GS75: Can the fan favorite set up another victory roar?
Madeleine Smith’s pride and joy – and the crowd’s big favorite.
Two years ago, Espen Hill claimed a celebrated victory in the Stockholm Cup International – and on Sunday, he will try to repeat the feat.
"This is the event of 2025 – to try to win the Stockholm Cup again," says his trainer and jockey ahead of the season’s biggest goal.
Espen Hill. A legend.
On Sunday, Madeleine Smith hopes that the stable’s brightest star will once again thrill the home crowd at Bro Park.
It’s time for the Stockholm Cup International, the main attraction on a packed top-class race day with GS75.
2 Espen Hill (GS75-6) won two years ago. Now the hugely popular horse is ready again.
"Yes, he is. The horse is in great shape right now. He has done his gallops ahead of Sunday, and it has looked excellent. We are looking forward to Sunday and also hoping for good weather. It’s a very open race, but I certainly don’t see us as without a chance," says Madeleine Smith, who not only trains but also rides him in every race.
In 2023, the pair defeated strong competition in the race.
"It’s, of course, a powerful memory for me. We had run in this race several years in a row, but unfortunately couldn’t take part last year. I’m very proud of the horse for coming back," recalls ‘Malle’.
Last year, Espen Hill couldn’t defend his title.
Things just didn’t click for the horse, who only ran once all season.
"Many ask about that, but I’ll put it like this: that’s in the past. What happened last year is behind us – now it’s 2025 that matters. The whole stable is so pumped for the Stockholm Cup and just want the race to start already…"
Four races this year – dislikes traveling
Now nine years old, Espen Hill has returned strong this year.
He won the Kapplöpningssällskapet’s Grand Prix on his home track at the end of June and has since made two more starts. Now comes the season’s highlight.
"There aren’t many races for horses at this level, and I don’t really like traveling with him either. I travel with him once a year, to the Skånska Fältrittklubben’s Jubilee Race at Jägersro, otherwise I avoid it. Sunday’s race has, of course, been the big goal – it’s the event of 2025, trying to win the Stockholm Cup again."
What makes this horse so special?
"He’s like an eternally young horse. Very positive and loves to work. I’ve also been very careful with him his whole career – if there’s ever been the slightest issue, he hasn’t run. He always has to feel good; he has to ‘say so’ himself. He has given me so much in return that I feel I owe him that."
Hoping to fight for it in the end
The Stockholm Cup.
One of Scandinavia’s finest thoroughbred races and a true classic, first run at Ulriksdal in the 1930s, and later moved to Täby Galopp in 1963. In 1979, the “International” suffix was added.
As always, a very tough field will be loaded into the gates just after 5 PM on Sunday.
"My horse can actually run from any position, though he usually doesn’t go in front, even though he did that a lot when younger. Last time I had him lead because he needed a good run-through, and the situation called for it. But on Sunday, he won’t be leading – there’s an extreme frontrunner in the race in Claymore. So, we’ll see where we end up, but hopefully we’ll be right in the fight at the finish. With him, you always believe you’ve got a chance."
You also have 6 Diamond Soul (GS75-1) in the Nicke’s Memorial. What is his status?
"He’s also in excellent form. Maybe it turned into a very tough race, and he’s probably one of the lowest-handicapped horses in the field. But Diamond Soul feels very good. Last time, the soft turf track wasn’t an advantage for him, so now he’s back on dirt. I think Sunday’s turf will also be very soft, which could make it hard for everyone later in the day – but this is the only dirt race, and I think it will suit him. Hopefully, we can be right up there."
And finally, your thoughts on 9 Dream Desk (GS75-5) in the Svealand Race for two-year-olds?
"He was bought from Newmarket, and I think he needed his last run. But I do think he might struggle with the turf – he’s really a dirt horse. We hope for a nice prize money finish, but there are other horses in the race that will probably be very hard to beat."