Lady Godiva to ride at MR

Monticello Raceway is now in search of female drivers for its fourth edition of the Lady Godiva Pace, scheduled to Valentine's Day. The Feb. 14 event is part of Monticello's 2007 Heritage Drivers Series.

“We call our lady drivers' race the ‘Lady Godiva Pace’ and by presenting it on Valentine's Day it is only fitting that the winner should also receive a box of Godiva chocolates as well as a beautiful trophy,” noted track general manager Shawn Wiles.

At one time filling a race strictly for the ladies was a tough chore since most of the gentler sex didn’t drive. But things have changed over the years and there are a growing number of women who enjoy racing harness horses.

Some of the most famous women drivers who have competed in North America are Bea Farber, Jackie Ingrassia, Anne Wheeler and Mildred Williams. Though Farber hasn’t driven competitively since 1995 she still leads the pack with 1,801 winners and Ingrassia, still active, is the current reining queen with 1,021 driving victories. Wheeler, with 803 wins, still drives—though mostly trotters-- and is currently competing at Monticello Raceway.

However, Canada’s Mildred Williams, with over 500 wins to her credit, was a pioneer and in the 1960s she was instrumental in getting the United States and Canadian Trotting Associations to license women to drive in harness races. (A year-long series of races in her name has been presented in Canada and will branch out to include the United States this season.)

Though race secretary Warner has a few women drivers who are currently racing at Monticello Raceway--among Betsy Phillips with 538 victories--he’ll need a field of eight to fill the Lady Godiva Pace. He’s now in the process of seeking female drivers to participate in this years edition of the Lady Godiva Pace. Anyone who wants further information, or would like to compete, is urged to contact Warner in the track’s racing office by calling (845) 794-4100 ext. 557, or they can contact the raceways publicity department at ext. 455. (with files from Monticello)

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