In late April of 2005, Larry Stalbaum moved lock, stock and barrel to Monticello Raceway from his home state of Michigan where he was one of Wolverine State's outstanding drivers
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It didn’t take Stalbaum long to get connected in the east. His driving produced so many winners at the 'Mighty M' that he vaulted to the top of the leaderboard and continued among the leaders until he moved to greener pastures in 2007.
And no matter where Stalbaum competed, whether it was at Yonkers Raceway or Pocono Downs, he continued to rein winners. Since Stalbaum came east he has driven his mounts to over 1,700 wins, but probably more importantly his stock has earned over $17 million.
Stalbaum recently returned to Monticello Raceway, albeit part time. The 48-year-old has led a nomadic life in the racing business since he started in the late 1980s.
“It’s been easy to pick up stakes and move on to green pastures,” he joked. “Maybe someday I’ll settle down in one place, but [until] that happens it’s 'on the road again' for me.”
His latest move was to the Big Z Training Farm in Montague, New Jersey where his 37 horses are stabled.
“This is a nice operation and it’s handy to Yonkers, the Meadowlands and Monticello. And I’m dickering on a house right there on the complex,” Stalbaum added. “Who knows, that might be my final destination?”
(Monticello)