Classic for aged pacers on Tuesday, July 24. Elimination races, at $50,000 each, will be contested on Tuesday, July 17. However, the OTB Classic differs from all of the other Mighty M stakes races in that there will be a $10,000 bonus to the winning trainer and a $5,000 bonus is offered to the owner of a horse that breaks the track record.

Then on Monday, July 30, the $550,000 (est.) Monticello Gold Rush, for 3-year-old pacing colts, will afford the winning owner the option of either receiving cash or the equivalent amount in gold bars. Qualifying events for the Gold Rush, at $25,000 each, will be held on Monday, July 23.

A final world class trot, the $240,000 (est.) Phil Tully Memorial, for 3-year-old trotting fillies, will go to post on Monday, October 22. If needed, $20,000 eliminations will be contested a week earlier on Monday, October 15.

Conditions for any or all events are available by contacting Monticello Raceway Director of Racing, Eric Warner, by calling (845)794-4100, ex: 557.