Monmouth's Marketing Manager Plans Mongolian Adventure

Online, November 7, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Sophia Mangalee, marketing manager at Monmouth Park, has been accepted to ride in the 2011 Mongol Derby, the world's longest horse race. The 27-year-old Mangalee is one of just 25 international riders selected to compete in the 1,000 kilometer race (630 miles) across Outer Mongolia.

The third running of the Mongol Derby covers 10 days from August 6-16 in 2011. The course across the steppes of Outer Mongolia is based on the legendary postal system of Ghengis Khan, using a system of horse-changing stations every 40 kilometers.

Horses used in the Derby are the semi-wild Mongolian horses, who trace their heritage to the original equus that roamed the steppes. The horses were renowned for their surefootedness and hardiness, and are central to Mongolian culture and myth. Horses outnumber people 7 to 1 in Mongolia.

The race is a test of horsemanship, extreme endurance and survival. Riders carry only 11 pounds of gear and a GPS to make their way across the vast steppe.

The entry fee and expenses for the Mongol Derby total $15,000, and because the race also champions local charities, each rider is required to raise a minimum of $1,000 for a charity benefitting the Mongolian people. Mangalee said she has already raised $2,000 for the charity.

Mangalee, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona, is an experienced horsewoman. She was born and raised in the state of Washington.

Since coming to Monmouth in 2006, Mangalee has been a key member of the marketing staff, including helping organize the 2007 Breeders' Cup Volunteer Program and authoring the 144-page book, Monmouth Park: The Shore's Greatest Stretch.

In addition to her riding, Mangalee is also a runner and has competed in marathons as diverse as the 2009 Barcelona Marathon, and the 2010 Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati.

She said her inspiration to try the Mongol Derby stems from a poem she loved as a girl, titled "Ride a Wild Horse," by Hannah Kahn. The poem:
"Ride a wild horse/With purple wings/Striped yellow and black/Except his head/Which must be red.
"Ride a wild horse/Against the sky --/Hold tight to his wings/Before you die.
"Whatever else/ You leave undone/Once/ Ride a wild horse/Into the sun."

Further information on the race and Mangalee's participation can be had by contacting her at 732-947-2200, or emailing [email protected]. You can follow her adventure at www.mongolderbyrider.com.