The starting fields for Elitloppet 2026 are now ready, and this year's big race at Solvalla looks set to be one of the strongest and most international in many years. The world's elite will gather on Sunday, May 31st for a sprint showdown over 1609 meters with auto start, where the top four from each qualifying heat will advance to the prestigious final later that afternoon.
Withprofiles from Sweden, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland and Norway, everything is set for a spectacular Elitlopp Sunday in front of a packed Solvalla.
Elitloppet 2026 starting field
Blue heat – Sunday at 3:35 PM
The first qualifying heat features a sky-high level of sporting class with several established world stars and heavy favorites.
- Luke the Spook (Sweden)
- Diva EK (Italy)
- Charron (Norway)
- Don Fanucci Zet (Sweden)
- Idao de Tillard (France)
- Dream Mine (Sweden)
- Keep Going (France)
- Borups Victory (Sweden)
Much of the attention is naturally focused on Don Fanucci Zet, who is chasing another triumph on home turf. At the same time, Frenchman Idao de Tillard is considered one of Europe's strongest trotting horses right now.
Borups Victory also comes to Solvalla with high expectations after a very strong start to the season.
Charron carries Norway's hope
Norwegian challenger Charron will be one of the big topics of conversation ahead of this year's Elitlopp. The six-year-old is trained by Geir Vegard Gundersen and represents perhaps Norway's strongest Elitlopp hope in several years.
Charron also participated in last year's Elitlopp, but the opposition was ultimately too tough and he missed out on a place in the final. Since then, the stallion has developed further, and both physically and mentally he appears much stronger this season.
The victory in the Klosterskogen Grand Prix earlier this year also showed that the form is in place for the biggest task of the year.
Many therefore consider the chances to be clearly better this time, especially because the horse has had another year of development and experience at the top level. The disadvantage, however, is that Charron ended up in what on paper looks like the toughest qualifying heat, against profiles such as Don Fanucci Zet, Idao de Tillard and Borups Victory.
Nevertheless, the Norwegian team should definitely be taken seriously. With the right backstroke and a little bit of luck along the way, Charron can fight their way to a historic Norwegian final spot.
Red heat – Sunday at 16:02
The second attempt looks at least as strong, with more form horses and exciting international names.
- Gio Cash (Netherlands)
- Allegiant (Sweden)
- Jabalpur (France)
- Fine Manners (Finland)
- Go On Boy (France)
- A Fair Day (Sweden)
- Inexcess Bleu (France)
- Jobspost (Sweden)
Reigning champion Go On Boy returns to Solvalla with the aim of defending his title. French horses have dominated Elitloppet in recent years, and this time too France is fielding a very strong team.
The Swedes are also hoping for home cheer through profiles such as A Fair Day and Allegiant, while Finnish Fine Manners will be an exciting outsider after strong performances throughout the spring.
One of the most interesting participants is also Jobspost, who is coming off several impressive victories at Vincennes and will now be tested against the very best sprint elite.
French dominance – Swedish revenge hunt
The last four Elitlopp winners have been French, and this year's starting field clearly shows that France is once again coming to Solvalla with great ambitions.
At the same time, there is great hope on the Swedish side that profiles such as Don Fanucci Zet and Borups Victory will be able to break the French dominance in front of a packed Solvalla.
With world stars, top international coaches and a sporting level of the highest class, everything is in place for a spectacular Elitlopp 2026.
We will present our winning tips HERE
Last year's final HERE
