Monti seeking older drivers

Monticello Raceway is at it again as the track that has pioneered such unorthodox events as races for owners, bartenders, big game hunters, women, heavyweight drivers and for drivers of various different ethnic backgrounds, along with races for elephants and camels, has come up with yet another unusual event when it presents “The Metamucil Mile” on Monday afternoon, June 19.

The race, which will be part of the betting card, will be exclusively for drivers who are 60 years old and older as long as they have either a Full “A” or Provisional “P” license from the United States Trotting Association.

According to the track’s director of racing Eric Warner, he knows of quite a few drivers who still are very comfortable behind a spirited steed including 68-year-old John Gilmour, an eight-time driving champion at the Monticello Raceway who has 4,418 wins under his belt and is still a tough competitor .

And then there is the incredible 79-year-old Dr. Howard E. Gill of Miss Gibbons fame, a retired veterinarian whose greatest pleasure now is driving his own stock.

“We also have Norman Bradbury and Gerry Fielding racing here with us who fit the criteria and I’m sure we can get a field together without too much trouble,” Warner said.

There was a time during the “golden years” of harness racing that many referred to it as an “old man’s sport” because many of the professional horsemen not only were elderly but they had been in the business for generations. During those years there were no “catch-drivers” and the trainers almost always drove their own stock. With the introduction of nighttime harness racing back in the 1940’s and 1950’s, fans young and old went out to the race tracks by the thousands and enjoyed the sport. Many of professional horsemen of those days became almost household names to harness racing fans but as the sport evolved through future decades the youth movement in the driving ranks seemed to be the preference, but in time, the youngsters of today will be potential entrants in the Metamucil Mile.

Last year, 55-year-old AARP card-carrying Catello Manzi showed the world that age isn’t a deterrent when it comes to winning races. He was the leading driver in North America with 727 wins and again this season his 305 victories rank him second.

“I’d love to have the Catman in our race,’ Warner added, “but unfortunately he isn’t old enough yet.”

Warner is now in the process of seeking older drivers who would like to participate in the Mighty M’s Metamucil Mile.

Any driver, male or female, 60 years or older who would like to participate, or would want further information, is asked to contact Warner in the racing office at Monticello Raceway at 845-794-4100 x557; or contact the track’s publicity office at extension 455.

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