It took an unreal feat to win the world's biggest trotting race in 2022.
Etonnant did like his father, but not when he sprinted home Elitloppet at Solvalla. Despite galloping and an impossible trip, driver Anthony Barrier was able to make the victory gesture well before the finish line.
Etonnant is trained by Richard Westerink who is based in France, but he is originally from Holland - and loves Sweden and Solvalla.
- Elitloppet is the finest race in the world in my opinion. I was proud when I got the invitation, I was happy for a track that many others had been disappointed with," said Westerink.
In the trial, Etonnant started from track seven, got into trouble and had to do the job himself during the final round. It was enough for a fourth place and the last final ticket.
For the final, Etonnant raced without shoes all around, but again started from track seven, second to the far end behind the starting car wing. When last year's winning favorite Don Fanucci Zet galloped directly behind the starting car, Elitloppet was suddenly wide open. Etonnant opened as usual cautiously and the lap before the finish the attack was launched. Which came to an abrupt end 200 meters later when Etonnant galloped!
Despite the swirling pace, the driver Anthony Barrier got the horse on the right keel and continued forward - in the third and fourth tracks. Via a powerful race, the victory was taken before the brave home horse Hail Mary in 1.09,3a/1.609 meters.
Elitloppet was run for the first time after the pandemic with full audience capacity and they unanimously praised French Etonnant whose name means "fantastic". Which well reflected his performance at Solvalla.
And for the first time in the 70-year history of Elitloppet, a Elitlopp winner has left a Elitlopp winner - Etonnant's father Timoko also won Elitloppet twice and, like Etonnant, was trained by Richard Westerink!
