When Marty Megatron stepped onto the track at The Meadows on Tuesday afternoon (September 22) he carried the hopes of his owner Don Tiger. However, Tiger’s desire for the horse to win took on a different meaning this week, as he was donating the horse’s purse earnings to the family of horseman Brad Hanners, who passed away earlier in the week.
“I decided that 100% of Marty’s net earnings that day will go to Brad’s wife and their kids,” said Tiger.
He was inspired by what he saw at Scioto Downs on their sire stake championship night, as horsemen gathered to support the Hanners family. Rather than just make a cash donation, Tiger decided to let his horse determine things. “Racing is what we love. If it was me, I know I would want a horse to go to the gate for me.”
There was no guarantee that Marty Megatron, who races for trainer Tim Twaddle, would get a check in the $6,200 race. Despite leading much of the mile, the horse faded out of the money. Tiger, however, made a guarantee, vowing a minimum of $250 would be sent to the family if the horse finishes out of the money.
Tiger added, “I never knew Brad. I met his grandmother once in the grandstand at The Meadows years ago. I just think that horsemen top to bottom need to help out other horsemen.”
Tiger and Marty Megatron certainly did their part.
The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association will accept donations for the Hanners Family at the MSOA office located on the backstretch at The Meadows. Checks can be made payable to the Hanners Fund.
