Trot Monte, Racing Under Saddle "RUS"

Monte Americais an organization of standardbred horse racing and breeding participants and fans of Racing under Saddle   ("Trot Monte") in North America. Monte racingin an exciting part of international standardbred racing and is conducted daily at most european tracks as part of their regular pari-mutuel wagering programs. Trot Monte,  Racing under Saddle in North America The world's most lucrative monte trotting race is the Prix de Cornulier held one week prior to the Prix d'Amerique at Hippodome Paris-Vincennes, aptly labeled the "Temple of Trot".

The Prix de Cornulier winner earns an automatic invitation to the Prix d'Amerique. Interest in Racing under Saddle has been renewed in North America under the leadership of Helene Gregory and a group of active harness racing industry participants including track operators, officials, owners, breeders, trainers and sponsors.

In the 2012 season 13 monte races were conducted in the United States at ten venues, two each at Goshen's Historic Track, Tioga Downs, Indiana Downs (one on turf course) and at the New Meadowlands and one each at The Meadows, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Freehold Raceway, Lexington's Red Mile and Vernon Downs. There were two monte events (uncharted) held in Ontario, Canada as well. 41 riders, 45 trainers and 46 horses participated in the 2012 racing program. Monte America thanks each track and their management teams for supporting Racing under Saddle.

The full 2013 schedule will be released shortly. The New Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society have announced a new series for Monte/RUS participants that is more fully described in this site (under Events). We encourage your participation in this series and also your sponsorhip. Monte America organizer Helene Gregory received the United States Harness Writers Association's Presidents Award at its Dan Patch Awards Banquet on March 3rd. Jenny Melander, a leading monte rider in the U.S. was recently an invitee to participate in Australia's Great Southern Star monte contest in Melbourne, Australia on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Nicole Marsing of Denmark joined Jenny and represent Europe.

Trot Monte Racing Records
The U.S. record for Trot Monte was set in 1998 by Moni Maker ridden by Julie Krone in a time trial, at Lexington's Red Mile, timed in 1:54.1 over the mile distance. The world race record is held in Europe by Prince de Montfort in 1:53.2 over the mile distance at Solvalla on Ellitoppet Day 2010. The North American race record of 1:57.1 was established August 4, 2012 by Master Pine (Helene Gregory) at the New Meadowlands.

Contact us for more information about Trot Monte racing or Racing under Saddle.