Danish rider Michelle M?nster aboard Si Capisco at Melton.
DENMARK’S Michelle Mønster upstaged French rider Benjamin Aubron in the Alan Mance Holden Monte at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
Riding 10-year-old trotter Si Capisco, Mønster always looked to have the race on her terms after taking her mount to an early lead.
Mønster, whose father Knud drove a winner in the drivers’ invitation trot on Saturday night, was challenged by Aubron aboard Si Capisco’s stablemate Illawong Moonshine a couple of times in the run, but each time the Danish hoop was able to guide Si Capisco up another notch.
At the home corner it became evident Mønster and Si Capisco weren’t going to be rolled and they cleared out for an impressive 13.1-metre win.
Aubron finished second aboard Illawong Moonshine, with third placegetter Mosquito Spur the first Australian rider over the line with Emma Hamblin taking the reins.
Trainer Jodi Quinlan trained the first three horses over the line in the Monte.
Monte races are trotting events run without sulkies and with riders instead of drivers.
Since their inception in Victoria the quality of the races has improved dramatically and the local riders are getting the hang of them.
Monte racing is extremely popular abroad, especially in Europe and Scandinavia.
The publicity received for Mønster’s Monte win was invaluable, the exposure thrusting Victorian harness racing on to the world stage.
“That was amazing!! Ride a winner in Australia!! Thanks to Jodi Quinlan and Si Capisco!! #finntack” Tweeted Mønster after the win.
>> Watch a replay of the Alan Mance Holden Monte won by Si Capisco and Michelle Mønster.
