One of the most successful participants in the history of Swedish harness racing, Hall of Famer Olle Goop has passed away at the age of 78.
Born August 13, 1943, in Mora, Sweden, Mr. Goop compiled 7,696 wins as a trainer and 6,744 as a driver according to Scandinavian records. He won 66 driving titles in Sweden during his career but was known as a consummate horseman. Between training and driving, he won almost all of Europe’s trotting classics. He was inducted into the Swedish trotting Hall of Fame in 2013, and he was the leading dash-winning driver in Sweden for many years until he was passed by his son, Björn Goop.
Olle enjoyed success in harness racing on both sides of the Atlantic, driving the great older trotting mare Grades Singing to victories in the 1987 and 1989 Breeders Crown Mare Trot.
"The best Olle in the world," said the team at Stall Goop on social media. "Thank you for everything you've taught us and all the joy you've spread. We will miss you and the farm will be empty. Rest in peace."
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Olle Goop.
(with files from USTA; photo courtesy TR Bild)