Preston Burris Jr

[wizardofoz]

I was at the "Mighty M" that day with my future wife watching Silk Stocking win the first Monticello-OTB Classic with Preston Burris in the bike in 157.3. The place was packed as she beat the males. A great day!

I was there and OTB gave out GOLD program sheets as it was the Race For The Gold!

[kantseeback]

I do remember that trophy case too! Some great memories of the "Mighty M"! I get back a few times a year, because I have family in Kiamesha Lake, Monticello, and Harris. John Manzi moved from Mongaup Valley, and is living in St. Petersburg, Florida. A great guy!

It was a really nice track back then. It even had a cafeteria, putt putt golf, Pinball machine area.
The glass wall paddock was pretty neat. They had that 1950's Zenith black and white TV for the changes.
I spent many enjoyable Sunday matinee cards there back in the day. And the 4th of July was always a treat, a doubleheader of racing, day and night cards sometimes 13 or 14 races each followed by that big fireworks display on the front lawn.
RIP Mr Burris.

[dougie]

It was a really nice track back then. It even had a cafeteria, putt putt golf, Pinball machine area.
The glass wall paddock was pretty neat. They had that 1950's Zenith black and white TV for the changes.
I spent many enjoyable Sunday matinee cards there back in the day. And the 4th of July was always a treat, a doubleheader of racing, day and night cards sometimes 13 or 14 races each followed by that big fireworks display on the front lawn.
RIP Mr Burris.

Sadly, Monticello is a shell of what it was. Grandstand closed. No food except a vending machine and a lady selling hot dogs off a cart. One teller inside the "simulcast room" selling programs and taking bets. But on  a sunny day, the mountains still hold their incredible beauty. I love seeing my family there. They still love the Catskills.

[MTP1972]

Before simulcasting started going to the racetrack was fun, there were thousands of people there, the food was good and the prices reasonable and the racing product was good. There was nothing better than going to Brandywine Raceway on a warm summer night, the racing was very good, the driving colony included some Hall of Famers. The best thing was living only a mile away so if I couldn't get a ride, I could walk there in 10 minutes.

[Dingus]

I was at the meadowlands the time Silk Stockings lost.

[hammer0419]

Gordon Lewis the owners brother trained him,Russel Rash and George Phalen drove him. I call Bullshit on Preston Burris ever having anything to do with Leroy.

[Papillon]

Gordon Lewis the owners brother trained him,Russel Rash and George Phalen drove him. I call Bullshit on Preston Burris ever having anything to do with Leroy.

Yes I was mistaken for another Burris horse who was a deep closer at Brandywine in the late 70s--the name of that horse was Leroy Nickawampus-not Nickawampus Leroy ----two different horses

Wizardofoz corrected me

thanks

[kantseeback]

I do remember that trophy case too! Some great memories of the "Mighty M"! I get back a few times a year, because I have family in Kiamesha Lake, Monticello, and Harris. John Manzi moved from Mongaup Valley, and is living in St. Petersburg, Florida. A great guy!

Dougie, if you remember the trophy then you must remember the souvenir stand directly across from the trophy and between the ladies and mens room.
Did you ever go up to the second floor to the top of the stretch lounge? A dark tiny bar.

[MIKE CAMPBELL]

Gordon Lewis the owners brother trained him,Russel Rash and George Phalen drove him. I call Bullshit on Preston Burris ever having anything to do with Leroy.

I agree.

[Harness racer]

Pres was a good guy and always fun to talk to.  He knew a lot about the game!