Only a few sporting entities in Europe have been relatively unaffected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those entertainment options is Swedish harness racing. The continuity of Standardbred racing in the kingdom has resulted in increased exposure for its product, and the Swedes are glad to oblige.
Sweden's equestrian sector employs forty thousand people. It is an understatement to say that the continuation of live racing in the country has made all the difference for the country's horsepeople through this unfathomable time.
Given the current global situation, a recent article that has appeared on the website of the Federal News Network has characterized Sweden's racing as a 'saviour' for the country's participants, the wagering companies, and their customers, alike.
The races are being contested, but without fans and with strict social distancing measures in place, which has been the norm for all tracks that have been operating throughout the current coronavirus situation.
“Of course it affects us that we can’t have the public in to watch, but it’s more important for us to have the core business (operating),” Swedish Trotting CEO Maria Croon has been quoted as saying. “We aren’t trying to capitalize, just to continue with as less effects as possible.”
“I am more worried when I go into town or to a shop (than driving horses),” Standardbred reinsman Rikard Skoglund was quoted as saying. “If you go to the supermarket, it is much more dangerous than driving horses.”
Although Sweden's racing organizations are not operating to take advantage of the global crisis, handicappers are watching the product being presented, and they are, in turn, firing away at what they are seeing. ATG chief executive Hans Lord Skarplöth has been cited as saying that his wagering company has seen a 600 per cent spike in wagering on Swedish races since the middle of March.
“This is, of course, good for ATG revenues, but even more important for the horse industries,” Skarplöth was quoted as saying. "Thanks to Swedish horse racing, many of these companies still could have some earnings by offering Swedish horse racing to their customers.”
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from the Federal News Network)