For the past three or four years, Sheldon Rose of Thornhill, Ont. has been seeking a mount in Monticello Raceway’s annual Passover Pace. He recently called the track
's publicity office and once again inquired about driving in the event which is relegated to drivers of Jewish heritage.
“If I bring my horse this year can I get in the race?” Rose asked. The reply given to him was, 'it certainly would help.'
“You know, I warmed-up for this race last year, even drove two winners in six starts, and was disappointed when I didn’t get in,” the horseman explained. “And if I can get in this year, I’ll bring a horse which I believe will be perfect for the Passover Pace.”
Having piqued the 'Mighty M’s publicity department's interest, Rose was asked what horse was he talking about.
“My horse’s name is Gefilte Fish,” he said while trying to hold back a chuckle. “Honest, that’s her name! She’s now racing at Flamboro Downs and I’d be glad to truck her all the way to Monticello if I can drive in the Passover Pace.”
Rose was told that if he was up to the trucking trek, he and his mare would be entered for the event.
Four-year-old Gefilte Fish is currently racing in $7,500 claimers at Flamboro Downs, and her name alone will attract attention in the race for Jewish pilots.
Rose isn’t a household name, but he has been enthralled with harness racing for decades, though he only drives on a part-time basis.
Should Rose join the line-up of drivers for this year’s ‘Race for the Matzohs,’ he’ll have to contend with former Passover Pace winners Alan Schwartz, Mike Kimelman and Mark Liebowitz, and last year’s winner, PJ Lutman, all of whom have already declared that they’ll be back in again for another go.
The 12th annual Passover Pace is slated for the afternoon of Monday, April 5, and though the track's director of racing, Eric Warner, has a good start at filling the race, he’ll still need eight drivers in order to card a wagering event.
Anyone fitting the criteria and wanting more information, or to have a chance to drive in the Passover Pace, is urged to contact Warner in the racing office by calling 845-794-4100 (Ext. 557), or they can call the track’s publicity office at extension 557.
(With files from Monticello)