While Sweden's Kristian Huselius and P.J. Axelsson might be best known on this continent for their careers in the National Hockey League, the on-ice stars have their own all-star competing in and winning top European harness racing events
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On Sunday, Bjorn Goop guided Quarcio du Chene to victory in the Finlandia Ajo at Vermo in Helsinki, Finland. The Olle Goop-trained trotter was situated second over for the majority of the first half before Bjorn Goop tipped his charge three-wide just before the five-eighths and situated his charge within striking distance of pacesetter Express Merret before flipping the switch in the stretch and holding off the late charge of Brioni to take home the winner's share of the EUR190,000 purse.
"We have high expectations of him and know how good he is when he works. Today he showed how good he can be," said Huselius to ATG after the win. The connections are hoping the win in a track record time (1:53.3 mile rate) will be enough to warrant an invite to the Elitlopp, an event near and dear to their hearts.
Driver Bjorn Goop showed no signs of rust as Sweden's top driver had just returned to racing the day before after injuries left him on the sidelines from over a month.
Enough Talk and driver Luc Ouellette finished fifth after a rough trip from the eight hole.