The Mölndalsbanan had prepared for a folk party with up to 15,000 spectators when the Paralympic race (formerly the Olympic race) was decided on Saturday.

However, the Corona crisis has overturned those plans, but unlike other sports, the trotting sport has succeeded in completing its regular competition program.

Reference to active moving across large areas of the country's stable slopes and that it is not about a sport with physical touch has enabled continued competition.

However, facing empty stands, someone who has financial consequences for the organizers. The loss of income from food, drink and entrance fees means that the Åbytravet is expected to lose millions on Saturday.

Lower price money

The first prize in the Paralympic race has therefore been adjusted from SEK 1.5 million to SEK 1 million, and the total price paid to the six most placed horses in the race has been reduced by SEK 900,000.

- At the same time, we can withhold some other costs. We have no expenses associated with the guests we usually invite and we also do not need to rent tents, stand tables, extra toilets or for that matter a lot of extra staff, says Jon Walter Pedersen, sports manager at Åbytravet.

A total of twelve races are run on Åby on Saturday and it is estimated that 200 people will be housed in the stallback area.

- Our stable hill is narrower than other courses, but we still manage to spread out those who work actively with the horses over large areas. In addition, we close the restaurant on the stable hill and the cows can change in their cars. In addition, we will mark all authorized persons to easily see if unauthorized persons have entered the facility.

Safe on the trot track

How do you manage the active directives you have given?

- Just as in society at large, it is different how seriously you take this, but in general it has worked very well during the competitions that we have organized during the spring with these restrictions.

Johan Untersteiner, coach and trainer for Swedish star horse Cyber ​​Lane, shares that view.

- If I compare a working day on a trot track versus a visit to a grocery store, I feel much more confident on the trot track, says Untersteiner.

He is happy that the trot rolls on when almost every other sport is down.

- However, it will feel strange on Saturday. I am sure that the adrenaline rush and feeling that normally occurs before a big race will not occur. For us trotters, this will be the same as a football match for empty stands, it does not matter that we compete for a million kronor when the facility will in principle be completely deserted.