Heading back to Monticello after 42 years!

[Pupparazzi]

Why go.  Ewww.  So,u can,see taggart..desimine ..parker.. fk that. Go to Bridgeport jai,alai

I would go to see my son race...just saying

[jupiter]

It's a shame, the place was great once upon a time, long ago.

[Hambletonian46]

Make sure your LoJack is activated!

Well the first thing you will note is that there is ample parking and plenty of elbow room once inside lol.

A visit to Monticello today gives the vibe of a urban explorer's Youtube video of an abandoned racetrack.

On the bright side, you might even get to take a stroll down memory lane and hear Howard Oil, who I just realized may have been there for over 40 years.

Monticello died as a venue to visit the day they made the decision to screw the live crowd and just cater to simulcasting. 40 years ago they raced on nights except for the very popular Sunday cards when the place was packed. Not anymore. And it is just plain depressing if you remember how it used to be.

[Bernie Madoff]

It's a shame, the place was great once upon a time, long ago.

ALL tracks were great a long time ago.

[Superfecta]

ALL tracks were great a long time ago.

 

[theokodjak26]

Some things have changed:

The grandstand is closed
Nothing to eat
The racino is closed
Kaplans Deli is long gone
The Chinese restaurant on Broadway is also gone. Don’t know where the fat lady who owned the place went
All the bars and restaurants across the road from the track are gone
John Manzi was fired to save money years ago
They now have a tiny simulcast area that shows less tracks than any other track I’ve been to
No more July 4th fireworks

The good news, although some might differ, is that Howard Oil is still calling the races. He is no Max Brewer but tries hard with is “ who do you like” when the horses bunch up at the top of the stretch.

My advice is don’t waste your time. Keep your good memories of MR tucked away because if you go you will want to throw up.

[dougie]

It would seem that everyone keeps telling me to "Stay Away'. It really is very sad. I spent all of my summers there growing up and even went up in winter when i started to drive. No more Chateau, Gagers Diner, Billy Baxsters, Big Scoop, Lefty's,etc. I'm still close with John Manzi and we chat every few months. I'm not sure if even his "magic" flair for publicity could have saved the track now. Regards, Dougie

[Kirby's Ace]

So was I, Now look where I'm at!
 

[harnessplop]

Late 80s I took civil service test for police depts.  Monticello gave me a canvass letter for police officer...startin g pay 18k...brutal. I had a car payment 330 month and she would get a dingbat job..so I was like fk that

[Pupparazzi]

They don't even do fireworks anymore???

[harnessplop]

Why do they race....take money they lose racing and build affordabke housing.

[theokodjak26]

One reason they continue to race is their handle is surprisingly good. Their handle is much better than Harrah’s Chester, Freehold Raceway, Saratoga Harness, Plainridge, Vernon Downs, Buffalo Raceway, The Meadows, Pocono Downs, Tioga and on most days Yonkers Raceway. The only harness tracks where the handles are significantly better are the Meadowlands and Northfield Park. There may also be a contractual reasons when Resorts World Casino was built.