V75 (jackpot): Horse of the Year in a leg of the Paralympic Trot

Borups Victory (V75-6) went from being a very good horse to a top trotter, last year. In May, he finished second in the Elitloppet and when the season came to an end, he had three Group 1 wins; Seinäjoki Race, Kymi Grand Prix, and Hugo Åbergs Memorial. Out of ten starts, he won five, and finished top three eight times. With earnings close to SEK 7 million, he was the richest trotter in Sweden in 2024. That result was the foundation when he was voted Horse of the Year and Older horse of the Year at Hästgalan, where Daniel Wäjersten also won Trainer of the Year.

"At the start of last year, I though that my horse would be able to race in some of the bigger races, but that he would win three Group 1 races and finish second in the Elitloppet was not something I thought. Now, I hope that he can be just as good again this year," says Daniel about his 7-year-old trotter. 

Far from top form 

Borups Victory last raced on Swedish soil when he finished third in Sundsvall Open Trot in August. He last raced at Vincennes in October, where he finished fifth in the tough UET Elite Circuit final. 

"Training went well this past winter, similar to last year. There are no big differences from a year ago, actually. Everything feels good and I hope that he will be as good as last year."

He was a bit rusty in his seasonal debut last year. With four shoes on his feet, he was made the betting favorite but lost to Weekend Fun at home at Bergsåker. It could be worth considering for the V75 bettors, when the horse now makes his seasonal debut with shoes on his feet again.

"He was a bit sluggish and lacked the right bounce to his stride in his first start of last year, but raced very well in the following start. A lot of factors indicate that he that he is far from top form in his first start, again this year. He has gotten similar training as last winter and his form might be at 70 percent. The plan is that he will be much improved with this start in his legs."

If Borups Victory, despite doubtful form, wins on Saturday, the final of the Paralympic Trot awaits at Åby on May 3. This is three weeks before the Elitloppet at Solvalla, to which he already is invited.

"The plan is to make a few starts. We will see how and where but I want to race him three times before the Elitloppet."

Daniel Wäjersten about his other V75 starters:

"2 Randy Zon (V75-1) has been good. Last time out, she got too hot but she was good in the start before that and I think her form is getting better. Post position two in the volt start is fine as long as you don't try to leave with her."

"3 Crowe Motion (V75-2) was good in his last start.  It was a cheaper race but he felt great and all is well after that."

"11 Not For Sale (V75-3) was good in his seasonal debut, last time out. He got beat by a good horse but I was pleased and he should be better with that start in his legs. It's a bit too much time in between starts, if you're looking for something negative, but the distance is a good fit and I think you can expect him to be a notch better than in his first start of the year." 

"4 X.O. Kemp (V75-5) is up and down but he's a very capable horse. He will race barefoot for the first time. I hope that makes him trot a bit faster, a bit longer."

"6 Lizmark (V75-5) raced well in his seasonal debut after a good winter and looks good. I expect him to step up with that start because he's a bit lazy and needs to race to get going."

"7 Onana Boku (V75-7) makes his first start for us. It's a very nice horse who is easy to work with. He has trained in 1:18/2,000 meters. He will race with shoes and open bridle in his first start so we can form an opinion of him, but he has been good in training."

"12 H.C's Crazy Horse (V75-7) raced super in his last start at Solvalla. He seems to have stepped up a bit after his starts at Vincennes last winter. He made some breaks down there but the race where he finished fourth was tough and that day, he was very good."