The Breeders Crown finals for 3 and 4-year old fillies and colts took place at Eskilstuna Raceway last Saturday (Nov 5).
First, Kadett C.D. and his trainer Robert Bergh won the final for 4-year old colts and gelding from the lead at 1:58.1.
Then, Nettan Palema and her trainer Åke Svanstedt won the filly division for 4-year old equally unchallenged at 1:59.4.
The same story followed when Akseli Lahtinen took Sören Lennartsson's 3-year old filly, Vincennes, to her 5th victory in 7 entries. She won at 1:59.3.
Nothing really happened until Örjan Kihlström and Stefan Hultman-trained Perfectly Enough speeded down the rest of the field in the final for 3-year old colts. He won at 1:59.0 and just like the rest of the Breeders Crown winners, he was awarded with $149,000.
The nation's largest combination bet, V75, had a day dedicated to its anniversary at Jägersro Raceway on Oct 29. The anniversary race was won by Malin Löfgren-trained Sanity with Johnny Takter in the bike. The Love You stallion won at 1:56.3/1 3/8th miles and added another $75,000 to his $180,000 earnings this year.
CL Müller's Memorial to an Outsider Stefan Hultman's Maharajah was once again a given favorite in the main race, but it was another Hultman-trained horse that managed the triumph. Jörgen Sjunnesson gave Yellow Eden a perfect position further down the field and the horse totally exploded when Sjunnesson gave order on the homestretch. Yarrah Boko in the lead and Maharajah on the outside both looked like bystanders when Yellow Eden attacked further out. He won easily at 1:57.4/1 3/8th miles and added another $75,000.
It was a chilly autumn day at Åby in Gothenburg (Oct 15) when Yarrah Boko with Ulf Ohlsson in the bike won SM from the lead at 1:59.0/1 3/8th miles and banked $90,000. The Swedish breed stallion is trained by the Norweigan trainer Trond Anderssen. The big favorite, Maharajah, fell off stride twice and was never a threat. Instead Noras Bean sprinted furiously on the homestretch and was only beaten by nose.
Finally Dileva Käll The filly division was won by Dileva Käll and Peter Norman. Dileva Käll was among the top 5 fillies as a 3 and 4-year old, but this was her first major triumph. The victory was worth $90,000 and she won at 1:57.2/1 3/8th miles.
Driver Peter Ingves is by no means a rookie. Despite his age (51 years old), he is still Petri Puro’s first lad and one of the best catchdrivers in Sweden. When he drove Pato to a victory in the most prestigious race for 3-year-old colt and geldings, he did it in a confident manner.
New Talent
Pato was the least experienced horse behind the gate. With only four starts and four victories prior to the final, he had banked no more than $27,000. However, the Orlando Vici – She’s My Pie colt was unaware of the circumstances, and did his job in a splendid way. Peter Ingves took a safety start and positioned the colt in the middle of the field. After 1600 meters, Ingves sent Pato three-wide-out, trailing M.T.Golden Boy during the last 1000 meters. Stormysky came to the front in an early stage while On Track Piraten trotted first on the outside. Both colts were beaten when Pato attacked on the home stretch. M.T. Golden Boy finished second and Bon Frecia and Jorma Kontio speeded to the third place.
Petri Puro's New Star?
Pato won the race at 2:00.2/1 5/8 miles and added another $242,000 to his owner and trainer Petri Puro’s bank account. Petri Puro is the man behind Commander Crowe. Earlier this year, Puro sold his shares in the stallion, but his new adept might just as well fill Commander Crowe’s place in the future.
Next Rookie was a She
Sören Lennartsson is a less known trainer from Umåker in the north of Sweden, but he has by all means put his name in the books by now. His untried filly, Vincennes, (by Spotlite Lobell – Lina Trot) only made her fifth entry when she won Swedish Oaks, the filly division of Kriteriet. Vincennes fell off stride shortly after the gate had left them and Akseli Lahtinen placed her among the last horses on the inside. By small margins, he managed to move her three-wide-out in the last bend and the rest is history. The $149,000 in the winner's purse was more than four times her lifetime earnings. But by the look of her, she will be able to do a lot more and she won easily at 1:59.0/1 3/8th miles.
French Rapide Lebel (Ginger Somolli – Koranie des Noes) was magnificent and outstanding when he won Åbys Stora Pris in two consecutive heats at Åby (September 17). Although, there was some drama before the first heat started. First, Rapide Lebel was missing a buxton and then the back of his harness broke in half. The gelding is not very easy to deal with, but luckily the event caused no accidents. Finally, they called the horses behind the gate for the third time, and they took off. Lutfi Kolgjini’s Lavec Kronos with Erik Adielsson in the bike opened quickly behind the gate but let Flemming Jensen and Local Conch to the front. At that time, Rapide Lebel was still three wide out and came up outside of Local Conch after 500 meters. Brioni and Sebastian K were positioned further down, but it was only Sebastian K that could put up a fight in the end. For a short while it seemed like he could challenge Rapide Lebel, but the impression was false and Eric Raffin's gelding won the first heat unchallenged.
Easy Victory
In the second heat, the post positions where the opposite, which meant that Sebastian K had post one instead of eight. Kolgjini had the chance to defend the lead but let it go to Rapide Lebel. Raffin could then slow down the pace and with Local Conch trotting on the outside, the pace stayed low. On the homestretch, Kolgjini could choose to challenge Rapide Lebel on the outside or use one of the two open stretch lanes on the inside. He chose to attack on the outside, but with no use. Rapide Lebel sprinted from the rest of the field and made the Swedish elite look like extras.
Up in the Air
Raffin expressed his happiness when he crossed the finishing line by waving his whip in the air, while Kolgjini throw away his whip in anger. Sebastian K did a good race, but the best horse won both heats, which also made a third heat unnecessary. Rapide Lebel won the heats at 1:52.2 and 1:55.0 as well as the total purse of $150,000.
Yesterday (September 5), the Swedish Trotting Derby for 4-year-old horses took place. This year, there was a female contestant among the twelve behind the gate. Tamla Celeber has been a dominant in the filly divisions and trainer Roger Walmann wanted to race her against the colts and geldings. Other top fillies like Ina Scot and Hilda Zonett have previously managed the task and when Tamla Celeber won her qualification heat ten days ago, Walmann had no need to regret his decision. Otherwise, the qualification heats were all about trainer Timo Nurmos whose horses managed to win four of six heats! The final was also a show á la Nurmos, but the winner was partly overshadowed by an accident on the homestretch.
Three Times Nurmos
Timo Nurmos’ Aga Kahn Boko took over the lead from Nurmos’ Amuro Boko with Ulf Ohlsson in the bike, after 600 meters. Erik Adielsson was in the lead and could slow down the pace a little. However, Torbjörn Jansson was awake and sent Nurmos’ third horse Beau Mec up outside of Aga Kahn Boko. With a mile left of the race, there were three Nurmos-trained horses among the first three while the forth Jackpot Brodde with Björn Goop was further down in the second lane. The only filly Tamla Celeber got a position on the inside, trailing Amuro Boko. Coming on the homestretch, Örjan Kihlström moved Tamla Celeber into an opening in the second lane, and by then she had a good speed to give. However, Ulf Ohlsson moved Amuro Boko to the same spot, and forced Tamla Celeber into a break – he was very close to cause a severe accident. Ohlsson was fined, but Amuro Boko’s owner could bank the $30,000, which most certainly Tamla Celeber would have gained if she had not been run over. Beau Mec did a fantastic race outside the leader and defended his position all they way to the finishing line. Far out, Johnny Takter and Johan Lejon trained Deuxieme Picsous sprinted well to the second place while Aga Kahn Boko was beaten by half a length.
Nurmos’ Weekend
Nurmos’ first driver Jorma Kontio was suspended from driving the finals, due to a new legislation, which makes no exceptions for drivers to compete in any race if they have been suspended for improper driving. However, Jorma Kontio was able to win the Finnish Trotting Derby the day before with Timo Nurmos-trained Seabiscuit while another Nurmos-trained horse finished second. Altogether, Timo Nurmos won both the Swedish and Finnish Trotting Derbys and finished second in the Finnish as well third and fourth in the Swedish. His horses banked more than $600,000 in two days. The winner is sired by sire Jag de Bellouet and dam Extreme Lady. Beau Mec won at 1.13,6/2640 meters (1:58.2/1 5/8 miles) and it was his 5th victory in 17 lifetime starts. The purse of $250,000 to the winner was more than four times his previous earnings.
The Filly Division
When Roger Walmann chose to compete Tamla Celeber against the colts and geldings, Åke Svanstedt could quite easily win the Filly Division of the Derby with Nettan Palema. Lutfi Kolgjini took over the lead with Knowledge Face in an early stage while Svanstedt and Nettan Palema for a long time were the second pair on the outside. Svanstedt sent Nettan Palema three wide out 600 meters left to go and came up outside of Svanstedt’s second horse Popcorn Lavec who trotted first on the outside during the whole race. Nettan Palema could quite easily unarm Knowledge Face and Popcorn Lavec but threats came from behind. The finishing line saved Nettan Palema from Cruise Speed with Björn Goop in the bike. Domino Sund and Popcorn Lavec finished third and fourth, but the purse of $110,000 belonged to Nettan Palema and Åke Svanstedt.
Joke Face shows class, strength and winning spirit and with Erik Adielsson in the bike, he does everything right. Sundsvall Open Trot (August 27) was wide open on beforehand and with several of the Elitlopp contestants behind the gate, it was set to be a real battle.
Three Wide Out – Again and Again
Although Joke Face was one of the favorites, he got nothing for free and it was not until after they had reached 500 meters he got a position in the second lane. Right after, Beanie M.M. came up outside of Iceland in the lead. By then, Iceland had opened the first 500 meters at 1.10,3/2140 meters (1:53.1/1 3/8 miles). With 900 meters left to go, Ulf Ohlsson attacked with Yarro Boko and forced Joke Face three wide out again. Beanie M.M. looked like a winner when they reached the homestretch, but Iceland fought his way back in the game while Joke Face was still three wide out. However, both horse and driver knew when and where they sign the cheque. With the smallest effort, Adielsson managed to get the most out of his colt and when they reached the finishing line, Joke Face was once again a winner. He won the $155,000 at 1:55.2. Iceland finished second and Noras Bean sprinted in as no. 3.
French Blood, French Style
Joke Face is a pure Kolgjini product. Trained by Lutfi and his de facto Anna Svensson and breed by the same couple. The constellation Joke Face/Erik Adielsson won the Derby last year and since then, Joke Face had belonged in the absolute elite. He has met the best a few times already, but the victory in Sundsvall Open Trot was his biggest so far this year. Sire Viking Kronos was Kolgjini’s super star and the dam Kalmie Melody (e. Full Account) is a French product, whose blood also seems to be inherited to Joke Face who has a characteristic and typical French look.
Today, August 20, the $125,000 E3 final over 1640 meters for 3-year-old colts and geldings was contested on Romme raceway in Borlänge. Due to some trouble before the start, the start had to be recalled twice before Tomas Uhrberg and Tomas Malmquist trained Rusty Dust could get to the lead. As usually, Lutfi Kolgjini sent his horse to the front, this time Orion Kronos, and opened the first quarter below 1:50. Kolgjni’s second horse Obey Kronos came up on the outside and the pace was continuously high. After three quarters, Ulf Ohlsson attacked with Labero Broline and came immediately up outside Orion Kronos. Labero Broline left the rest of the contestants with several horse lengths and won at 1:55.4. The Pine Chip – Ambro Natural offspring has 6 wins in 16 lifetime starts and more than doubled his bank account after the victory. Prawns finished second and Vulcan Brick speeded to the third place.
An E3 Specialist
This was trainer Svante Båth’s 8th victory in the E3 finals. Båth has primarily dominated the open division and his reputation as being a great trainer of 2 and 3-year-olds has once again been validated.
Family Triumph
The filly division was raced yesterday, and father and son Untersteiner were the happy winners. Trainer Peter Untersteiner had qualified two horses to the final and choose Pomana Wibb whereas his son Johan Untersteiner sat in the bike behind Mermaid Ås. Pomana Wibb fell off stride they were about to overtake the lead from Loulou Bob and instead, Johan sent Mermaid Ås to the front. Electra Sund was the first horse on the outside but she was never head to head with Mermaid Ås. When Johan Untersteiner increased the pace in the last curve, no one could follow and they took an outstanding victory, winning the $125,000 race at 1:56.0. Brittania speeded well behind and Electra Sund finished third.
Born to be a Super Talent
Mermaid Ås (e. Broadway Hall – Superlou Ås) was breed by Blädinge Ås Stuteri. The man behind the stud farm, Jan-Erik Magnusson, is one of the men who bought Mack Lobell to Sweden. The dam, Superlou Ås (e. Super Bowl) was an excellent filly herself that finished second in the E3 final over 2140 meters and then followed up winning Guldstoet in 2000.
A New Dominant?
Altogether, Johan Untersteiner had a good work weekend since he also finished second with Prawns in the open E3 final. By the age of 27, he is already an experienced driver. One of his major victories came with Giant Diablo on The Red Mile in Lexington in October 2007 when he was setting a new world record at 1:50.1. Being trainer Roger Walmann’s first lad means he gets all opportunities to drive good horses – something he also manage in the best way possible.
The $158,000 Jubileumspokalen, for 5-year-old trotters only, was contested on Solvalla (August 17) a sunny Wednesday night. And it was a real fight until the last inch. Express Type with Björn Goop in the bike sprinted to the lead, whilst Prince Tagg and Ralf Karlstedt were trailing. 800 meters in the race, Lutfi Kolgjini sent Sebastian K up on the outside of Express Type and kept the pace high. Kolgjini took over when they we coming on the homestretch, but then Ralf Karlstedt also sent Prince Tagg three wide out. He accelerated quickly so when they reached the finishing line, no eye could tell them apart. After a few minutes, an enlarged photo could just identify Prince Tagg as the winner.
A statement
Trainer Karlstedt were close to tears during the interview. Once again, the small trainer from Mantorp proved that his horse belonged in the elite. Prince Tagg took them all by surprise last year when he won the Breeders Crown final for 4-year-old trotters, paying 330 to 10 on the tab. After he took an impressive victory in Prince Carl Philip’s Jubileumspokal in April 22, winning at 1.10,7/1640 meters (1:53.4/1 mile), he was invited to the Elitlopp. By sudden, Karlstedt was in the center of all media attention and even if Prince Tagg did not qualify to the final, the team around the horse had an amazing experience. After a few mediocre races, he was now ready to add another prestigious victory and $156,000 to his resume.
European Championship for Fillies and Mares
The 7,000 in the audience waited long for the main race, but in the meantime, they could enjoy the $118,500 European Championship for Fillies and Mares. Fredrik Persson’s Viola Silas and Jerry Riordan’s Lisa America with Torbjörn Jansson in the bike were the main favorites. However, Jansson took a slow start with Liza America and was stuck as forth horse on the inside, while Viola Silas fell off stride when the gate left them. She then had to trott as first horse outside the early leader Yucca Boko with Ulf Ohlsson in the bike. Behind Viola Silas, K.L.M. Prelong with her trainer Åke Svanstedt was trailing and it was Svanstedt’s filly that had the best speed on the homestretch. She won at 1.12,6/2140 meters (1.56,4/1 3/8 miles). The Norweigan born filly after Dahir de Prelong and Negrita Nego (e. Larabello) has won 17 races in 67 lifetime starts and banked more than 315,000 so far.
When Joke Face won the Derby last year, Lutfi Kolgjini got his first victory in the prestigous race, but only as a trainer. Since Kolgjini himself choose Juggle Face, Erik Adielsson got the chance in the bike and took it. When Hugo Åberg’s Memorial took place in Malmö (July 26), Kolgjini choose Joke Face before his second horse Lavec Kronos. Once again, Adielsson was hired as a catchdriver, and he made no mistakes.
Second Consecutive Victory Torvald Palema opened quickly behind the gate and sprinted to the lead before Beanie M.M. took over. Kolgjini sent Joke Face to the front and opened the first 500 meters at 1.07.7. As usual, he continued on in the same furious pace. Brioni was the first horse on the outside with Lavec Kronos trailing. Joakim Lövgren let Brioni closer and closer and when they were coming on the homestretch, Lövgren’s horse had beaten Joke Face. At the same time, Adielsson entered the stage with Lavec Kronos. He took him three wide out and the horse managed to pass Brioni just prior to the finishing line. Joke Face finished third. Due to Adielsson’s wise manner and of course Kolgjini’s talent for training, Lavec Kronos over rumpled them all. He paid 20 to 1 on the tab and won the mile race at 10.0,0. Lavec Kronos won the sprinter race last year as well and the Enjoy Lavec offspring could add another $155,000 to his $675,000 lifetime earnings.
The annual three-day trotting/camping event at Axevalla raceway in Skara took place last weekend (July 22-24). The most prestigious race for 4-year-old fillies – Stochampionatet over 2640 meters (1 5/8th miles) – where just as exciting as the audience could possibly hope for. The big favorite and dominant Tamla Celeber, lost her elimination heat ten days ago and got the worst post position for the final – post 12.
Sense and Sensibility
Åke Svanstedt took the lead with Nettan Palema and had Veijo Heiskanen’s Canaka B.F. on the outside. Meanwhile, Örjan Kihlström placed Tamla Celeber in the fifth pair on the outside. Most people expected Örjan to make a move as soon as everyone had found their positions, but he saved his horse until 900 meters left when he sent her three-wide out. Kihlström trusted his horse and made no further move until they were all coming on the homestretch. Although Nettan Palema and Canaka B.F. were in front of him, he sat calm and let Tamla Celeber win by nose at 1.15,2/2640 meters (2.01/1 5/8th miles).
The owner Stall Courant could bank another $158,000, and the Cantab Hall – Amanda Celeber offspring has totally earned more than $800,000.
With almost the same contestants as in the Elitlopp, Årjäng raceway managed to get the best, aged European horses possible to their main race of the year. This year's Elitlopp winner Brioni was back after a short pause and former winners like Iceland and Torvald Palema were also behind the gate.
Fought the best One that was not invited to the Elitlopp was Beanie M.M. Morten Waage’s horse tested positive in a doping test after Olso Grand Prix (May 15). The test contained a substance causing negative performance, and the investigation pointed towards sabotage rather than classified doping. Once back on the track again – Waage’s horse, with Johnny Takter in the bike, won a gold final at Bergsåker and was now was ready to fight the elite again. Lutfi Kolgjini and Lavec Kronos kept the pace high in the front whilst Beanie M.M. was trailing. Iceland was on the outside and Brioni and Torvald Palema further down. They reached the first 1000 meters at 1.09,4 (1:51.3) and Kolgjini continued in the same pace. Takter moved Beanie M.M. out in the last bend and took over from Lavec Kronos. With speedy horses like Brioni and Torvald Palema coming from behind, Takter ordered full speed. Beanie M.M. responded to his demand and sprinted home the mile race at 1.10,4 (1:53.1). The Super Arnie – Beverly San (e. Tibur) stallion added another $110,500 to his $1,040,500. He has won 18 of his 66 lifetime starts.
Another year has gone and when Halmstad opened up for the Swedish Hambletonian again (July 7), the sun was shining and the rain was gone. The largest Swedish sprinter race for 4-year-old horses is a given favorite and the 13 000 in the audience saw harness racing in world class.
Three Elimination Winners Wishing Stone won the first elimination heat with Åke Svanstedt in the bike. The Fabrice Soulay-trained horse was magnificent and won the mile race at 1:54.2. Jorma Kontio and Timo Nurmos-trained Amuro Boko won the second heat from the lead at 1:53.2. The last elimination heat was won by Formula One and Erik Adielsson in the front. The horse is trained by Stig H Johansson and won easily at 1:57.0.
Italian Taste These three and Orecchietti were also the favorites to the final. Jorma Kontio sent Amuro Boko to the front and opened the first 500 meters at 1:53.2. Åke Svanstedt tried to force Wishing Stone to the lead but Amuro Boko was never close to give up the front. When they were coming on the home stretch, Örjan Kihlström attacked with Orecchietti from a position as second pair on the outside and his horse delivered a strong speed. The Stefan Hultman-trained stallion added another $140 000 to his bank account and won at 1:53.3.
100 Happy Owners Orecchietti is owned by Travkompaniet, a limited company, and has around 100 owners altogether. His breeder Margareta Wallenius-Kleberg has been a dominant in the Swedish breeding industry for several years’ and Orecchietti is a pure ‘Margareta product’. She bred the sire From Above and owned his sire Zoot Suit during his breeding career. She also owns the dam Canneloni, which is after another Wallenius stallion, Mack Lobell.
Stosprintern – Ludde’s Show The day after (July 8) the filly division – Stosprintern – took place. The three elimination heats were contested ten days earlier and the favorite was Somekindacatch with Erik Adielsson. Örjan Kihlström sent the Stig H Johansson-trained Adena Boko to the front and opened at 1:53.1. She looked like a tiger up until Lutfi Kolgjini and his Viking Kronos filly Knowledge Face challenged 800 meters left to go. Adena Boko managed to keep the front, but Knowledge Face kept the pace high and was an outstanding winner at 1:57.1. Knowledge Face has belonged in the elite since she started as a 2-year-old and took her 5th victory in 25 entries. She bank another $49 000 and could sum up $158 000 on her account.
Iceland Is Back Iceland and his trainer Stefan Melander won Jämtlands Stora Pris at Östersund Raceway (June 11) at 1.11,6/2140 meters (1:55.1/1 3/8 miles). The winner of the Elitlopp 2010 added another $120,000 to his bank account and showed that he is still accountable from the lead.
The Italian Speed The day after (June 12), Libeccio Grif with Björn Goop in the bike won Copenhagen Cup at Charlottenlund Raceway in Copenhagen at 1.10,7/2011 meters (1:53.4/1 2/8 miles). From a position as 4th on the outside, the stallion delivered a strong speed 400 meters left and won by a length. The victory was worth $127,000 for the Marco Smorgon trained Italian stallion.
An Awaited Victory For Yarrah Boko The week after (June 18) Yarrah Boko and Ulf Ohlsson won the $120,000 Norrbottens Stora Pris in Boden at 1.13,0/2140 meters (1:57.2/1 3/8 miles) from the lead. Yarrah Boko finished second after Iceland in Jämtlands Stora Pris and was fourth in the Elitlopp. Finally, the Trond Anderssen trained stallion got a victory to bring home to Norwey.
Last But Not Least… Torvald Palema had a great show when he defended last years’ victory in Forus Open and made a hat trick after three consecutive victories in Forus Raceway’s biggest race. He sprinted to the lead, but was overthrown by Unforgettable. However, Svanstedt overtook the lead again and when Rapide Lebel went off stride shortly, his worst opponent was out of the way. Torvald Palema fought in the lead and won at 1.10,9/1600 meters (1:54.1/1 mile). The 10-year-old stallion added another $187,000 to his already $4,000,000. An amazing result for a horse that has belonged in the elite since he was 3-year-old.
The 3-year-old fillies and sires met in their first combat for the season at Bergsåker Raceway in Sundsvall this weekend and it was an unexpected winner in the filly division and a given winner in the sires’.
Another Victory For Robert Bergh The filly final took place on Fri (July 01). Björn Goop had the favorite Miss Shape and forced her to the front while Robert Bergh placed his own-trained Britannia on the outside. The speed was just average but although, Miss Shape collapsed on the homestretch. However Britannia showed strength and continued on to a safe victory. The daughter of Varenne – Ågårds Alma (e. Meadow Road) won at 1.15,1 /2140 meters (2:00.4/1 3/8 miles) and took her 5th triumph in 8th entries.
A Finish Victory Even more impressive was the winner in the sire’s final the day after. Tuomas Korvenoja showed his finish-trained Brad de Veluwe (by Andover Hall – Amazing Ride). The horse won the elimination heat by several lengths a few weeks ago and had a similar show this time. Korvenoja sent his horse to the front and put two lengths behind him and the contestants immediately. In a graceful way, the stallion kept on in his speed and none could challenge him. He reached the finishing line and the $128,000 at 1.13,7/2140 meters (1:58.3/1 3/8 miles).
Few days are as special as the last Sunday of May – each year. Elitloppet takes place at Solvalla in Stockholm and is the world’s biggest sprinter race for aged trotters with $480,000 to the winner. Two elimination heats over the English mile distinguish the winner from losers. To be in the final is a victory in itself, eight were privileged, but there can only be one winner.
It Is More Than Just a Race Last Sunday (May 29) was a cold and rainy day, but just prior to the opening ceremony at noon, the sun came out and the rain stopped for a few minutes. By that time, Solvalla was packed – almost 35,000 people came to see the races live. A fantastic number considering the weather and the opportunity to follow the races live on TV. Apart from the final, a special event took place much earlier than that. The gates opened at 8.45 am, and the line of people who had been standing in the queue since early morning was a few hundred meters long. Once the gates opened, people ran to get the best seats, and it is such as treasured experience that people come back year after year. According to tradition, a few people also bring their sleeping bags and sleep outside the gates, just to get the best seats on the E-Terrace...
French Strength Showed the Way Besides from having a spectacular audience, Elitloppet is all about the horses. Two elimination heats á eight horses in each lead up to a final with the same number of contestants. Rapide Lebel won the first heat from a position as third horse on the out side. He rounded the field with 500 meters left and sailed pass to a safe victory. The Royal Trophy winner Wishing Stone and the Lotteria winner Libeccio Grif finished second and third. German born Brioni and Canadian born Define The World battled in the lead and reach the first 500 meters at 1.06,6 (1:47.1). Naturally, they both got tired. Although, Define The World would have qualified to the final if driver Paul Macdonell had not overthrown Year In Review on the homestretch and rightfully got disqualified. With Year In Review out of the scene, Brioni got the last ticket to the final. A chance his trainer granted very well.
American Trained Stallion Breezed Home the Second Heat The second elimination heat was Arch Madness’. Rakas followed the gate and sprinted to the lead, whereas Trond Smedshammer’s Arch Madness with Björn Goop in the bike took over after 500 meters. In that position, the American-born stallion was unbeatable and jogged home the last 500 meters at 1.08,7 (1:50.3). Norwegian-born Yarro Boko finished second and Rakas third, whereas Jerry Riordan’s Lisa America took the last final ticket to the final. After the draw, the following horses were ready for the final:
1. Arch Madness – Björn Goop
2. Rapid Lebel – Eric Raffin
3. Wishing Stone – Jean Michel Bazire
4. Yarra Boko – Ulf Ohlsson
5. Rakas – Per Lennartsson
6. Libeccio Grif – Marco Smorgon
7. Lisa America – Torbjörn Jansson
8. Brioni – Joakim Lövgren
Eight Potential Candidates Few finals have been as open as this year’s edition. The heat winners Arch Madness and Rapid Lebel became the main favorites, however, none of them were quick enough from start to defend the lead. Once again, Per Lennartsson sent Rakas to the front while Rapid Lebel went off stride shortly. Björn Goop fought Jean Michel Bazire from start but Arch Madness came to the front after 600 meters, with Wishing Stone close behind and Yarro Boko on the outside. Libeccio Grif followed Yarra Boko and close behind was Rapid Lebel. Third on the inside was Rakas, and behind him was Brioni with Lisa America on the outside. Rapide Lebel attached with 700 meters left three-wide out, and by then, Brioni was still stuck on the inside. When Arch Madness was defeated, Eric Raffin was probably counting home the victory. However, wide out, Joakim Lövgren’s fighter Brioni hit back and managed to win by nose.
Congratulation Germany So it happened that a horse, which by different circumstances just got a ticket to the final, sprinted home the biggest race as an outsider. Yarro Boko made a great race and finished second, whereas Rakas finished third. The pride in trainer Lövgren’s eyes was obvious, although he seemed most happy to get revenge for his mediocre performance in the elimination heat, which also was criticized by the owner in the winner’s circle. Brioni won at 1:53.2 and banked another $480,000. His German owner Herz Günter has already sponsored German Harness Racing for several years, and this victory was probably important for German Harness Racing’s be or not to be.
There Is Only One Queen Each year, the Royal Trophy’s are the first big races for 4-year-olds. This year, Tamla Celeber, who was dominating among the fillies last year, was the given favorite in the Queen’s Trophy. Her trainer Roger Walmann was optimistic before the race and had no need to worry. As usually, Örjan Kihlström sat in the bike, and even though Tamla Celeber was first on the outside throughout the race, he sat absolutely calm and let her speed home the $143,500. This was her 10th consecutive victory and her 13th out of 15 lifetime starts. The Cantab Hall – Amanda Celeber filly won at 1,13.0/2140 meters (1.57,2/1 3/8th miles). Truly Devoted was second and Popcorn Lavec finished third.
…But Many Knight The Royal Trophy was wide open after the trials two weeks prior to the final. Raja Mirchi won his trial quite easily, but his uneven temper and bad habit to fall off stride was no longer his worst contestants. Other trail winners like Formula One and Wishing Strone were relied on in the final. This time, Raja Mirchi did his job in the front, but it was an American-born and French-trained horse’s name that will be engraved in the trophy. From a position as third on the inside, Jean-Michel Bazire moved Wishing Stone three wide out with 300 meters left to go. The Fabrice Souloy trained horse won at 1,57.0/1 3/8th miles, with Kadett C.D and Formula One next behind. Wishing Stone was breed at Brittany Farm & Acres Daisy in the US in 2007 and is by Conway Hall – Meadowbranch Magic.
The German breed and owned Brioni (sire Timberland, dam Ambro Edith by Florida Pro) outperformed the Swedish trotters at Åby racecourse last Saturday (April 15). Olympiatravet is the first big race of the season in Sweden and has been contested since 1979. It is run in collaboration with the Swedish Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Each year, ATG – the Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board, offers sponsorship money to the Olympic sport, this year the cheque was on SEK 8 million ($1,3 million). The race is over 2140 meters (1 3/8th miles) and offers $245,000 to the winner.
Brioni Showed the Way
Four trials lead up to the final with ten contestants, eight had qualified and two had been given wild cards. Commander Crowe, Torvald Palema and Brioni were among the favorites and Brioni showed both class and strength. Åke Svanstedt sent Torvald Palema to the front but Flemming Jensen with Local Conch took over after 650 meters. Jensen kept the pace high, and reached the first 1000 meters at 1.10.7 (1.57.4), but Local Conch fell through at the homestretch. Instead, Brioni attacked with 500 meters left to go and controlled the last bit of the race. He won easily at 1,11.4 (1.58.7). Marshland finished second and Yarro Boko was third.
A Candidate For the Elitlopp 2011
Brioni has been in Lövgren’s care since 2006 and the eight-year-old stallion has gradually grown into the elite. So far, he has banked more than $1,3 million with 27 wins in 46 entries. Last year, he won Kymi Grand Prix in Finland and finished third in the Elitlopp behind Iceland and Torvald Palema. Lövgren was the trainer behind Torvald Palema before he was transferred to Åke Svanstedt. He has now produced a new talent, which already is a good candidate to the Elitlopp in the end of May.