Conroy finds no reason for Sulky at Bendigo

9 March 2012 - Gifted reinswoman Anne Maree Conroy is getting back in the saddle at Bendigo on Saturday night. Conroy can count careers in journalism, breeding and form analysis among her many contributions to the sport. But it is her heritage as an endurance rider that will best prepare the Daylesford native for heat one of an open class Monte series at Lords Raceway. Popular in Europe, Monte races feature squaregaiters ridden to saddle and are fast making a return as part of a renewed focus on trotting in Victoria. "It's been a while since I rode, so I've had to get the muscles working again to get ready for these races," Conroy said with a laugh. "I was lucky enough to win an exhibition Monte on Ballarat Cup night on Optimum, the same horse I'm riding at Bendigo, so hopefully we can make it two for two. "I was an endurance rider for 20 years and it's great to get back in the saddle and showcase the versatility of both the breed and the drivers for people who haven't seen a Monte before." Part of a Victorian standardbred dynasty, Conroy will face off against one family member in older brother Glenn. It's almost 30 years since Glenn claimed his own Monte success at Moonee Valley and with the tally tied at one win apiece, the Conroys will be riding for bragging rights at Bendigo. Regardless of the result, the interest in ridden races should ensure the Monte remains a fixture of the harness scene beyond the series' March 23 final at Melton. "The Monte trials they've had at Tabcorp Park have generated a lot of interest and it's wonderful to hear people talking about them," Conroy said. "As for any sibling rivalry, Glenn and I will both be hoping the other goes well but we're pretty fierce competitors so while it'll be plenty of fun, we both really want to win." - Jason Bonnington