by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — Monticello Raceway, the Catskill Mountain racetrack that has offered such “unforgettable” events as the Battle of the Bosses, the Legal Eagle Pace, The Elephantonian, the Little Grey Jug, the Au Revoir, the Lady Godiva, the Metamucil Mile, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace and the Passover Pace, to name a few, is at it again.

Coming on Wednesday (September 14) and Thursday (September 15), the Mighty M will present the second edition of the Caretakers Classic and on each date there will be one race with the horses driven by caretakers from the track’s backstretch.

After the fifth race next Wednesday and Thursday the caretakers will line-up behind the mobile starting gate and compete over the usual one mile distance in jog carts without the use of whips.

“The caretakers are often underappreciated but if you ask any horseman they’ll tell you that they are among the most important people for any trainer’s success,” noted Alan Schwartz, the president of the Monticello Harness Horsemen’s Association who has been the driving force behind this event. “We have often been asked about having a race for the caretakers and we did it last year and it worked out fine for all concerned. I know the caretakers are all psyched about the upcoming races and they’re looking forward to it like kids look forward to Christmas.”

Currently there are 12 caretakers ready to rumble and they will be divided into two six-horse events.

Last year’s divisional winners were Daniel Houghtaling and Jonathan Oney.