Charlene & Leo on track to marshall at Monticello

On hand for the opening was Charlene Cushing. Ms. Cushing was the former longtime Marshall at Monticello Raceway, often referred to as the “best outrider in the industry,” and made the eight-hour trek from Farmington, Maine to be on hand for the first race.

Ms. Cushing has made the transition from harness racing to nursing after moving to Maine. She graduated from nursing school a year ago and now works as a nurse in Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington. She is married to Mike Cushing, the President of the Maine Harness Horseman’s Association.

Ironically today marks her 30th anniversary of when she first started as marshall at Monticello Raceway. Ms. Cushing brought her favorite steed to Monticello Raceway for the occasion, Leo Shady Jack a registered quarter horse.