The familiar sound of horses pounding the track is like music to the ears of die-hard racing fans that were forced to stay away for 15 months due to the Monticello Raceway having to shut down in March of 2020 due to COVID-19.

“It was great yesterday to see everybody back after the COVID-induced hiatus,” said Monticello Raceway Executive Director of racing and facilities. “Just goes to show you what a hub the race track is in the community, we saw all the regulars that were back.”

Regulars like Frank Sacco, who has been coming to Monticello Raceway since it opened in 1958.

“That’s when it started. I was here a week after it opened up,” said Sacco.

The raceway welcomed back fans on Wednesday for live harness racing for the first time in over a year.

“It’s good to see old friends that you’ve known for many years, and it’s good that we have the racing back also, now that we can bet,” said Sacco.

Before the shutdown, Sacco came here every single day, staying from the first race to the last. Life without the raceway wasn’t the same.

“It’s been lonely, it’s been sad. But I’m glad that we have it back right now,” said Sacco.

Fans gathered on the racing apron and at the outside betting booth, but the simulcasting room is set to open for full wagering in the coming weeks.

“I love the excitement in the building,” said Wiles. “It’s good to hear people yelling and screaming after a race and just the camaraderie of everybody.”

But the hiatus wasn’t just hard on fans. The drivers, horse trainers and other staff felt the hit, too.

“With no racing, they had no income coming in,” said Wiles.

Dale Milby is the official starter for the races here, guiding the starting gate ahead of each race. He’s also glad to see fans back.

“I’m really happy to see it, believe me, because it’s really depressing to do this and you don’t see anybody,” said Milby.