Since Monticello Raceway first presented a dash strictly for 14-year-olds on December 31, 1991, there have only been a few other occasions when the Au Revoir Pace has actually filled. We may just watch some old timers duke it out before the year is over.

According to Monticello Raceway’s director of Racing, Eric Warner, there have been some serious inquiries from the connections of five horses that would like to compete in the event this holiday season. Two of those horses are currently racing at the 'Mighty M,' Camelia Classic and Parawanga A.

The connections of Timbo Timbo, Kendal Python and Bs Classy Dude have also noted that their soon-to-be pensioners may be interested in one last kick at the can.

“In years past the New York State Racing & Wagering Board has allowed us to race trotters against pacers in the Au Revoir and we assume that they’ll again allow us again to have a trotter, or two, in our race this year especially if that’s the only way we can fill,” Warner explained. “In fact, in the first Au Revoir Pace one trotter raced against six pacers.”

The Au Revoir Pace is unique in that it is the last time that any of the horses would be able to compete since on every January 1 all horses become one year older. The rules of harness racing state that when a horse becomes 15 years of age they are no longer eligible to compete. However, that rule doesn’t come into play very often, since scant few horses race through their 14th year. According to the United States Trotting Association, only 55 14-year-olds raced at least once during the 2008 campaign.

With that kind of statistic, it’s easy to understand why the Au Revoir Pace doesn’t fill on a yearly basis.

“Ever since our first Au Revoir we only filled the race three times but that wasn’t because of a lack of trying. There just aren’t that many horses still racing in late December,” Warner noted.

According to Warner, if he gets six entrants he’ll present the Au Revoir on Wednesday afternoon, December 31, New Years Eve Day.

Anyone with a 14-year-old pacer or trotter who would like to have one last race for their horse is urged to contact Warner in the racing office at 845-794-4100 (Ext. 557) or they can call the track publicity office at extension 455.

(With files from Monticello)