by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — When Monticello Raceway presents its 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace, a race which will feature the talents of African-American drivers on Tuesday afternoon, January 17, last year’s champ, Cedric Washington, will be back to defend his title.

On January 17, 2011, the Mighty M reinsman scored his third victory in the Dr. King Pace when the he reined Blissfull Doll to a 2:02 victory in the 11th annual Dr. King Memorial event. Washington, a lifetime winner of 1,807 races, was also victorious with Cran Meadow Kalie (2:02.3) in the initial contest in 2001 and then won the 2003 edition with Fancy BG in 2:06.

But when the horses line up behind the mobile starting gate on January 17, Washington won’t be the only former champion back in action. Also slated to participate is Cedric’s dad and longtime Mighty M veteran, General “Bubba” Washington, who won the 2005 Dr. King Pace with Jazz ZZ in 2:06.1. And George Polk, Jr., who was victorious in 2010 behind Anna Sage in a 2:03 clocking, has also promised to return.

“Although we haven’t heard from them yet, former champs Donald Simmonds and Dennis Watson, both annual participants in the Dr. King Paces, will hopefully be back to compete again this year,” said Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing.

Simmonds won the 2007 event with Quick Yankee in 2:02.2 and Watson got BJ’s Jetstream home first in 2:00 — the event record — during the 2008 campaign.

However, Warner will still need eight drivers to have a full field in the Dr. King Pace. Any driver of African-American heritage who is interested in competing in this year’s event is urged to contact Warner in the racing office at 845.794.4100, ext. 557; or they can contact the publicity department at ext. 455.