In fact, it was stumbling close to Stefan "Tarzan" Melander qualifying another horse for the final. With the smallest possible margin, his last qualifying horse was knocked out when the competition races were run last Friday at Axevalla, the trotting track in the country that has the longest riot.

For the four-year-old, Swedish-born mares who make up for it in the most prestigious young horse race that exists for mares in Swedish trotting, that race usually feels endless.

Lacks victory

Two races within the course of nine days over 2,640 meters is a trial. Prix ​​d'Amerique winners such as Queen L. and Ina Scot belong to the crowd that has succeeded as well as the former world record holder Giant Diablo.

The list of talented mares whose progress has stopped in the Stallion Championship can be made even longer.

Melander has won most major races that can be won both nationally and internationally. A full hit in the Stoke Championship is missing, however, despite several brave attempts. Eight years ago, he had second-hand favorite Digital Darling, who looked to be heading for victory, in the lead, but who was completely dumbfounded by the riot.

- Another year when we had the chance, the race had to be blown off because a horse fell over and died. No, we have not had any flow in the Stoke Championship, but now I hope it can turn around, he says.

"Did something right"

Having five finalists in the Stallion Championship is an unbeatable feat, but not something unique. Stig H Johansson succeeded with the same thing in 2005, but none of the five finalists got any part of the prize cake.

- Stig was dominant in the Stoke Championship for many years, so it indicates that I did something right if I also managed to get five horses. Of them, it is Ganga Bae that I have the highest hopes for. I believe a lot in her if she keeps the shape I think she should have, but if it's crazy driving, it's probably not impossible that another horse from our stable can finish far ahead.

For all five horses he uses other riders. He never had any thoughts of going to Axevalla outside Skara and driving one of the finalists himself.

- No, it takes too much time to leave. I need to be home and prepare the courses so we have good conditions when we train on Monday morning.