Swedish Derby victory for Schamyl
17 July 2024 15:48
Former jockey Jan-Erik Neuroth has enjoyed a dream start to his career, achieving a victory the first time he saddled a horse in the Swedish Derby. After a nail-biting photo finish, his horse Schamyl was declared the winner.
Jan-Erik took over the training operation from his father Wido at the turn of the year and has achieved sensational results in the first few months of his new career. The Jockeyklubben Svenskt Derby (Swedish Derby) victory is the biggest so far. The significance of this achievement was unmistakable, with many tears of joy shed in the winner's enclosure.
"I was moved," Jan-Erik said and continued, "I must thank my father for teaching me so much."
Schamyl started from the innermost box. Jockey Sandro De Paiva carefully maneuvered the horse into position, improving along the backstretch. In the homestretch, it became a duel between Schamyl and Mendel's Rock (skillfully guided by Per-Anders Gråberg). The photo finish gave the victory to Schamyl, but Mendel’s Rock was just a few inches behind.
For Jan-Erik Neuroth, it was a new experience to stand on the sidelines during a Derby decision. He was visibly tense and nervous.
"Of course, it was nerve-wracking to take over, I can admit that. And I am still nervous when all my horses race. It's worse standing on the sidelines; you can't do anything. All the preparations are done, and then you don't have the outcome in your own hands."
Now, Sandro De Paiva executed a tactically perfect ride, and Jan-Erik saw his dream – to win a Derby – come true.
"It has been a fantastic day. But many people have worked behind this victory."
For Jan-Erik Neuroth, it was an amazing raceday: Victory in the Margareta Wettermark Memorial Race with Mystery Night. Victory in the Malmö City Prize with Imra. And the Swedish Derby with Schamyl.
"I am so incredibly grateful for these successes."
From the postponed Swedish Derby day, we also note an impressive sprint victory in the Zawawi Cup (L) for trainer Roy Arne Kvisla's Twirling Ghost – smartly ridden by Per-Anders Gråberg.
"He had a fantastic race and is probably a bit better on dirt track than on grass," said a beaming Kvisla.
The ambitious owners Stall Poulard had a great day with a win in the Zawawi Cup and a second place in the Swedish Derby.
The hometown star Pusjkin ended the day by sprinting to victory in the Valley Chapel Memorial for trainer Francisco Castro and jockey Per-Anders Gråberg.
