by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway
Monticello, NY — According to Eric Warner, Monticello Raceway’s Director of Racing, he is getting quite a few inquiries about participating in the track’s Metamucil Mile, a race for drivers 65 years and older.
“Last week we heard from Larry Coleman, a longtime horseman from the midwest who is making arrangements to come in all the way from Iowa just to compete. And today we heard from Mickey Bartlette, a Saratoga Raceway horseman who is also interested participating,” Warner said. “And a few of our local horsemen who competed in last year’s race have also inquired about racing again.”
On Wednesday (Nov. 30), the third edition of the Metamucil Mile will go to post and last year’s winner Alan Schwartz has committed to return and defend his title.
“I’m ready to go and I’m looking forward for the competition,” Schwartz said. “Last year I drew the favorite in the race and winning is always a lot easier when you have the best, or one of the better horses in the race. I don’t know if I’ll be that lucky this year to draw a solid contender.”
Schwartz was referring to Haley And Taylor, who last year was sent off at odds of 1-5 and scored an easy 2:05.1 victory for the amateur reinsman. He drew the mount behind the pacing mare by a lottery drawing which will again be used to assign the drivers to their horses after post positions are drawn.
In 2009 the Metamucil Mile went as an exhibition race which was won by Greg Decker, Sr. But it was so well received that Warner put it on the betting card last season and will have this year’s event on the betting card, also.
“We still have room for more drivers as long as they have full or provisional licenses,” Warner added.
Any driver, male or female, over the age of 65 years who fits the criteria is eligible to compete. To enter in the Metamucil Mile or for further information please contact Warner in the race office at 845.794.4100, ex. 557. Or you can contact the track’s publicity department at ex. 455.