| Monticello Raceway has been providing harness racing | | | | winner of this series well into her 90s. She recently |
| fans with fine sporting entertainment since it opened in | | | | passed away in 2008. |
| 1958. Just 90 miles from New York City, it is located in | | | | Even with more women choosing to drive harness |
| the beautiful Catskills region. Monticello has always | | | | horses professionally, most of the women drivers still |
| been known for pushing the envelope with promotions, | | | | participate in amateur racing only. Professional driving is |
| like the one they did in 1980 called Rock 'N Racing, | | | | very competitive, even among the men. Many of the |
| which featured many of the biggest names in music. | | | | amateur lady drivers are also trainers or owners and |
| Now they have added a lady driver only race. There | | | | they don't have the time to drive professionally as well |
| are very few harness races that are reserved just for | | | | as train or attend to other racing-related duties. Some |
| female drivers, but the Lady Godiva Pace, held on | | | | find it difficult to balance the running of their stable with |
| Valentine's Day, is one to remember. With more | | | | the demands of racing to win professional meets. |
| women driving harness horses, there is a lot more | | | | Nevertheless, some of these amateur women do |
| interest in a race for women only. | | | | make the transition up to the big leagues. |
| Some of the more famous women sulky drivers | | | | In general, observers have noted that the ladies are a |
| include Bea Farber, who retired in 1995 due to arthritis | | | | bit more patient at the beginning of the race, but at the |
| in her hands. She still holds the women's record of 1,801 | | | | end they are just as aggressive, if not more so, than |
| wins in her career. She won her first major title in 1973. | | | | the men. The women tend to let their horses settle into |
| Jackie Ingrassia of England is harness racing's current | | | | their stride before urging them into the race. |
| leader for women, with 1,032 trips to the winner's circle | | | | One of the amazing things about this sport is that |
| so far. She became enamored of harness racing at | | | | women have been driving in competitions since 1912. |
| the age of 12. Anne Wheeler, who drives trotters | | | | Records exist showing women driving trotters in a |
| primarily, has 803 wins. Canadian driver, Mildred | | | | race sitting in a four-wheeled cart. Considering that |
| Williams had a racing series named in her honor. She | | | | women were not allowed to do a lot outside of a very |
| was one of the first women drivers in harness racing | | | | limited circle of choices in 1912, it speaks to the |
| in the 1950s and '60s, and racked up over 500 wins. | | | | progressiveness of harness racing in general. |
| She was a key player in getting the United States | | | | So come Valentine's Day, head out to Monticello |
| Trotting Association and the Canadian Trotting | | | | Raceway and take in the Lady Godiva Pace. See |
| Association to give women licenses to drive harness | | | | harness racing's finest lady drivers take to the track |
| horses. Mildred continued to present the award to the | | | | and compete for the title. |