Åby Stora Pris Set to Feature High Stakes Competition and Future Plans Announced
Åby Stora Pris set for exciting competition; future plans reveal ambitions for international inclusion.
Key Points
- • Åby Stora Pris has been a cornerstone of Swedish trotting since 1936.
- • The race will offer a prize of 1.5 million kronor, one of Sweden's largest.
- • Trainer Per Nordström is optimistic about Önas Prince despite a challenging starting position.
- • Plans for a return of the Åby World Grand Prix in 2028 with a significant prize increase.
The Åby Stora Pris, a prestigious Swedish trotting race established in 1936, will once again draw attention as it prepares for a competitive lineup this year. Scheduled to take place on Saturday, the race, which has been standardized to a distance of 3,140 meters since 2018, promises excitement with a sizable prize purse of 1.5 million kronor for the winner, marking it as one of the richest races in the country.
Jon Walter Pedersen, the CEO and sports manager of Åby, aims for an impressive field of competitors, although this year’s lineup will miss several notable French horses due to health issues. Despite the anticipated absence of competitors such as Inmarosa and Ibiki de Houelle, who unfortunately had to withdraw, Pedersen expressed confidence in the Nordic competitors, which include horses from Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The final entries include notable horses like Johan Untersteiner's Dancer Brodde and Robert Bergh's Harpy.
Trainer Per Nordström shares optimism regarding the performance of his horse, Önas Prince, who has shown remarkable form with five victories in long-distance races. Recently, Önas Prince finished second in the Oslo Grand Prix and won the Ulf Thoresen Grand International. Nordström believes the race distance plays to the strengths of his horse, providing opportunities to adapt strategies throughout the event.
Looking beyond this year's race, Åby will reintroduce the Åby World Grand Prix in 2028 with a staggering prize of six million kronor. Pedersen’s plan includes attracting a broader international field, aiming to feature top horses from Europe. With significant investments in facilities to enhance visitor experiences, including exhibition spaces and hotels, Åby hopes to elevate its standing in the trotting community.
As anticipation builds for the race day, which is expected to attract a substantial audience, favorable weather conditions are predicted, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all attending.