WHAT have Wayne Lordan, Norman Williamson and Christophe Soumillon got in common?

Answer: They have all ridden winners in a ‘trotting’ race.

In September, The Irish Field carried a report on the first monté race of the season at Portmarnock. The piece caused some surprise in certain quarters as the uninitiated sometimes think that Trotteurs Français and standardbreds are never ridden.

Far from it, ‘monté’ accounts for 25% of all races in France. Saddle races have long been a feature of the racing in Wales and West Cork. The foundation sire Hurricane was said to be better under saddle than when yoked.

In France they race trotters only (as opposed to pacers). The crème de la crème (to keep things in the correct tone) of ridden French trotters aim for the Group 1 Prix de Cornulier at Vincennes, in Paris in January every year.

The 2.7km (a mile and five furlongs) contest is worth a cool €700,000 and was won in 2017 by Belissima France with Matthew Abrivard who also drives in the sulky, when the occasion demands.

Trotting in France is worth a massive €6 billion to the exchequer with combined annual purses of €230 million. Many trainers race both breeds.

The renowned Wildenstein family were leading owners at both Longchamp and Vincennes.

The sport in Ireland has made huge strides in recent years, thanks in no small part to a tie-up with Le Trot, the French promotional arm. The prize money for harness races is now routinely on the right side of €1,500 per race, and the top three-year-olds qualify for a €30,000 race.

2018 will see the introduction of a specific ‘monté ‘ series. The IHRA would like to attract some thoroughbred owners or trainers to the sport, and the ‘monté’ aspect could be a simple inroad.

Amongst the advantages of a Trotteur Français horse are:

  • This breed reach race fitness relatively quickly
  • They can race frequently – 16 or 17 runs in a season is commonplace
  • A horse of racing age can be purchased for around €3,000 as part of Le Trot scheme
  • Sound and durable – can race from three-year-old to 11 or 12
  • Placid temperament – most do not require an experienced handler
  • Can be trained on the same gallop and with the same type of saddle as a thoroughbred
  • Races are a great introduction to race riding for young people
  • After racing career, horses can be schooled for hacking, show jumping and even dressage

    • With trotting yards throughout the four provinces of Ireland, your local trainer would be happy to let you ride out a horse any morning.

    For further advice on getting involved, ring 087 7804451 or 087 6348862.