by John Manzi, for the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club
Monticello, NY — Ever since the 1980s Monticello Raceway has successfully presented amateur races and on Thursday (May 24) the fastest mile ever in one of those events was posted.
That “pop” record now belongs to Dave Yarock and his pacer Big John B when the pair circled the Mighty M’s half-mile oval in 1:56.4 in the second leg of the Catskill Amateur Drivers Club’s Spring Pacing Series.
![](http://ustrottingnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/48265-R5-Big-John-B-2.jpg)
Geri Schwarz photo
Big John B and Dave Yarock turned in the fastest amateur victory ever recorded at Monticello Raceway.
When the gate sprung on that warm and muggy afternoon, Yarock headed for the lead with Big John B and they took command easily. Once on top the field lined up behind them with Lady On The Attack (Gary Campbell) second and JMDancinshannon (Paul Moore) in third position.
Yarock let his horse pace along at his own leisure and they went by the quarter in :28.3 and then passed the half in :58.1, while still comfortably in front. Up the backside Campbell and Lady On The Attack took aim at Yarock but Big John B would have nothing of it and pulled away by open lengths which forced Campbell to again take a seat.
With the three-quarters paced in 1:27.3 Big John B was still strong and when the field headed for home it was clear no one was going to even get close as Big John B went on to an easy two length triumph. Lady On The Attack held second and JMDancingshannon finished third.
“Big John B was rationing out his speed and I didn’t realize that he was going as fast as he was,” Yarock said. “He was traveling along so easily that I wasn’t concerned and when I looked at the time (of the race) I was thrilled. He (Big John B) hasn’t won a race that fast in years and for me it’s the fastest race that I have ever won.”
For the 10-year-old Artiscape gelding it marked his second seasonal victory and 36th of his racing career. And for Yarock, a financial planner by trade, it was his 33rd winning drive since he became an amateur driver back in 2008.
The CADC Series continues at Monticello Raceway next Thursday afternoon (May 31).