Moni Market Breeders announced today that it recently purchased a stake in one of Europe's top trotting mares.

Four-year-old trotting mare Pearl Axe was bought into by Moni Market Breeders, a collaboration between Preferred Equine Marketing and Lindy Farms, earlier this year. Pearl Axe solidified her position as the top trotting filly in Italy when she was officially named “La Regina” (the Queen) of Italian racing.

She earned her crown by winning the most prestigious races in her class. Her victories included the Italian Derby Oaks, The Marangoni, and the Three-Year-Old Mare Championship (Italy’s version of the Breeders Crown).

Born from the international success of the original “Queen of Trotting” Moni Maker, Moni Market Breeders has embraced the international racing world seeking to combine the best of both European and American racing.

Working together with Angelo Cardin, Moni Market's purchase of Pearl Axe provided a unique opportunity to buy into one of the best trotters in Europe with a pedigree rich with the best of European and American blood. Pearl Axe is by the top European stallion Love You, whose son Royal Dream just won the Prix d’Amerique.

Her maternal side is just as impressive; her stakes winning dam Griffe du Chef is by Muscles Yankee out of a unique maternal line that incorporates both American and French blood, tracing to Armbro Devona.

Pearl Axe will remain in the stable of her trainer Jerry Riordan to be campaigned in Europe in 2013. Marco Folli of the leading breeding outfit in Italy–Allevamento Folli–an original owner of Pearl Axe, will remain a partner and will join Moni Market Breeders in their transcontinental efforts.

“All of us are very excited to race and later breed another European Queen,” said Reid.

(Moni Market Breeders)