When Monticello Raceway presents its 10th edition of the St. Paddy Pace on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17, horseman Kevin McDermott will be among the drivers participating.
McDermott campaigns one of the most successful stables at the Meadowlands and also has a powerful contingent competing at the Meadows. Some of McDermott’s stars currently in action include McGibson, Rock N Roll Star, Blueridge Western, Lookout Hanover, Hennessey Hanover and Noble Falcon.
A trainer who has harnessed 1,118 winners thus far in his career, McDermott's stable has recorded 21 wins this year. Last season the affable horseman's operation recorded 118 wins and raced to nearly $2.2 million.
“During 2005 I was carded to drive in the St. Paddy Pace but I didn’t get a chance when my horse was a late scratch, “McDermott said. “Now, since I won’t have any conflicts on St Patrick’s Day I’m ready to have a little fun at Monticello.”
McDermott will join former winners, Jimmy Marohn, Jimmy Marohn, Jr., John Gilmour and Mike Doherty in this year's edition of the St. Paddy Pace. However, according to Eric Warner, the track's director of racing, he still will need eight drivers for a complete field.
Anyone of Irish extraction interested in competing must contact Warner in the race office at 845-794-4100 (Ext. 557), or they can call the track's publicity office at extension 455.
(With files from Monticello)