Monticello Raceway

Monticello Raceway History

Monticello Raceway began operations on its lightning-fast half-mile track on June 27, 1958.

In 1975 Monticello Raceway hosted the richest race, not only in harness racing but in all of racing, when it presented its $250,000 the Monticello-OTB Classic, won by the Hall of Fame pacer, Silk Stockings.

The event, with its huge purses, continued through 1985. Today the rich New York Sire Stakes are a part of the track's premier racing events, in conjunction with the Magnificant 7 Classic Series.

Over the years, Monticello Raceway been known for innovating harness racing by introducing unique promotions. An example of this is “Rock 'N Racing” - combining the biggest names in show business (like Frankie Valli & 4 Seasons; Ike & Tina Turner, Natalie Cole, Bobby Vinton, etc.) with racing programs.

Monticello Raceway also introduced closed circuit championship boxing (like the Ali vs. Frasier bouts; Leonard vs. Duran) in conjunction with harness racing. This produced the track's biggest attendance of 17, 495 patrons on June 20, 1980.

Meanwhile, Monticello also came up with odd-ball promotions like elephant races and athletes out-running horses.

Monticello Raceway’s biggest handle - money wagers - came on August 2, 2006 when fans both on and off track wagered $1,432,217.

Now with the installation of video gaming machines Monticello Raceway offers the amenities of a Vegas atmosphere in conjunction with exciting harness racing.

Monticello Raceway Quick Facts

Track Opened:June 27, 1958
Track Size:1/2 Mile
Speed Rating:2:02
Length of Stretch:500 feet
Width of Stretch:90 feet
Starters Behind the Gate:8
Hubrail:No
General Admission:Free
General Parking:Free
Clubhouse Admission:Free
Grandstand Capacity:4,500
Clubhouse Capacity:500
Parking Lot Capacity:5,000
Attendance Record:17,495 (June 20, 1980)
Handle Record:$1,191,695 (December 12, 2001)