Just a few
days ago the Mighty M received a call from Jerry Murkerson who said he’d love
to compete in the race.
“I’m the
City Manager of Hawkinsville, Ga. and as such I am in charge of the training
center which is the winter home to more than 250 harness racing horses and we
have an annual festival which features qualifying and matinee races,” Murkerson
explained of his qualifications for entry in the Brain Trusts race.
Murkerson
was reminded that Hawkinsville, Georgia is a long way from Monticello, NY to
which he replied: “ I know it is but I’d really love to drive in
that race.”
With the
addition of Murkerson the Mighty M will now have four competitors; just the
amount that has been sought after for the race.
Murkerson will join Monticello
Raceway’s Assistant GM Shawn Wiles; The Meadowlands, GM Jason
Settlemoir; and Dover Downs’, VP of harness racing, John Hensley.
Still, one
problem remains and that is setting a date that would be compatible to all.
“Tentatively
we’ll schedule the Battle of the Brain Trusts (III) here at Monticello Raceway
on either Monday July 29 or Tuesday, July 30,” Shawn Wiles said. “But then
again that date must fit the schedules of the competitors.
“And
everyone (in the race) has had varying amounts of experience driving a
harness horse so we’ll go with it then, or any date that everyone is
available.”
The
entrants will compete in jog carts without the use of whips and race over
the usual one mile distance.
Twice
previously Monticello Raceway has hosted events for race track executives and
with good success.
Like the
previous contests ,the Battle of the Brain Trusts III will be a
non-wagering one mile race which is only open to CEO’s, track presidents,
track VP’s , general managers, assistant general managers and any others whose
decision makings help guide the fortunes of their racing oriented establishments.
