Today we headed for Mikkeli, and the scene of a major career highlight, where I was declared the World Driving Champion.

Upon arriving I was told that the announcer was Juha Jokinen, the man that was on the bus with all the drivers and their entourage during the six days we were in Finland in 2001. He was hired by Hippos to be the liaison for the drivers and travel throughout the country with us and be "THE GUY" When we needed him. He was instrumental in preparing me for each day of racing and was always sure to be positive when the first couple of days were dismal. We talked about that week today, and we both thought of times when we were laughing, or having fun or crying laughing at something Tony Herlihy (NZ) did to Brian Hancock (AUSTRALIA).

I remember the night after we finished in Vermo, the second to last day of the competition, that Juha said he had checked the entries for the last day in Mikkeli and he thought at that point I was the favourite to win! If I could just hold on and not make to many mistakes I would win the tournament and I think he felt some sort of pride in being part of that with me and I absolutely felt the he had been a major part as he also helped with translations when the person assigned to us, for that, would be off chatting with some friends or just not around when needed. He went above and beyond his duties and really was special to have known and to have been part of my life albeit a very small time.

A man, who I had driven my first winner for in 2001, was there tonight and he had pics of the horse and had a very special present for me. When I drove his horse nine years ago, he was presented flowers and a trophy and a blanket that read " WORLD DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP VERMO 2001". I was so pumped about getting a win in Europe that I wanted to keep everything I could to have the memory of the day and so I asked the trainer if I could have the blanket! He didn't understand right away so I went get Juha to interpret. Juha finds the trainer and walks over to me and asks what is up, and I say I want the blanket and in exchange I will give him my flowers so that he can have two bouquets to give to his wife (quick thinking, eh). Juha translated and the guy looked right at me and NO WAY, just like that. He had no english before or after (!!!) but he knew he wasn't giving up that blanket!

Well, tonight was a different story and he introduced himself and showed me the pic of "Im Local Hero" and me winning in Vermo. He told my interpreter that he wanted that blanket very much in 2001 but had got his use out of it on his wall in his basement since then and asked if I wanted it!

Anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't have much use for a cooler blanket, and that is what we told the man as we were invited to walk back to at least see it. Well, when I got to the stall and saw it on his horse I lalmost cried, literally...it brought back so many great memories of my time in Finland and winning and meeting new lifelong friends and the kickstarting of my career! I told my interpreter that if it was still ok I would love to have the blanket as I had originally told him that he didn't have to give it up as I didn't feel it was that big of a deal. So now I have the pic and the blanket of my first ever European victory all because of a Finnish gentleman who thought enough of me to keep it and see that it got to a meaningful place. A place that it will not soon be moved from - my heart!

The races weren't fabulous but I almost won one race where I had the 8 hole and got away fifth and slid out second over only to have to go three wide at the half and then duck back to the rail up the backside in fourth! I was really fortunate to have the rail open up, and moved up to third right behind the leader. This is where things take a twist! The driver of the favourite who pulled the pocket started jumping around and let his horse drift in on me and as I was sailing up on the leader's back and about to win (by 50 lengths, at least!) I hooked his wheel. I didn't just hook him a little...I hooked him bad. So much that it took the entire last turn to get unhooked! I got pulled to such a stop that my poor mare couldn't make a break because we were going too slow! Finally we got separated, and she dug in hard with 300 meters to go and some how managed to finish second! Talk about pissed! When the wins are this few and far between you just hate to have this happen when you have a shot late in the race.

Oh well...Tero says we have accomplished the goal to bring media attention to the sport so as long as I'm not winning at least I got harness racing in the news. Today a tabloid magazine, which is printed once a week, had a feature with me and it's the first time trotting has ever been mentioned in it!

(Click here to view the translated story with Jody. Video interview with Jody is available here.)

I am taking a train to Estonia, as it's only 2 hours by boat. I think it'll probably be the only time in my life I'll have the opportunity to see this country so we're taking advantage. Poker anyone? Apparently there is lots of games going on in Estonia, I shall see!

Saturday is Lahti with three races, then hopefully home on Sunday. The Helsinki airport is closed because of the volcano in Iceland. The volcanic ash is expected here tomorrow so hopefully it will pass through so we can get home on Sunday. Until then good day and good night.