from RUS America

East Rutherford, NJ — On Saturday (Nov. 5) evening, Modest Prince, a 6-year-old altered son of RC Royalty, set a new track and North American record for racing under saddle with a 1:56.3 victory in the $6,500 RUS America Trot at Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment.

In setting the new North America record, Modest Prince shaved three-fifths of a second off the old 1:57.1 mark which was set by Master Prince on Hambletonian Day in 2012.

On paper, the race looked to be a two-horse affair with Hyway Marcus (Maria Buchanan) being the main threat but that matchup was eliminated when Hyway Marcus went off-stride at the start.

Modest Prince took the lead quickly and reached the first station in a brisk :27.2. From that point on, it was a race for second as rider Helene Gregory sought to reign in the eventual winner, slowing the second quarter down to reach the half in :56.4. Modest Prince then completed the mile with a three-quarter time of 1:26.3, before stopping the timer in 1:56.3.

Hyway Marcus recovered from his early miscue to go from last, making up sufficient ground to be in a photo for the place spot with Funny Photo (Sophie Engerran) besting him by a half-length. The judges disqualified Hyway Marcus from third to last for violation of the breaking rule. Bosak (Vanessa Karlewicz) was in a tight photo of his own for fourth with My Friend Charlie (Andrea Pratt) before being elevated to third.

The RUS America season concludes on Tuesday (Nov. 15) when racing under saddle will be contested at Rosecroft Raceway.