Steve Oldford, the U.S. representative for the World Cup of Amateur Racing in Finland, has given his account of the first day of the three-day event.
Under brilliant blue Finland skies that do not darken at night, 12 countries started the first three races of the nine race series for the World Cup of amateur racing.
The races were held at the Riihimaki summer race course about 60 miles north of Helsinki. It reminded me of summer fair racing of old, as families spread out around the track with their children, picnics, and blankets to enjoy the days racing. The grandstand was full of enthusiastic spectators who were able to wager on the races which include Standardbred and Coldblood breeds.
The World Cup drivers were presented to the cheering crowd prior to the first race. Each of the 12 countries flags waived proudly in the summer breeze. Three World Cup races will be contested this day.
In the first race I drove a lightly-raced three-year-old son of Donerail out of the five hole. He was very immature but smart. We raced from the first-over position which leads the common place second row of horses in the 12-horse field. He was very strong and relaxed to the head of the stretch in this 2000 metre (1-1/4 mile) race and pulled ahead for the victory.
From the four hole in the second race, I had a trotter that needed a lot of help! In place of head poles, gating poles that are similar to our gating straps are used. They are controlled by my legs drawing them in or out to help guide the horse. It feels like rear end steering instead of using the bit. This 11-year-old gave a big effort but was not able to match the field.
The third race saw me coming from Post 7 and racing from about forth over for the distance finishing sixth in the 12-horse field.
I accumulated 21 points in the first three races which places me in sixth place after the first day of competition. The point leader is Joey Vignoni from Switzerland with 29 points.
Our international group heads to Tamperre raceway for Tuesdays card.
(Steve Oldford)