by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Irish eyes must have been smiling when a driver named Quinn won Monticello Raceway’s sixth Annual St. Paddy Pace on Friday afternoon, March 16.

The race, which featured the talents of drivers of Irish heritage had a field of seven tailsetters go to post, some with names rarely associated with Irish extraction, but Steve Quinn, whose name and birthright are as Irish as Paddy’s pig, emerged victorious behind his daunted steed, Flyin Aftermidnite.

For the second time in as many months, one of Monticello Raceway’s Heritage Drivers events was threatened by weather. On February 14, a heavy snowstorm forced the postponement of the Lady Godiva Pace for female drivers, which was finally contested the following week. And again on March 16, the weatherman wasn’t very kind.

In spite of the ensuing snow storm, which eventually dropped almost 20 inches of the white stuff before it was through, the sixth annual St. Paddy Pace for drivers of Irish descent wasn’t curtailed. What it did, however, was force the withdrawals of drivers Jim Doherty and John McDermott, as their roads here from the Meadowlands were impossible to travel.

But through it all the show went on, much to the delight of the local Irishman, Steve Quinn, who guided Paul Kasofsky’s Flyin Aftermidnite to a 2:06 victory in the wind driven snowstorm.

For Quinn, who has competed unsuccessfully in the past races for the Irish, it was a joyful ending.

Racehorsephoto.com photo

Flyin Aftermidnite and driver Steve Quinn were easy winners in the St. Paddy Pace.

Quinn sent his pacer to the front from post position two and they were in command before the quarter pole, which was clocked in :30.3. They were still in front as the field passed the half in 1:02.3 and when they approached the three-quarters, Flyin Aftermidnite began to open daylight between himself and the rest of the field.

Though Mat Haze and driver Gary Messenger made a strong challenge in the stretch, Quinn’s charge was up to the test and went on to score a two length triumph in a 2:06 clocking over the snow-covered racetrack. Third place went to HH Stonehenge, driven by Jody Riedel, who was the only female in the race.

“Do I also get a six pack of Irish beer for winning this?” joked Quinn as he was handed a huge trophy. “Only, kidding, but despite the weather it was an enjoyable afternoon. I think it’s great that Monticello Raceway goes an extra mile by offering unusual races. They always turn out to be fun for everyone involved.”

Trained by Tammy Devaux, Flyin Aftermidnite paid $6.40 for win.

Next up in the Monticello Raceway Heritage Drivers Series is the 10th annual Passover Pace, a race which features the talents of drivers of Jewish heritage. The event is slated to go on Monday, April 9.