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