by Karsten Bønsdorf

Orrichetti, driven by Ôrjan Kihlström, won the Swedish stake race, Sprintermästaren – also called the Swedish Hambletonian – at Halmstad Thursday night followed by the heavy favorite, Wishing Stone driven by Ake Svanstedt.

Orrichetti enjoyed a trip behind Wishing Stone, who trotted without cover outside leading Amaru Boko driven by Jorma Kontio.

Heading into the stretch Kihlström made his move and Orrichetti won by 2 lengths in 1.53.3f, followed by Wishing Stone who got his nose in front of Amaru Boko at the finish line. Formula One finished fourth.

Wishing Stone went into the final as the even money favorite after a convincing victory in the first elimination, where he also trotted without cover the entire mile. Wishing Stone won easily in 1.54.1f.

Orrichetti was the favorite in the second elimination, but he too trotted without cover and found leading Amaru Boko and Jorma Kontio too strong. Amaru Boko won in a new Swedish record of 1.53.2f.

The third elimination was the slowest, as the favorite Formula One, driven by Erik Adielsson, was in command from the start and was an easy winner in 1.57f.

Orrichetti is owned by Travkompaniet, which has around 5,000 members, and who are also the owner’s of the top international trotter, Maharajah.

Orrichetti is bred by Hambletonian-director Margareta Wallenius-Kleberg and is sired by From Above out of the Mack Lobell mare, Canneloni.

Orrichetti has now raced 19 times with 11 wins and has earnings of $400,000. He is trained by Stefan Hultman.