V85® (multi jackpot): Untersteiner ready for the historic premiere
A new journey begins for Sweden’s horseplayers this Saturday.
It’s the premiere of V85®, with SEK 85 million up for grabs for anyone hitting all eight winners.
Stall Untersteiner has prepared thoroughly for the historic races at Jägersro.
After 32 years of V75®, ATG is launching a brand-new Saturday entertainment product — V85®, the new million-game, debuting with a massive multi jackpot.
One of the sport’s great profiles, Peter Untersteiner, has witnessed decades of trotting evolution and looks forward to making history once again.
“I was there when V65 started and had a lot of success, especially with Smokey Star. I questioned ATG when they introduced V75 — I couldn’t understand how it could be better — but I was so wrong, and it turned out to be a huge success. I believe and hope V85 will follow the same path,” says Peter Untersteiner.
What has V75 meant for Swedish trotting?
“An enormous amount. If you ask Swedes about horse racing, at least 80 percent will mention V75. Without it, the sport would be much smaller and wouldn’t have developed as it has.”
Your best V75 memory?
“Every time I’ve raced on V75 has been a highlight — it’s the elite series of trotting. I can’t single out one special memory. Once, I won four races on one V75 card at home — I trained all of them myself — not many have done that, and I’m proud of it.”
Harry Was One of a Kind
We can’t talk V75 without mentioning Harry Haythrow. What did he mean to you?
“He meant so much — not just to me but to the entire sport. He became the people’s horse. He started 102 times on V75, including 69 consecutive times. After around 40 straight starts, we began focusing only on V75. Normally, you enter a regular race to recharge or for some other reason, but Harry was unique. I doubt any horse will start 70 consecutive times on V85 — it seems unlikely. Fun fact: he was the favorite only once — when he reached the Gold Division. Usually, that happens in the lower classes.”
“Harry Haythrow still lives a good life, and I visit him sometimes. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart.”
“ATG usually gets it right”
With just days until the V85 premiere, how’s your gut feeling?
“When I first heard they were replacing V75 with V85, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. People don’t like change — you know what you have, not what you’ll get. But after some reflection, I feel positive. ATG has often made the right moves and gotten people to play — I believe they’ll succeed again.”
Peter now runs one of Sweden’s largest and most successful stables together with his son Johan Untersteiner, training over 200 horses.
“Things have gone well for many years — it’s the result of long-term work. Johan is an excellent leader who makes smart decisions. I now stand behind him, have time to enjoy our success, and feel better than I have in a long time. I have no plans to slow down — this is what I love doing most.”
Seven starters in the V85 premiere
On Saturday, the stable sends out seven horses in the V85 debut. Peter shares his thoughts on each:
“5 Stens Rubin (V85–1) was really good winning in Germany last time. He’s in great form and very quick from the start. The distance suits him, and he showed a sharp finish in last year’s Derby. The competition is tough, but he’ll race well here.”
“12 Marshal (V85–3) always performs well and has faced tough opponents. This time, the field is a bit easier. He should deliver another good effort.”
“11 Vinci Winner (V85–4) has started four times, and we’ve been very pleased each time. He handles racing well and continues to develop. He’ll do well again, though the draw lowers our expectations.”
“5 Nilla Lane (V85–5) faced a very strong field last time, and we were happy with her effort. The winner was Clarissa — there are no horses of that caliber this time. Nilla Lane is very fast out of the gate, and Johan will likely send her from the start. She’s training well and should race well again.”
“11 Arnie Silvio (V85–6) is in good form. Forget his last break. The conditions this time are tough.”
“2 Denco’s Galliano (V85–7) is consistent and rarely races badly, though he doesn’t win often. He’ll need a ground-saving trip on the inside, and if things work out, he can grab a nice check.”
“11 Steady Express (V85–8) was fantastic last time, and he’s training well. He’s proven he can handle the distance — three starts ago, he trotted in 1:12 while racing outside the leader. The field is tough, and he can’t have an off day, but all signs point to another strong effort.”