from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Swedish champion Sebastian K, who dazzled North American racing fans with his wins in the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial at the Meadowlands, has been named Horse of the Month for May by the United States Trotting Association.

The 8-year-old son of Korean-Gabriella K is owned by Knutsson Trotting Inc. and is trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt. His two victories in May at the Meadowlands were worth $107,500 in purses, which lifted his career totals to nearly $2.4 million.

Jason Lisa/Lisa photo

Sebastian K had a memorable North American debut as he equaled the all-age world record of 1:50.1 for trotters on a mile track.

Sebastian K made his debut on American soil in the $40,000 Cutler Memorial eliminations on May 10 with Svanstedt in the bike and the result was a world record equaling and Meadowlands track record 1:50.1 that was accomplished with remarkable ease.

Prepped with a single qualifier after being away from racing for eight months, Sebastian K got away third for Svanstedt through the early fractions of :26.4 and :55.1, then was edged out to challenge early leader Modern Family around the final turn.

As they straightened up, Sebastian K forged past that one and moved clear with nary a nudge from his driver to equal the all-age world record on a mile track and reduce the Meadowlands track record for older trotting horses of 1:51 set by Misterizi back in 2008.

Sebastian K added to his lore with another convincing win in the $175,000 Cutler Memorial final at the Meadowlands on May 17 in 1:50.2.

Approaching the final bend Sebastian K was flushed out of the pocket, trotting alongside Modern Family and they raced as a team past the 1:22.4 three-quarters. By mid-stretch he was edging by that rival on his way to a 1-1/2 length win in a stakes record 1:50.2. Modern Family held well to be second while Sevruga followed up close throughout and was third.