There was something of a pyspunka in the Elitlopps trials where the favorites Idao de Tillard galloped and Francesco Zet did not run up to expectations. But for the final, it was fully pumped again and the many-headed Solvallap audience was treated to a show of unprecedented kind.
French Horsy Dream broke Eric Raffin's European record when he won in 1.08,0!
An unprecedented achievement and over half a second faster in the final than at any time in Elitloppet's 72-year history.
Horsy Dream was one of the favorites for Elitloppet - last year. Then the horse was unfortunately injured and had to sit out, this year he came in the shadow of Francesco Zet and compatriot Idao de Tillard. But after the final, there was no doubt who the sun shone brightest on.
Horsy Dream won his trial after a heavy start and the outside leader position. In the final Eric Raffin rode smart, found other pairs on the outside and when Raffin headed out to attack 700 left the others seemed to stand still. Horsy Dream flew to the lead in a few strides, extended the distance to his competitors and lowered the European record to 1.08,0/1.609 meters at the victory that was worth five million SEK.
For the third year in a row, France won the Elitloppet, and for both coach Pierre Belloche and Eric Raffin, it was the first time they received the cheers of the "world's best audience". And how they enjoyed the moment. Raffin was narrowly beaten 13 years ago in second place behind Brioni with Rapide Lebel, but this time he couldn't get enough of the cheers.
- I had a magical moment when I turned on Horsy Dream. He has enormous resources and today he made full use of them. It has been a dream to stand in front of this crowd after this race," said Eric Raffin.
Pierre Beloche was also taken after the race, but he mainly paid tribute to his horse.
- Horsy Dream is cool, he has good nerves, he is fast and tough. He has everything," Belloche said.
It was Swedish in second place when Borups Victory and Daniel Wäjersten sprinted strongly and third at the finish was Italian Denver Gio driven by Björn Goop. The biggest Swedish hope Francesco Zet came to Elitloppet with 18 straight victories, but was early beaten from the lead and had to settle for fourth place.
