There are several harness racing events, both big races and smaller ones, at Ålandstravet each summer. But this summer Ålandstravet is hitting the big time and organising two big harness racing events.
Big Trot and Midnight Trot
19 July is going to be one of the highlights of the summer. A Big Trot with Swedish, Finnish and Ålander coachmen. The harness racing events are going to be shown on TV both in Sweden and Finland, and anyone who wants to will be able to have a bet on the horses both at the course and through ATG. Several international harness racing stars have been invited to participate.
“We’ve been in touch with Jorma Kontio, Harry Koivonen, Claes Sjöström and Erik Lindgren. None of them have accepted yet, but we have had some positive responses,” explains Kristiina.
24 August is another highlight. Midnight trot. That day the event will be starting a bit later in the evening and once the winners have been identified, there'll be music, beer and dancing. Both coachmen and visitors are welcome.
“We’ll be serving sausages, spare ribs, potato salad and beer. Then there’ll be dancing and partying. Last year the last guests didn't leave until 4 a.m.,” continues Kristiina.
Small and intimate harness racing course
Åland’s harness racing course is located three kilometres from Mariehamn. In contrast to the gigantic harness racing courses in the rest of Europe, Åland’s course is small and intimate.
“At our course you get close up to the horses and coachmen - you can almost touch them from the stands. But the standard is very high. We are often told that everything looks great, well-kept and clean. That goes down well with both the coachmen and the visitors”, says Kristiina.
Racing events in 2012
In addition to the Big Trot and the Midnight Trot, we are going to be organising four other harness racing events. The complete racing programme is available at Ålandstravet.