Dunn says he is ready for Elitloppet experience

On Wednesday (May 18) it was confirmed that Dexter Dunn will be driving Stoletheshow in this year’s Elitloppet on May 28. Getting the chance to drive in the great Swedish race is a highlight for the Kiwi sulky magician’s harness racing career.

“When I was younger, I kept track of all the big races around the world, and the Elitlopp is one of the biggest there is,”said Dunn. “The last couple of years I’ve also heard many stories from others who have driven there. Everyone talks about how big it is. For a while, I’ve been thinking about going there, either to drive or just for a holiday. Now I get to drive – and I certainly prefer that,” Dunn smiled.

He didn’t expect to get the opportunity this year, though.

“I was contacted out of the blue if I was interested in driving Stoletheshow in the Elitlopp” Dunn explained. “I wanted to, of course, but I first had to sort a few things out here logistically. Fortunately, that got resolved so I could say yes. Now I’m looking forward to driving Stoletheshow in the Elitlopp.”

Stoletheshow is a new acquaintance, he has already learned a bit about the horse.

“I saw the horse at Yonkers when he was there for the International Trot,” Dunn said. “That race was all wrong for him, being parked outside in a brutal tempo. I have been told many good things about him and also been given some videos of his races. Stoletheshow has been good this spring it seems.”

Dunn is certainly on the money about Stoletheshow’s performances. He made his seasonal debut in March and was second but was massively improved ten days later when he won in Oslo in 1:55.4f. He made a break in Sweden three weeks later in a race won by Hail Mary, another Elitlopp horse, before going to Finland and putting in a massive performance to win the group 1 Finlandia Ajo in 1:53.3f after being parked outside most of the race.

STOLETHESHOW AJO REPLAY

This comes on top of a stellar season last year where he was 6-6-1 in 16 starts and notched up two group 1-wins and another two group 2-wins. Stoletheshow has a pedigree familiar to North Americans. He’s by Dream Vacation out of Abba Hall, her by Garland Lobell out of American Splendor. 3rd dam Duchess Lobell is a full sister to Delray Lobell, winner of the 1989 Breeders Crown ahead of the legendary Mack Lobell.

In the Elitlopp, Dunn will square off against some familiar faces. He regularly drives for Ake Svanstedt, who will take the reins on last year’s runner up Hail Mary (Googoo Gaagaa), and he’s also gotten to know Bjorn Goop a bit. The latter trains and drives the pre-race favorite San Moteur (Panne de Moteur). Both have encouragied Dunn to go to the Elitlopp.

“I have raced in the World Driving Championship twice,” Dunn explained. “There I met Bjorn Goop, who told me a lot about the Elitlopp and how I should come. In addition, I drive a lot for Ake Svanstedt and he was clear that when I get the opportunity to drive in the Elitlopp, I have to take it. You hear those things, and you want to go even more.”

He’s driven in North America as well Down Under, even driving in Dublin, Ireland and at Tir Prince in Wales, but driving in Europe will be a new experience for Dunn.

“I’ve been to Europe on vacation,” Dunn added, “but never to Sweden or Scandinavia. I’ve not driven in Europe, either so this is a first for me. I’m really looking forward to it.”

by Lisa Harkema, for Harnesslink