Hambletonian Day always attracts an international audience. This year's event has also attracted an international driving superstar as Sweden's Björn Goop will be driving in the 2016 edition of the Hambletonian.
The 39-year-old Goop, who earlier this month became the youngest participant inducted into the Nordic Harness Racing Hall of Fame, has been pegged to drive Dominion Beach for owner Courant Ab of Sweden and trainer Nancy Johansson, who confirmed the news to Trot Insider on Friday.
"He is a good friend of Anders Ström (of Courant Ab) and obviously he is a very good international driver," said Johansson, who noted that Goop will arrive in the U.S. on Thursday and will also drive another filly she plans on entering in the Duenna on the Hambletonian Eve card at The Meadowlands.
Goop's last race on U.S. soil came in 2015 in the International Trot at Yonkers Raceway, finishing second with Timoko. Prior to that, he represented Sweden in the 2011 World Driving Championship, finishing fifth.
One of the most decorated drivers in Swedish harness racing history, Goop notched his 6,000th win this past December and has been the Swedish driving champion for an unprecedented 12 consecutive years.