Triple harness racing champion Evartti to retire after final race

Triple harness racing champion Evartti is set to retire after this season, with his final race likely to be the Kuninkuusravit in Tampere this weekend, according to Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Though not yet confirmed, trainer Antti Ojanperä leaves open the possibility of one last appearance at the Kittilä summer races in early August, noting local interest in a farewell on his home turf.

Evartti, Finland’s highest-earning Finnhorse, surpassed Viesker’s 20-year record for prize money in 2024. His career includes three King’s Crown titles and two Nordic-King victories.

Career and caretaker Jutta Ihalainen recalls first meeting Evartti as a foal during a family trip to South Ostrobothnia. Originally intended to inspect an older half-brother, the then-yearling’s bold and speedy demeanor stood out immediately.

“He was small, round, brave, and incredibly fast. He always took the lead when the foals were urged to run,” Ihalainen said.

Evartti’s career nearly ended in February 2021 when a routine procedure to remove a cartilage fragment from his front knee led to a rare intestinal complication under anesthesia. Emergency surgery by veterinarians Meeri Rantanen and Kimmo Elfving saved him after two operations and a lengthy recovery at Elfving’s stable. By May of that year, Evartti returned to the track.

“The speed of his recovery and how he embraced rehabilitation—you can only credit his character,” Ihalainen said.

At 15, Evartti will age out of competition next year. His retirement will not mark the end of his public presence, as Ihalainen plans to continue sharing updates on his life via social media, where he has 10,000 followers.