Finlandia-Ajo

Last updated
Finlandia-Ajo
Group One International race
Finlandia-ajo.jpg
Finlandia-ajo 2019
Location Vermo Racetrack, Espoo,
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland
Inaugurated1980
Race type Harness race for standardbred trotters
Website Hippos.fi - Finlandia-ajo(in Finnish)
Race information
Distance1,609 meters (1 mile)
TrackLeft-handed 1,000 meter track (0.62 mile)
QualificationAge 4-14. Invitational
Purse€110,000 (≈US$116,000)

Finlandia-Ajo ("Finlandia Race") is an annual Group One harness event that takes place at Vermo Racetrack in Espoo, Finland. [1] [2] The competition, which was inaugurated in 1980, is regarded as Finland's biggest trotting event. [2] It is raced over the mile, 1,609 meters. [3] Finlandia-Ajo is part of the European Grand Circuit and the overall purse for the 2009 event was €190,000, equalling approximately US$247,000. [1] [4]

Contents

Racing conditions

Finlandia-Ajo is decided through a one-mile race. The first eight years (1980-1987), the race was over a slightly shorter distance (1,600 meters, 0.99 mile), but since 1988, the distance has been one mile. The race has always been started by the use of auto start. [3]

Past winners

Horses with most wins

Drivers with most wins

Trainers with most wins

Sires with most winning offsprings

Countries, number of wins

All winners of Finlandia-Ajo

YearHorseDriverTrainerWinning horse's native countryWinning time
2019Readly ExpressBjörn GoopTimo NurmosFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:10:5
2018Pastore BobJohan UntersteinerJohan UntersteinerFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:11:0
2017D.D.'s HitmanUlf OhlssonPetri PuroFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:09:8
2016PropulsionÖrjan KihlströnDaniel RedenFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:10:2
2015Bret BokoAri MoilanenMarkku NieminenFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:12.2
2014Univers de PanPhilippe DaugeardPhilippe DaugeardFlag of France.svg  France 1:10.7
2013Nesta EffeRoberto VecchioneHolger EhlertFlag of Italy.svg  Italy 1:10.9
2012Sebastian K Björn Goop Lutfi Kolgjini Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:11.1
2011Commander Crowe Jean-Michel Bazire Fabrice Souloy Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:13.7
2010Quarcio du CheneBjörn Goop Olle Goop Flag of France.svg  France 1:10.6
2009Igor FontJean-Michel BazireFabrice SouloyFlag of France.svg  France 1:11.8
2008Oiseau de FeuxJean-Michel BazireFabrice SouloyFlag of France.svg  France 1:11.3
2007Opal Viking Jorma Kontio Nils EnqvistFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:10.8
2006Hot Shot KnickThomas UhrbergKari LähdekorpiFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:11.5
2005Kart de BaudrairieJean-Michel BazireFranck LeblancFlag of France.svg  France 1:12.2
2004Rotation Stig H. Johansson Stig H. JohanssonFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:12.5
2003KiwiJoseph VerbeeckFabrice SouloyFlag of France.svg  France 1:12.0
2002H.P. PaqueTrond SmedshammerTrond SmedshammerFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:11.7
2001B.W.T. MagicAhti Antti-RoikoMatti SalmiFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:11.2
2000Giesolo de Lou Jean-Etienne Dubois Jean-Etienne DuboisFlag of France.svg  France 1:11.2
1999Giesolo de LouPierre VercruysseJean-Etienne DuboisFlag of France.svg  France 1:11.6
1998Dryade des BoisJoseph VerbeeckJean-Baptiste BossuetFlag of France.svg  France 1:12.5
1997 Zoogin Åke Svanstedt Åke SvanstedtFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:12.1
1996Isla J. BraveAki Antti-RoikoPetri KlemolaFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:12.5
1995SJ's PhotoDavid WadeDavid WadeFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:13.3
1994 Copiad Erik BerglöfErik BerglöfFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:12.5
1993Born QuickTommy HannéTommy HannéFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:12.1
1992Otto-ManiAntti TeivainenEsa AronenFlag of Finland.svg  Finland 1:13.7
1991Atas Fighter L.Torbjörn JanssonTorbjörn JanssonFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:13.5
1990Florida JewelWilliam FahyJohn HollowayFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:13.3
1989NapoletanoStig H. JohanssonStig EngbergFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:12.9
1988NapoletanoStig H. JohanssonStig EngbergFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:14.1
1987Grades SingingOlle GoopOlle GoopFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:14.1
1986Davidia HanoverJorma KontioPer ErikssonFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:14.7
1985Keystone PattonJorma KontioAntti SavolainenFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:14.1
1984Shane T. HanoverPer HenriksenPer HenriksenFlag of the United States (23px).png  United States 1:14.9
1983Speedy MagnusOlle GoopOlle GoopFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:13.2
1982Dartster F.Olle HedinOlle HedinFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 1:13.9
1981Ideal du GazeauEugene LefevreEugene LefevreFlag of France.svg  France 1:14.3
1980EjakvalJean-Claude DavidJean-Claude DavidFlag of France.svg  France 1:15.6

[3] [5] [6] [7] [7] [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

Mack Lobell (1984–2016) was a brown racing trotter by Mystic Park out of Matina Hanover by Speedy Count.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elitloppet</span> Horse race

Elitloppet or Solvallas Internationella Elitlopp is an annual, invitational Group One harness event that has taken place at Solvalla Racetrack in Stockholm, Sweden, since 1952. The competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious international events in trotting. The winner is decided through two qualifying rounds and a subsequent final later the same day. Both the eliminations and the final are raced over the mile. The overall purse for the 2022 event was SEK11,350,000, equalling approximately US$1,073,000. In 2002 the Italian champion Varenne,, took it in a world record time of 1:10.4 in the elimination and then bested that mark by winning the final in 1:10.2 – the fastest mile ever trotted around three turns. The fastest winning time in a final is 1:08.9, run by the Swedish Don Fanucci Zet in 2021. Elitloppet was part of the European Grand Circuit and is part of that circuit's successor, the UET Masters Series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Victory Tilly</span> Swedish Standardbred racehorse

Victory Tilly is a Swedish former racing trotter by Quick Pay out of Icora Tilly by Fakir du Vivier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Copiad</span> Swedish Standardbred racehorse

Copiad was a Swedish breeding stallion and former racing trotter by Texas out of Bibbi Girl by Big Lama.

Åby Stora Pris is an annual Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Åby Racetrack in Mölndal, 10 km south of Gothenburg, Sweden. Åby Stora Pris has taken place since 1936, the same year Åby Racetrack was opened. In 2008, the purse of the event was approximately US$359,000 (SEK2,400,000). Åby Stora Pris is part of the European Grand Circuit.

The Swedish Trotting Derby is an annual national Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Jägersro Racetrack in Malmö, Sweden. It is by many considered the most prestigious Swedish event for 4-year-old racing horses. The purse in the 2010 final was ≈US$442,000, of which the winner, Joke Face, won half.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stig H. Johansson</span>

Stig Henry Johansson is a Swedish trotting trainer and former driver. He started his career as a professional trainer in 1969, and has during a large part of the career been a dominating force in Swedish trotting. He is, arguably, the greatest in Swedish trotting history. Internationally, he is regarded as one of the sport's greats. Among the horses he has trained are top trotters Victory Tilly, Queen L., Peace Corps, Napoletano, Digger Crown, The Onion and Utah Bulwark. Together with these and other horses, Johansson has won numerous major races, including Elitloppet, Gran Premio della Lotteria, Nat Ray Trot (once) and Prix d'Amérique (once).

The Swedish Trotting Criterium is an annual national Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Solvalla in Stockholm, Sweden. It is considered one of the classic trotting events in Sweden as well as the most prestigious Swedish event for 3-year-old trotters. The purse in the 2008 final was ≈US$458,000, of which the winner Maharajah won half.

The Swedish Trotting Oaks is an annual national Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Solvalla in Stockholm, Sweden. It is the biggest race for 3-year-old fillies in Sweden. The purse in the 2008 final was ≈US$286,000, of which the winner Annicka won half.

Konung Gustaf V:s Pokal or, in shorter form, Kungapokalen, is an annual international Group One harness event for trotters. It is held at Åby Racetrack in Mölndal, 10 km south of Gothenburg, Sweden. It is a stakes race for 4-year-old stallions and geldings. The purse in the 2009 final was ≈US$273,000 (€200,000), of which the winner Knockout Rose won half.

Drottning Silvias Pokal is an annual international Group One harness event for trotters. It is held at Åby Racetrack in Mölndal, 10 km south of Gothenburg, Sweden. It is a stakes race for 4-year-old mares. The purse in the 2009 final was ≈US$273,000 (€200,000), of which the winner Mystic Lady U.S. won half.

Hugo Åbergs Memorial is an annual Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Jägersro Racetrack in Malmö, Sweden. Hugo Åbergs Memorial has taken place since 1970. In 2008, the purse of the event was approximately US$291,000 (SEK1,750,000). Hugo Åbergs Memorial is part of the European Grand Circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jubileumspokalen</span> Horse race

Jubileumspokalen or Solvallas Jubileumspokal is an annual Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Solvalla in Stockholm, Sweden. Jubileumspokalen has taken place since 1977. In 2008, the purse of the event was approximately US$281,000 (SEK1,750,000).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sprintermästaren</span> Horse race

Sprintermästaren is an annual international Group One harness event for trotters. It is held at Halmstad Racetrack in Halmstad, Sweden, and is a stakes race for 4-year-olds. The purse in the 2011 final was ≈US$288,000 (€200,000), of which the winner Orecchietti won half. The event is sometimes referred to as "Sweden's Hambletonian".

Sundsvall Open Trot is an annual Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Bergsåker Racetrack in Sundsvall, Sweden. Sundsvall Open Trot has taken place since 1996. In 2008, the purse of the event was approximately US$273,000 (SEK1,750,000).

Gran Premio Lotteria, or Gran Premio della Lotteria, or in short, Lotteria, is an annual Group One harness event that takes place at Agnano Racetrack in Naples, Italy. The competition, which was inaugurated in 1951, is regarded as one of the most prestigious international events in trotting. The winner is decided through three qualifying heats and a subsequent final later the same day. Both the eliminations and the final are raced over 1,600 meters. Gran Premio Lotteria is part of the European Grand Circuit and the overall purse for the 2009 event was €600,600, equalling approximately US$795,000. The fastest winning time in the history of the race is 1:10.5, run by Timone Ek in 2017.

The European Trotting Derby, also called UET Grand Prix and Grand Prix de l'UET, is an annual Group One harness event that is arranged by the European Trotting Union, UET. The final takes place on a racetrack in one of the member countries of UET. The event is open for 4-year-old European-born trotters and was first raced in 1985. The 2009 final will be hosted by Tampere Racetrack, Finland, and has a purse of approximately US$607,000, or €460,000.

The 5-year-old European Championship, also called European 5-year-old Championship, is an annual Group One harness event that is arranged by the European Trotting Union, UET. The race takes place on a racetrack in one of the member countries of UET. The contenders are chosen by the different national trotting federations that are members of UET. Only 5-year-old European-born stallions and mares can be selected. The 5-year-old European Championship was raced for the first time in 1967.

The Breeders Crown Open Mare Trot is a harness racing event for three-year-old and older Standardbred mare trotters. It is one part of the Breeders Crown annual series of twelve races for both Standardbred trotters and pacers. First run in 1986, it is contested over a distance of one mile. Race organizers have awarded the event to various racetracks across North America. The 2017 race will be held at Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Björn Goop</span>

Björn Olov Goop, is a Swedish trotting trainer and driver. Together with his father, Olle Goop, he runs one of Sweden's most successful training camps for trotting horses, Goop Stable, in their hometown, Kil, Värmland County.

References

  1. 1 2 "2009 Group I races calendar" (PDF). uet-trot.net. European Trotting Union (UET). Retrieved 2009-04-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. 1 2 "Shorthanded Goal mot Guldbjörken". v75.umaker.se (in Swedish). 2009-04-03. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Finlandia-Ajo". qhurth.com (in Swedish). Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  4. In the conversion from Euro to USD, the rates of 2009-04-21 have been used.
  5. Hedlund, Thomas (2009-04-25). "Lätt för Igor Font". travronden.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  6. "Igor Font Wins Finlandia-Ajo". standardbredcanada.ca. 2009-04-25. Retrieved 2009-04-27.
  7. 1 2 "Finlandia-Ajo 1980 - 2007". vermo.fi (in Finnish). Archived from the original on 2009-04-30. Retrieved 2009-04-21.
  8. "Travsport.se - Igor Font - Härstamning". Travsport.se (in Swedish). STC. Retrieved 2009-04-27.