by Karsten Bonsdorf, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondent

The biggest trotting race in Finland, The Finlandia Ajo raced over 1 mile at the Vermo racetrack in Helsinki, was supposed to be a match between Opal Viking of Sweden, Citation of the USA and Kool du Caux of France.

However, Citation and Kool du Caux went off stride as the gate left the field and that left Opal Viking, driven by Jorma Kontio, with an easy task.

Opal Viking was in command the whole trip and won easily in a new track record of 1:54. In a close battle for second Finnish Mr Nice Guy took the honour, while the French Magnificent Rodney took third.

The purse for the winner was $150,000.

Opal Viking is sired by US-bred Turnpike Taylor (by Meadow Road) and is by far his best offspring. His dam –Swedish mare Zippelina Coeur – hasn’t brought anything either.

Opal Viking has now raced 45 times and has won 31 races. He has earned $1.1 million. He will now be headed for the Oslo Grand Prix on May 13 in Norway and the Elitlopp in late May in Stockholm.

11,150 fans turned out to see Opal Viking’s victory.