Solvalla, Sweden — The French trotter Horsy Dream, trained by Pierre Belloche and with Eric Raffin in the bike, was unrivaled in the Elitlopp final on Sunday (May 26) at Sovalla, which he won easily in a new race record 1:49.2f, which also is the fastest time in the world so far in 2024.

When Raffin pulled Horsy Dream out with 600 meters to go, it was as if the field stood still.

Horsy Dream disappeared to an easy victory in 1:49.2f. Solvalla/TR Bild photo.

Within 100 meters Horsy Dream was in the lead and disappeared to an easy victory in 1:49.2f. Behind him was the positive surprise of the field, Borups Victory with Daniel Wäjersten, who managed to take second place ahead of Denver Gio with Bjørn Goop. Francesco Zet with Ôrjan Kihlström held fourth place just ahead of Hohneck with Gabriele Gelormini, last year’s winner of the race.

The other elimination winner, Go On Boy, made a break around the last bend and was disqualified and placed last.

Horsy Dream, who received 5 million SEK for the win, is sired by Scipion du Goutier — a stallion best known for his monté offspring.

Horsy Dream also works at stud in France; his first crop will be born this year.

French trotters dominate Elitlopp eliminations

French trotters Go On Boy with trainer/driver Romain Derieux and Horsy Dream with Eric Raffin, trained by Pierre Belloche, won the two eliminations for the Elitlopp on Sunday.

Go On Boy won extremely easily in 1:50.3 followed by the two Italian trotters, Capital Mail with Antonio di Nardo and Denver Gio with Björn Goop. The last ticket to the final here was Sweden’s Ônas Prince with Per Nordström.

The heavy favorite, this year’s winner of the Prix d’Amerique, Idao de Tillard with Clement Duvaldestin, went off stride after 100 yards, and even though he tried to make up ground, it was impossible. Idao de Tillard finished sixth (timed in 1:51.4f).

The biggest Swedish hope, Daniel Redén-trained Francesco Zet with Ôrjan Kihlström, was favored to win the second elimination but had to settle for third. Horsy Dream with Eric Raffin won easily in 1:51f followed by Hohneck with Gabriele Gelormini, Francesco Zet, and Borups Victory with Daniel Wäjersten.