The odds are long these days that Standardbreds are still racing at the age of 14, this trait is a credit and testament to the durability and hardiness of the Standardbred.
On January 1, 14-year-olds will be forced into mandatory retirement, as Standardbreds cannot race in pari-mutuel events after the age of 14.
Former Monticello Raceway Publicity guru John Manzi started this event in 1991, originally called the “Clash of the Senior Titans” its most famous dash of the seniors was in 2004 when The Suleiman nosed out Troy D in 2:02.4.
Monticello Raceway is seeking additional entries and will try and fill both the Au Revoir Trot & Pace on December 27, the purse for each race will be $5,000, this is an invitational event.
This year Monticello Raceway has a handful of aged trotting campaigners that have been competing at a high level throughout their last year of eligibility: Elias Joy, My Cool Breeze and Crypto Man. Between the trio they have combined lifetime starts exceeding 1,010, with 125 wins and more than $850,000 in lifetime earnings.
"After a long hiatus of this event due to the lack of entries, I think we will be able to conduct the race this year, I have been receiving calls from numerous horsemen inquiring about the event," said Eric Warner, longtime Monticello Raceway Race Secretary.
Horsemen interesting in participating in these event should contact Eric Warner at (845) 794-4100 X 557 or [email protected] for details.
(Monticello)