Harness: Melady's Monet to pass on Elitlopp

Melady’s Monet, who has won five of seven starts this year at the Meadowlands, was under consideration for an invitation to May’s Elitloppet in Sweden, but trainer Kevin McDermott on Monday informed race organizers that the 6-year-old trotter would not be sent overseas.

A homebred son of Revenue S out of the mare Keystone Melady, Melady’s Monet won his third consecutive Open Handicap on Friday night at the Meadowlands. He has earned $75,025 this year for owner Melady Enterprises and has a career mark of 1:52, which he set last November at the Big M.

Over his most recent 18 races, Melady’s Monet has won 10 times while also posting five second-place finishes during that span. For his career, the horse has 27 wins in 93 starts and earnings of $466,458.

“The horse has major tie-up issues,” said McDermott, who is based in New Jersey. “The owners have decided to stay at home for the welfare of the horse, and I agree with the decision. It would have been the greatest honor in the world to go to the race, but it would be too tough on him.

“I e-mailed (race promoter) Klaus Koch this morning and told him of the decision. He has been nothing but a gentleman throughout this process and he gave us until the end of April to let him know if we change our minds.”

Elitloppet 2015 is scheduled for May 31 at Solvalla Raceway. Last year’s winner Timoko was the first horse to be extended an invitation and accept, according to the event’s website. He will be joined by 15 other invited horses for the race, which contests eliminations and the final on the same day.

-Courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, please visit www.ustrotting.com