When Victory Tilly trots on to the evergreen meadows, he does so as Sweden's most profitable of all time. A barrier breaker, a popular man who in his old age enjoyed his companion Stig H Johansson.
Victory Tilly started his career with Glen Norman, but was bought as a four-year-old by Stall Kalas and the debut for the new owners and new trainer could hardly have started better; victory in the Four-year-old Elite at Solvalla. Victory Tilly was the king of the litter and won both the Derby and the Breeders Crown.
As a five-year-old, he was supposed to make the step up to the top elite, but ran out of gas at Forus and even Stig H Johansson looked worried. That question mark turned into an exclamation mark when Victory Tilly brought Solvalla to the boil during Elitloppet 2000 - 32,659 people in the stands chanted "Stig H, Stig H, Stig H!" But it was Victory Tilly who did the heavy lifting and got Stig H Johansson's winged judgment in the winner's circle:
- This is the best horse I have ever ridden and trained - ever!
Victory Tilly's victory march continued in Europe - and the USA. As a seven-year-old, he became the first Swedish horse to lower the absolute world record to 1.08.9 in the Nat Ray Trot at The Meadowlands outside New York.
He ended his career as the megastar he was - by winning the Jämtland Grand Prix at the age of 11. He ended up with 70 victories in 102 starts, 37.7 million earned and a world record on his business card. Victory Tilly was a gelding and became a farm horse for Stig H Johansson at Stora Alby, where he was more than happy to be photographed, brushed and petted throughout his life.
Victory Tilly, bred by Stall Tilly, has brightened up many moments for many trotting enthusiasts.
But he is also a horse that has gone beyond the confines of trotting. A priceless achievement and one that few can afford; to be bigger than your sport.
Victory Tilly with her trainer and driving friend Stig H Johansson. Photo: TR Bild
