Steinlager takes Elitlopp

The Norwegian representative Steinlager, a 7-year-old stallion by Keystone Jazzy out of the Mac Breton-sired mare Good As Gold, won the Elitlopp final in 1:52.3, equaling the race record. The winner is owned, trained and driven by Norwegians, and it was the first time in more than 19 years that a Norwegian horse has won the race.



Steinlager won his elim comfortably in 1:54.1 over Giant Superman. Civil Action and Ilster D'Espiens also advanced from this elim. Scarlet Knight and the mare world champion Vasterbo Daylight failed to advance.



Gidde Palema won his elim in 1:55.2 over Digger Crown with Kart De Baudrairie third. Chucaro Ahijuna, representing the U.S., broke stride at the start and was disqualified, failing to advance.



Steinlager took control of the final heat as directed by driver Per Oleg Midtjjeld and persevered despite a challenge by the first-over Gidde Palema, last year's Elitlopp champion.



Steinlager now has five wins in six starts this season after a 2004 campaign when he won six of 15 starts.

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