Leading Western New York harness racing driver Drew Monti is heading east to Massachusetts to become a regular in the driving colony at Plainridge Park.
Monti, who started driving at the age of 18, has put up some impressive numbers in his seven years campaigning at just about every track in New York State. From 8,427 lifetime starts he has 1,334 wins, 1,211 seconds and 1,179 thirds, has earned $7.7 million in purses and with a career Universal Driver Rating (UDR) of .300.
During his short career in Western New York, Monti has already won two dash driving titles at Batavia Downs in 2016 and 2018 and one at Buffalo Raceway, also in 2018.
However this is not Monti's first foray outside of his home state to compete.
In the winter of 2017 the now 24-year-old headed to the Meadowlands and drove 163 starts that yielded 18 wins, 22 seconds and 18 thirds that earned his horse's connections $193,675 in purses over the seven weeks he spent there.
In January of 2019, Monti went to Miami Valley to compete against 30 of the sport's top reinsmen in the North American Drivers Championship and finished a close third behind winner Dan Noble and Brett Miller.
Monti has gotten support from several stables upon hearing of his move to the Ridge and one of them is Lindy Farms.
The President of Lindy Farms, Frank M. Antonacci has said that Lindy will support Drew’s move to Plainridge with drives from their stable. That in part is why Monti decided to come to Plainville, Mass.
“I had been watching Drew drive for the past couple years and know the ability he has. I think coming to Plainridge is going to help move his career forward and provide him the opportunity to drive stakes horses both here and beyond,” said Antonacci.
“Talent got him to where he is today and he seems like a good young man with a bright future. I look forward to having him drive for us.”
A 2016 graduate of Canisius College with a degree in finance, Monti recognized the opportunities ahead of him at Plainridge Park and felt it was a good time to make the move.
"I had heard a lot of good things about Plainridge, the people racing there and their great purse structure in place as a result of the state's Horse Racing Development Fund and really look forward to racing there full time. It seems like a great place to compete," said Monti.
"Massachusetts has a fast growing Sire Stake program, one that a lot of people outside the Commonwealth are talking about. I look forward to getting starts there as well and with Lindy Farms support, I am really excited about this opportunity."
Monti has made a few trips to The Ridge this past week and already likes the track, and his four wins in 12 starts are evidence of that.
Photo of Drew Monti courtesy of Steve Roth.
