Monmouth Park: $250k Iselin Handicap

[Damascus '67]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

This used to be a top class 10f race known as the Monmouth H, then the Amory L Haskell H (before they moved that name to the Monmouth Invitational H). Champions like Bold Ruler, Nashua, Dedicate, Carry Back, Sword Dancer, Bold Bidder, and First Landing, won the old Monmouth H, as did other top horses like Verbatim, Royal Glint, Majestic Light, Decidedly, Mongo, Bold Hour, Hatchet Man..., They reduced the distance to 9f in 1979 and it has been mostly downhill ever since.

Oh yes..Mongo..When I was a lad walking hots at Delaware Park, I worked for Frank A. Bonsal, Mongo's trainer. He was an old jumper rider who had his share of spills. He could barely walk then and he was only in his 60's. They had thoughts of making Mongo a jumper too..I'm sure they're glad they didn't.