As a result of a snafu with paperwork, Mark McKelvie will not be in the announcer's booth for the two-week Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile that gets underway on Thursday, Sept. 28. The Red Mile had announced in May that McKelvie would take the place of Hall of Famer Sam McKee, who died in early March.
McKelvie, the communications director for the Standardbred meets at Mohawk and Woodbine Racetracks, told harnessracing.com on Tuesday that he and Red Mile officials only recently learned that his paperwork would be delayed.
McKelvie said that while the approved paperwork is expected soon, it won't happen in time for the Grand Circuit stop at the historic racetrack in Lexington, Ky.
"I'm really disappointed that I won't be able to take part in this year's Grand Circuit meet," said McKelvie. "There is nothing better than The Red Mile in the fall. Unfortunately, sometimes things are out of your hands, but I know there will be more opportunities down the road and wish The Red Mile the best of luck with this year's meet."
With McKelvie sidelined, regular Red Mile announcer Gabe Prewitt will continue in that role for the Grand Circuit meet. Prewitt had planned on moving down trackside to conduct pre-race and winner's circle interviews during the race cards.
Red Mile co-owner George Segal expressed disappointment to harnessracing.com that McKelvie won't be able to announce this year's Grand Circuit meet. Siegel stressed he fully expects the 24-year old, who fills in occasionally as announcer at Woodbine and Mohawk and regularly calls qualifiers, to be at The Red Mile in 2018.
(with files from harnessracing.com)