Jerry Riordan's Ringo mare Treb was lucky twice in this year's Elitlopp.
Victory in the trial, first choice in the draw settled the track issue. But there was no question of directing the field from any lead, because at the start, the upstart Pastore Bob was far too fast. Too fast for his own good, as it turned out, because after an opening half lap in 1.07,6 and a big lead, he became a hunted prey. Wim Paal, who was sitting behind Ringostarr Treb slipped out of the position as second on the inside, and made his way in second lane to a leader who found it increasingly difficult to defend himself the closer they got to the finish.
Ringostarr Treb quickly got a grip on the race, there were no threats from the neighboring horses, but it was instead a sharp spurt from Propulsion and Örjan Kihlström that could possibly give Wim a little nervous break. But, despite a razor-sharp finish, Propulsion could not threaten, but for the second year in a row had to settle for second place in the end.
Bold Eagle, like the Australian guest Maori Time, disappeared at the start of his trial, while horses like Nadal Broline (third in both trial and final) and Lionel (trial winner) gave unexpectedly positive results. However, they were not close to the winner.
Winning driver Wim Paal was delighted with how the final turned out.
- If I had to wish for a scenario for how the race would be run, this would probably be close to 100%.
- We got a perfect race behind a horse that was going way too fast at the beginning, so I was sitting in the saddle waiting for it to be my time.
- Then I saw that Örjan was far down the field with Propulsion, so then I put on as much as I could so that he would not catch up with us.
- I am very, very happy now, and want to thank Jerry Riordan and the circle around the horse that I got the chance to drive.
- This is the biggest victory of my life!
Jerry Riordan, always unfailingly eloquent and correct, praised those to whom praise was due.
- The handler, Heli Tarrimaa, does a great job with the horse, Wim drove perfectly when he turned the race into a 300 meter sprint.
- Nevertheless, my heart was beating hard before my horse got to the finish line.
- Elitloppet is huge for me, I came here as a 23 year old apprentice once a long time ago and to have experienced Elitloppet once makes you always long for it, and to have a horse that can compete...well, that makes this a "tremendous experience"...
...I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to the audience for not being able to speak Swedish despite my years in Sweden...
But Jerry can train horses.
Håkan Ahlqvist
Photo: Malin Albinsson, TR Media
