by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — When Monticello Raceway presents its 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace, a race which will feature the talents of African-American drivers on Monday afternoon (Jan. 17), last year’s champ, George Polk, Jr., will be back to defend his title.

Geri Schwarz photo

George Polk, Jr. won last year’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pace with Anna Sage in 2:03.

On Jan. 18, 2010, the Dover, Del. resident guided Anna Sage to a 2:03 victory in the 10th annual Dr. King Memorial event and he’s champing at the bit to return to the Mighty M for this year’s contest.

But when the horses line-up behind the mobile starting gate on Jan. 17, Polk won’t be the only former champion back in action. Also slated to participate is longtime Mighty M veteran Cedric Washington, a lifetime winner of 1,795 races who not only won the inaugural Dr. King Pace back in 2001 with Cran Meadow Kalie (2:02.3), but he also copped the third edition two years later with longshot Fancy GB in 2:06.

And Cedric’s dad, General “Bubba” Washington, Jr., who won the race in 2005 with Jazz ZZ in 2:06.1, will also have a mount in this year’s contest.

Also slated to return are former champs Don Simmonds, who won the Dr. King Pace in 2007 with Quick Yankee in 2:02.2 and Dennis Watson, who got BJ’s Jetstream home first in 2:00 — the event record — during the 2008 campaign.

According to Eric Warner, the track’s Director of Racing, he has also heard from “Yogi” Sheridan, James O’Farrow, Bobby Williams, Jr., Ceba Horsey, Nathaniel Sheridan, George Ramos and Dalio Simmons.

“Unfortunately we won’t be able to accommodate everyone so I hope those who get omitted will understand our plight,” Warner added.