Åby Stora Pris (literally "Åby Grand Prize") is an annual Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Åby Racetrack in Mölndal, 10 km south of Gothenburg, Sweden.[1] Åby Stora Pris has taken place since 1936, the same year Åby Racetrack was opened.[2][3] In 2008, the purse of the event was approximately US$359,000 (SEK2,400,000).[4] Åby Stora Pris is part of the European Grand Circuit.[5]
| Group One International race | |
| Location | Åby Racetrack, Mölndal, Sweden |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1936 |
| Race type | Harness race for standardbred trotters |
| Website | Åby Stora Pris (Swedish) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1,640 meters (1.02 miles) |
| Track | Left-handed 1,000 meter track (0.62 mile) |
| Qualification | Invitational, 4 years or older |
| Purse | ≈US$359,000 |
Racing conditions edit
Through the years, the conditions of the event have varied. Before 2005, the winner was decided through a single race. This one race had since 1978 been of 2,140 meters. As from 2005, when the setup was changed, the same eight horses have been racing each other in two 1,640 meter-heats. These heats are followed by a race-off of 1,640 meters, if necessary, i.e. if the two heats are won by different horses.[6]
With the exception of 1981, a motorized starting gate has been used to launch the race since 1979.[7]
In 1978, when the distance was decreased to 2,140 meters, another shift was made as well. Date wise, the event had been held in May or June until then. After the change in 1978, it has been held in September, apart from the years 1990-92 when the race was in August.[7]
The event is invitational, meaning only invited horses can participate.[2] To come in contention for invitations, a horse must be of age four or above.[4]
Past winners edit
Horses with most wins edit
- 2 - Sebastian K. (2012, 2013)
- 2 - Gidde Palema (2003, 2005)
- 2 - Victory Tilly (2000, 2002)
- 2 - Zoogin (1995, 1996)
- 2 - Idéal du Gazeau (1981, 1982)
- 2 - Lyon (1970, 1972)
- 2 - Gelinotte (1956, 1957)
- 2 - Iran Scott (1951, 1952)[7]
Sires with at least two winning offsprings edit
- 3 - Scotland (Scotch Thistle, Scotch Fez, Locomotive)
- 3 - Bulwark (Frances Bulwark, Optimist, Justus)
- 2 - Quick Pay (Victory Tilly, The Onion)
- 2 - Kairos (Gelinotte, Hairos II)
- 2 - Hermes D. (Pluvier III, Orlof)
- 2 - Hollyrood Harkaway (Trumps, Escape)[7]
Mares with at least two winning offsprings edit
- 2 - My Sister Lou (Big Noon, Exklusiv)[7]
Drivers with most wins edit
- 6 - Åke Svanstedt
- 5 - Stig H. Johansson
- 4 - Gösta Nordin
- 3 - Sören Nordin
- 3 - Ragnar Thorngren[7]
- 3 - Jorma Kontio
Other note edit
Frances Bulwark is the only mare that have won the event herself (in 1950) in addition to having bred a winner, the stallion Frances Nibs, who won in 1964. Frances Nibs has also sired a winner, the champion of 1977, Micko Tilly. Thus this line represents winners in three generations.[7]
All winners of Åby Stora Pris edit
See also edit
References edit
- ^ "Åbytravet - In English". abytravet.com. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ a b Olsson, Daniel (2007-08-22). "...och snart stundar Åby Stora". travnet.se (in Swedish). Travnet. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
- ^ "Göteborgs Galoppsällskaps historia". goteborggalopp.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2009-02-22.
- ^ a b "Travsport.se - Resultat". travsport.se (in Swedish). STC. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ "European Grand Circuit 2009" (PDF). uet-trot.net. European Trotting Union (UET). Retrieved 2009-03-04.
- ^ Johansson, Ola (2008-09-15). "Svanstedt mot ny seger i Åby Stora" (PDF). travsidan.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 2009-02-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Åby Stora Pris". qhurth.com (in Swedish). Retrieved 2009-02-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q The time given is from the win in the race-off.
- ^ a b c The odds is from the win in the race-off.
- ^ Red Chili Pirat won in two heats. The odds are from the first and second heat, respectively.
- ^ Red Chili Pirat won in two heats. The times given are from the first and second heat, respectively.