by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Every horse owner would like to have a top notch horse, especially if it’s a stallion. Of course there are opportunities for syndication in the breeding end of the sport if the horses are good enough in their formative years.

However, there’s plenty to say positively about geldings. They seem to race forever, or at least until their physical problems hamper their ability. But even then, geldings that were prominent in their younger years, with rest and medication, can get what is known in the industry as “racehorse sound” and they can still be useful in their older ages.

And without too much searching the grand ole campaigning geldings can be found at almost any racetrack.

Geri Schwarz photo

Cactus Creek, now 8 years old, was named Horse of the Year at Monticello Raceway this season.

Take Cactus Creek for instance. Now 8 years old, the altered son of Art’s Place was a heat winner of the Little Brown Jug and he won the Adios at age three. Still, after being sold by his original owners in 2007, Cactus Creek went on to earn another $200,000 in purse money, mainly after being purchased by Reggie Duguay in 2009. And this season Cactus Creek was named “Horse of the Year” at the Mighty M for his prowess on the racetrack.

Cactus Creek is just one of hundreds of geldings still on racetracks around North America. Another that comes to mind quickly is Real Mystical, who was always a fast horse in his youth but was plagued by injuries.

He made a stellar comeback this year when a barn change enabled the 9-year-old to reel off five consecutive victories in a time of 1:54.3 or faster here at Monticello and then when moved up to the top class he finished second against the best pacers on the grounds twice before moving down a notch and winning again. Real Mystical’s 1:53.2 clocking here on Oct. 18 is still the fastest mile of this season at Monticello Raceway.

And more recently, on Nov. 17 to be exact, Knucklehead, a veteran 12-year-old gelding who had amassed more than $240,000 in his career, and Southwind Irvin, a $320,000 lifetime winner, together came to the finish line nearly simultaneously with the former prevailing by a head in a 1:59.1 clocking in a $4,000 claiming event.

For Knucklehead it marked the pacer’s fifth consecutive victory. On the other hand, Southwind Irvin, who has won 11 times this year, has five wins in his last seven starts.

Horsemen will tell you there are many reasons for altering a colt but when that procedure is completed the new gelding will then be dedicated to a racing career and if he is good enough he will be on the racetrack for many seasons.

This phenomenon isn’t relegated to just Monticello Raceway. Older horses not only help keep most raceways’ betting programs filled but they are the staple of the smaller racetracks throughout North America.

And though a few were highlighted here, there are countless numbers still getting cheers from racing fans for their equine prowess even if they aren’t as accomplished as they were in the formative years.

Pick up any official race program and see for yourself.