Racer 1 On The Farm With Jockey Anna Thomas

Photo Gallery I Past Racer 1 Gallery

Jockey Anna Thomas and Murray State's favorite thoroughbred, Racer 1, are ready to run during the Racers' 2017 football season.

Murray State has enjoyed having Racer 1 at its games since 1976.

Thomas, is only the second Murray native to be Racer 1 jockey. Brooklyn Hjerpe was the first in 2013.

"I feel honored because I know this is a very big part of Murray State University tradition," said Thomas, who is a senior equine management major. "So being able to do this is very special to me. When I was a freshman, I watched the Racer 1 jockey for the first time and thought that I wanted to do that and would work hard for it and now here I am. I'm excited to be able to share the experience with our fans."

When the Racers hit the field Thursday and that first MSU touchdown occurs, will Anna have some butterflies as she Racer 1 take off?

"Definitely I'll be a little nervous," she said. "Racer 1 knows more than me actually, because he's already done this. Down there on the track, I am sure it's a 35769

lot different than sitting in the stands. But over the summer Racer 1 and I have spent a lot of time together and he's going to help me and I'm going to help him on game day. We can't wait."

Racer fans get their first chance to see Racer 1 Thursday when Murray State opens the season at Roy Stewart Stadium at 6 p.m. against Kentucky Wesleyan.

This particular Racer 1, is actually named Lobo. The horse was purchased by Murray State a few years ago. Since 1985, each horse that has run at Racer Football has held the name. Many MSU students have cherished the thought of being the jockey.

The first horse to run in 1976 was Violet Cactus, a beautiful gray mare. She is buried just inside northwest wall at Stewart Stadium. A plaque on the stadium wall tells the story of the first Racer 1.

The Racers have six home games in 2017. After the Kentucky Wesleyan game Thursday, the Racers host Central Arkansas (Sept. 9), before MSU Family Weekend (Sept. 23) when the Heritage Bank Battle of the Border renews when Austin Peay comes to town. After Eastern Illinois visits (Oct. 14), Eastern Kentucky is at the stadium (Oct. 28) for homecoming. The final home game of the season is against Tennessee Tech (Nov. 11).

Murray State University Athletics

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