Oy vey! Gelfilte Fish in the Passover Pace

March 24, 2010

For the past three or four years Canadian Sheldon Rose has been seeking a mount in Monticello Raceway�s annual Passover Pace. He recently called the track's publicity office and once again inquired about driving in the event that is relegated to drivers of Jewish heritage.

�If I bring my horse this year can I get in the race?� Rose asked. �It certainly would help,� was the reply given to him.

�You know I warmed up for this race last year, even drove two winners in six starts, and was disappointed when I didn�t get in,� Rose said. �And if I can get in (the race) this year I�ll bring a horse which I believe will be perfect for the Passover Pace.�

Now piquing interest from the Mighty M�s publicity department, Rose was asked what horse was he talking about.

"My horse�s name is Gefilte Fish,� he said trying to hold back a chuckle. �Honest, that�s her name! She�s now racing at Flamboro Downs and I�d be glad to truck her all the way to Monticello if I can drive in the Passover Pace."

�It�s no easy task vanning a horse all the way to Monticello from Hamilton, Ont., but if you really want to do it you�re in,� Rose was told.

Gefilte Fish is a 4-year-old mare currently racing in $7,500 claimers at Flamboro Downs and her name alone will attract attention in the race for Jewish drivers.

Rose, from Thornhill, Ont., certainly isn�t a household name but he has been enthralled with harness racing for decades though he only drives on a part-time basis.

Should Rose join the line-up of drivers in this year�s "Race for the Matzohs" he�ll have to contend with former Passover Pace winners Alan Schwartz, Mike Kimelman and Mark Liebowitz, and last year�s winner P Lutman all of whom have already declared that they�ll be back again for another go.

This year the 12th annual Passover Pace is slated for Monday afternoon, April 5, and though the track's director of racing, Eric Warner has a good start at filling the race he�ll still need eight drivers in order to card a wagering event.

Anyone fitting the criteria and wanting more information, or to have a chance to drive in the Passover Pace, is urged to contact Warner in the racing office by calling (845) 794-4100 x557; or they can call the track�s publicity office at extension 455. (Monticello)

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