On Monday (Sept. 21), Monticello Raceway hosted its first card of live racing card since March 12, which stemmed from a six-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Race secretary Eric Warner was able to card seven races for the first program.
Greg Merton sat the pocket in the first race with Love Trumps Hate and followed Pine Tab for the large majority of the mile. Pine Tab made a miscue in the stretch, which gave Merton the lead and, ultimately, the win in 2:02 for trainer Wesley Miller. Merton would also go on to win with Seas Ideal in Race 5. Mcgwire Sowers also raced to a driving double during the program and conditioner Steve Ray recorded a training double with the hardy campaigner Racingtowardsadream and With Our Luck.
On hand for the opening was Charlene Cushing, Cushing was the former longtime marshall at Monticello Raceway, and was often referred to as the 'best outrider in the industry.' Cushing made the eight-hour trek from Farmington Maine to be on hand for the first race at Monticello. Cushing has made the transition from harness racing to nursing after moving to Maine. Charlene graduated nursing school a year ago and now works as a nurse in Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington Maine. Charlene is married to Mike Cushing of Farmington, Maine. Mike is the president of the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association.
Ironically, Monday marked Charlene's 30th anniversary of when she first started as marshall at Monticello Raceway. Charlene brought her favourite steed to Monticello Raceway for the occasion, Leo Shady Jack, who is a registered Quarter Horse.
(With files from Monticello Raceway)
Thanks for that update Mike!
Thanks for that update Mike!
Monticello Raceway was the
Monticello Raceway was the final track in the USA to reopen after being shut down due to COVID.