by Karsten Bønsdorf

Rune Stolt, the race secretary at Solvalla who formed and mastered the Elitlopp for many years, has passed away in Stockholm, Sweden at 82 years of age.

Rune Stolt was a gentle person who had many friends over all over the world of harness racing.

He not only put together some of the most memorable races in the Elitlopp, but was also a force behind the unforgettable March of Dimes Trot at Garden State Park. He too was the European connection for the International Trot – at first raced at Roosevelt and later at Yonkers.

Rune Stolt was the kind of person to whom you always could turn to – and he helped countless others from both sides of the Atlantic when problems occurred in connection with travel – for people as well as horses.

He worked at Solvalla as a race secretary for many years and when he turned 80 two years ago, the track named a race in his honor.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughter Therese and three grandchildren.