Four years ago, a female driving series named for the late Mildred Williams, a winner of over 500 races and a pioneer in getting the United States and Canadian Trotting Associations to license women drivers, met with such good success in Canada that over the years the series has branched out to include races in the United States.

According to Ann Curran, the organizer of the event, the Mildred Williams International Driving Series is somewhat similar to the CKG Billings Amateur Driving Classic with the major difference being that it is for fully-licensed women, either professionals or amateurs.

“There are no minimum participation requirements and no entry fees and we use a point system similar to the Billings," Curran explained. "The Mildred Williams Series is meant to provide opportunity, encourage participation and provide marketing opportunities to try to reach the to the missing demographic of women as race fans."

On the afternoon of Thursday, May 20, eight top female drivers will line up behind the starting gate and compete in the eighth race at Monticello Raceway with the women's driving percentage to be donated to Breast Cancer research.

Stacey McLenaghan has drawn Big John B, the morning line favourite in the race. Big John B, who will be dropping down in class, finished third in his last start, as he was individually timed in 1:58:1 and beaten just one length. They’ll start from post position four.

The field , with post positions and early odds, lines up as follows:

Post - Horse - Driver - Morning Line Odds
1 - Sand Casteel - Ann Karin Larsen - 9-2
2 - Rocket Rob - Betsy Phillips - 4-1
3 - Obnoxious Fashion - Gro Formia - 7-2
4 - Big John B - Stacey McLenaghan - 5-2
5 - Fatguyinalilcoat - Doreen Dailey - 6-1
6 - Mikes Brickhouse - Kelly Case - 3-1
7 - Stand By Your Sam - Stacy Chiodo - 10-1
8 - Starfleets Fudge - Megan Fortna - 12-1

(With files from Monticello)