One of Finland’s top young reinsmen, 20-year-old Iikka Nurmonen, is in Canada this week to get a first-hand look at the North American style of driving and training standardbreds.
Nurmonen, who will be in Canada until next Tuesday, is the youngest driver ever in Finland to win a V75 race and also guided Surprise Lord to victory in the 2013 Finnish Championship for older horses, setting a new Finnish record for the 2100 metre event.
“He is regarded as a top young talent in Finland,” said friend and fellow countrywoman Riina Rekila. “It will be a great experience for him to get to see the different style here in North America. I think he will be impressed.”
Known as an all-round horseman, Nurmonen trains and shoes for his father’s racing stable in Finland while picking up catch drives whenever he can. He is hoping to pick up some driving assignments at The Raceway and Flamboro Downs during his Canadian visit.
(The Raceway at Western Fair District)