by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — There seems to be considerable interest in Monticello Raceway’s Battle of the Brain Trusts II, a unique non-wagering one-mile race which is open to executives and to others whose decisions help guide the fortunes of their organizations.

Geri Schwarz photo

Former Monticello Casino & Raceway President & CEO, Dave Hanlon, won the inaugural Battle of the Brain Trusts.

The initial “Battle” was presented on July 3, 2008 and was won by then Monticello Casino & Raceway President and CEO, Dave Hanlon, when he guided a pacer named M I Nasty to a 2:07.1 victory. That afternoon Hanlon defeated Tom Charters, President and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, Jason Settlemoir, Vice President of Racing at both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, and John Hensley, Vice President of Racing at Dover Downs.

Hanlon has since moved on so Shawn Wiles, the track’s Assistant General Manager and USTA Director, will represent the Mighty M in the contest this year. Wiles was instrumental in training Hanlon to drive a harness horse and he was definitely pleased in the outcome of the race.

“I wouldn’t say we needed Mr. Hanlon to win (the race that year) but when he did it sure made life a lot easier for me and (track publicist John) Manzi,” Wiles joked. “Now that I’ll be in the driver’s seat I’m already starting to feel the pressure to duplicate Mr. Hanlon’s accomplishment.”

According to Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing, he also has confirmation from some of the other participants in Brain Trust I — Jason Settlemoir, John Hensley and Tom Charters.

Charters, who finished second to Hanlon in 2008 with Crackin’ Good, felt he could have won the race if he urged his pacer a tad more.

“I didn’t want to beat the hometown hero and wear out my welcome but I believe I could have won the race had I gotten after my horse a little more in the deep stretch,” Charters said. “However, this year I’ll show no mercy.”

Get ready Charters because the Battle of the Brain Trusts II is slated for Monday afternoon, August 16, at Monticello Raceway. The race will again be contested in jog carts without the use of whips.

At this time Warner is seeking other drivers to compete in the Battle of the Brain Trusts II.

“I would like any interested participant to contact our publicity director John Manzi for further information,” Warner added. “He can be reached in his office by calling 845-794-4100, ex: 455.”