Monticello Raceway

By: SimonSkinnerArticles

Monticello Raceway has been providing harness racing fans with fine sporting entertainment since it opened in 1958. Just 90 miles from New York City, it is located in the beautiful Catskills region. Monticello has always been known for pushing the envelope with promotions, like the one they did in 1980 called Rock 'N Racing, which featured many of the biggest names in music.

Now they have added a lady driver only race. There are very few harness races that are reserved just for female drivers, but the Lady Godiva Pace, held on Valentine's Day, is one to remember. With more women driving harness horses, there is a lot more interest in a race for women only.

Some of the more famous women sulky drivers include Bea Farber, who retired in 1995 due to arthritis in her hands. She still holds the women's record of 1,801 wins in her career. She won her first major title in 1973. Jackie Ingrassia of England is harness racing's current leader for women, with 1,032 trips to the winner's circle so far. She became enamored of harness racing at the age of 12. Anne Wheeler, who drives trotters primarily, has 803 wins. Canadian driver, Mildred Williams had a racing series named in her honor. She was one of the first women drivers in harness racing in the 1950s and '60s, and racked up over 500 wins. She was a key player in getting the United States Trotting Association and the Canadian Trotting Association to give women licenses to drive harness horses. Mildred continued to present the award to the winner of this series well into her 90s. She recently passed away in 2008.

Even with more women choosing to drive harness horses professionally, most of the women drivers still participate in amateur racing only. Professional driving is very competitive, even among the men. Many of the amateur lady drivers are also trainers or owners and they don't have the time to drive professionally as well as train or attend to other racing-related duties. Some find it difficult to balance the running of their stable with the demands of racing to win professional meets. Nevertheless, some of these amateur women do make the transition up to the big leagues.

In general, observers have noted that the ladies are a bit more patient at the beginning of the race, but at the end they are just as aggressive, if not more so, than the men. The women tend to let their horses settle into their stride before urging them into the race.

One of the amazing things about this sport is that women have been driving in competitions since 1912. Records exist showing women driving trotters in a race sitting in a four-wheeled cart. Considering that women were not allowed to do a lot outside of a very limited circle of choices in 1912, it speaks to the progressiveness of harness racing in general.

So come Valentine's Day, head out to Monticello Raceway and take in the Lady Godiva Pace. See harness racing's finest lady drivers take to the track and compete for the title.

Article Source: http://www.articlepro.co.uk/international

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