V75®: Red-hot Jobspost eyes another Silver division win
Rocketing toward the elite
Jobspost has experienced a spectacular rise this year and is chasing yet another victory in the V75® — this time in the Jim Frick Memorial at Rättvik.
"We've already won Jim’s race with Castor the Star before, and I’d gladly do it again," says trainer Jörgen Westholm about the race that honors one of the sport’s greats.
Seven wins in nine starts and just over one million SEK in earnings.
9 Jobspost (V75-3) has an impressive record so far this year—and it looks like there’s more to come. To say the six-year-old has impressed in his recent starts would be an understatement. The way he’s won suggests he belongs in bigger races than the Silver Division.
Last time out, during the big Stochampionatet weekend at Axevalla, he wore down a game Icebreaker Pellini from the outside and won in a time of 1:10.4 over the middle distance.
"Yes, he looked really good again and came out of that race in great shape. He trained this morning, actually, and felt fantastic, so I expect him to come to Rättvik in top form—and hopefully do well again," says Westholm when reached during Monday lunch.
The horse has developed tremendously this year, wouldn’t you say?
"He’s done well all along, really, but earlier he didn’t have that many races under his belt or the speed in his legs. Now he can handle a fast pace over longer distances. He had some bad luck with injuries before, had to take longer breaks—so it feels extra good to see him perform like this now."
So there’s still plenty of untapped potential?
"Absolutely. He hasn’t raced all that many times yet, so we’re hopeful he can continue on this path. From what I’ve seen in training, I believe he has what it takes to compete a class above his current level."
The final – then France awaits
Jobspost ended last season by winning a Class 1 leg.
This year, he’s been a mainstay on the V75 circuit, with five of his victories coming in the Swedish Trotting League—first in the Bronze division (leg and final) earlier this spring, and now three straight wins in the Silver division.
Westholm believes the key to Jobspost’s high ceiling lies in his pedigree.
"In my eyes, the horse has phenomenal engines and probably one of the hottest pedigrees in Sweden right now, being by Readly Express. His dam was a pacer—she was by Rocknroll Hanover, who I’ve heard was a real fighter on the track, often winning races the hard way. Maybe that’s what’s been passed down," says Jörgen.
And the upcoming race? You drew in the second tier—does that matter for him?
"Of course it matters, there’s always a risk of traffic issues, but if there’s any horse who can handle that, it’s Jobspost. What have we had lately? Last time was a good draw, but before that it was 12–12–7... a real disaster. But he handled those, too."
This Saturday at Rättvik, Jobspost is aiming for his fourth straight win in the Silver Division.
Regardless of how it goes, he’ll have one more start in the division in a few weeks—he’s already qualified for the final on August 20, during the Margareta Trophy Night at Solvalla.
That might be his last start for a while.
"Yes, after that start, he will take a couple of months to train, and then we’ll try to bring him to France so he can get a taste of Vincennes and that kind of competition. The winter meet race conditions are published in September, so we’ll know then what to aim for."
If we call you a year from today—where do you think Jobspost will be?
"Then I think he’ll be preparing for the Sundsvall Open Trot. That’s our goal—to be racing in those types of events next year. Hopefully, he’ll have taken those steps in his development. At the very least, I think he’ll be able to compete in 2,140-meter races, even though he’s looked really sharp over the shorter distances too."
The Jim Frick Memorial – a special honor
Silver division aside, Saturday’s race at Rättvik means something more.
It’s the Jim Frick Memorial. Jim, who passed away in 2020, is now honored for the sixth time with a race at the track where one of Swedish trotting’s greatest careers once began.
Jörgen Westholm takes special pride in trying to win this race.
"Yes, it’s a big deal for me. He was a good friend, but above all, a true gentleman with whom I had the pleasure of working closely. I appreciated his honesty, his clarity—and he was just a really pleasant person to be around. I think that’s something most people would agree with. We’ve already won Jim’s race with Castor the Star before, and I’d love to do it again. Sadly, I won’t be there in person,” he adds.
"I can’t clone myself—and I’m heading to the Hambletonian this year. It’s been a few years since I was there."
Oh, that’s exciting! So, who do you think wins the Hambletonian?
"Well, I work with Stall Courant and Robin Thörn, so I’m both hoping and believing that they’ll win. Maryland looked really strong in his elimination—he closed incredibly fast the final quarter and is in top shape. He was the best in his crop last year, and I think he’ll show that again on Saturday."
Before we wrap up, you also have 5 Nikylon (V75-5) racing on Saturday. What are your thoughts there?
"Nikylon raced at Bro Park last time and did okay. He’s been training well, but he’s the kind of horse who hasn’t always raced as well as he trains. Still, he can step out of there quickly from this post, so we’re hoping for a good trip—then maybe he can finish top three."