Ladies will take centre stage at Monticello Raceway on Monday, May 13 when the track presents its 11th edition of the Lady Godiva, a race exclusively for the female drivers. The race will be the fourth leg of the 'Mighty M’s Heritage Drivers Series 2013.
In what has become a race that is increasingly hard to fill, the track's director of racing, Eric Warner, did however get a field together to continue a race exclusively for the women.
“We had to reach out for ladies from out of town and to have enough drivers for the race,” Warner said. “Many will be coming from a long distance, too, and to them and all the others for that matter, I say a big thank you for helping us keep this ladies' race going.”
Defending champ and two-time Lady Godiva race winner Lisa Krom drew 9-2 rated Sittinthemorninsun and will have to start from Post 8.
The favourite’s role goes to Jody Riedel, another two-time Lady Godiva winner (2003 and 2006). She’ll handle Lightning Madison (5-2) from the pole position. Second choice belongs to Dr. Karyn Malinowski, who’ll drive Zoes Turn (3-1) from Post 6.
Previous race winner Charlene 'Sherry' Cushing --- she won in 2005 as Sherry Urquidez --- has been the leading female driver in Maine over the last years and has recorded 276 lifetime winning drives. She’ll handle 7-2 shot Winbak Bunny from Post 7.
Terry Donnelly, who won the second edition of this race in 2004, has drawn 8-1 rated Taras Best.
In last year’s Lady Godiva, Whitney Goodblood finished second to Lisa Krom. Goodblood will be looking for victory when she drives Mary Lou (8-1) from Post 2. Local gal Veronica Merton --- sister of Greg and Mike Merton --- has a decent chance to win when she drives the 4-1 rated Now It Begins.
Monica Thors will be making her first start in the Lady Godiva. Although Thors hasn’t driven in a few years, she decided to join the fray to help keep the lady drivers' race going.
An outstanding photographer and now a videographer, Thors is producing and directing a documentary named ‘I Am A Harness Racing Horse.’ She and a crew will come to film the race and interview some of the drivers before and after the event.
Both driving assignments and post positions for the Lady Godiva were drawn by lot. The winner will represent the gentler sex in the series finale dubbed the All-America Cup.
The Lady Godiva will be the sixth race on the 11-race card on Monday, May 13. Approximate post time for the race is 2:30 p.m.
(With files from Monticello)