Kuninkuusravit event attracts fans from Pelto and Tornio to Jyväskylä
The upcoming Kuninkuusravit (Finnish Trotting Derby) event is generating significant interest among fans, with numerous buses heading from Pelto and Tornio, as well as many individuals traveling from Kaukos to Kittilä. A group of 40 enthusiasts from Tornio will depart to assist at the local racetrack.
Saara Sadinmaa, an organizer from Tornio, noted that the annual event has attracted visitors since the 1980s, regardless of its location across Finland. This summer, the main event will be hosted in Jyväskylä at the Killer racetrack.
Petteri Korteniemi, an organizer from Pelto, has only missed the Kuninkuusravit twice since he first attended in Jyväskylä in 1976, citing personal commitments on both occasions. Since 1982, group travel by bus has been a tradition for fans heading to this premier horse racing event.
At the Kuninkuusravit, attention is primarily focused on the Finnish horse, with attendees eager to enjoy the atmosphere and watch the races. Korteniemi likened it to a festival, mentioning that aside from the races, there are evening parties filled with “festival vibes.”
Jouko Kangas, 73, who has attended the event since 1968, reminisced about his first experience, where he traveled nearly 1,000 kilometers by taxi to Forssa. Now, he’s eager to compete with his horse, Vilinän Varma, in front of thousands.
The Kuninkuusravit will take place in Jyväskylä from July 26-28, featuring ten horses competing for the title of trotting king and twelve for the trotting queen. Participants will compete in multiple heats, and the overall title will be awarded to the horse with the lowest combined time. Winners could earn up to €100,000 in prize money, with 37 heats planned and around 500 horses and ponies registered. An estimated 50,000 spectators are expected to attend.