by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Two extra racing programs have been added to the live schedule at Monticello Raceway in December. Besides the usual Monday through Thursday race cards the Sullivan County, N.Y. harness track will also offer live racing on Sunday, Dec. 19, and on Friday, Dec. 31.

Featured on the racetrack on Dec. 19 will be the Metamucil Mile, a race for drivers who are 65 years or older, and the Candy Cane Pace, which will go hand in hand with the second annual Holiday Party for the children in the local vicinity.

The Holiday Party, which is free for all attending children, will offer fun and games for the kids, and will culminate by a visit from Old St. Nick. After the Candy Cane Pace is completed all attending children will receive a candy cane and they can have their picture taken in the winner’s circle when Santa Claus makes the presentation to the winning driver.

“With the addition of the Sunday, Dec. 19 program I’d like to remind the horsemen that the entry box for that race card will close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14,” said Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing.

The added Dec. 31 race card will feature The Au Revoir, a race for pacers — and trotters if need be — all of whom are 14 years old and become ineligible to race the following day.

“The entry box for the Dec. 31 race card closes on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 9 a.m.,” Warner added.

Post time for all the December racing programs is at 12:25 p.m.