Don Fanucci Zet triumphs supreme in Kymi Grand Prix 2026

Don Fanucci Zet produced a masterful performance to claim the Kymi Grand Prix (Gr.1) at the Kouvola track in Finland. The ten-year-old son of Hard Livin, handled by Örjan Kihlström and trained by Daniel Redén, scored over 2100 meters autostart in 1.10,9, leaving his rivals well behind.

It was the eighth Group 1 victory in the career of the 2016-born stallion, who climbed into the top five of the UET Elite Circuit with this win. That ranking is currently led by Epic Kronos with 42 points. The Kymi Grand Prix was the fourteenth leg of that international circuit. The winner's prize amounted to 85,000 euros, approximately 940,000 Swedish kronor.

From post 7, Kihlström had to make a move early. The Swedish star driver sent his charge three-wide, nose in the wind, for the first 600 meters before taking control at the start of the second turn. It was a costly maneuver, but Don Fanucci Zet remained unfazed. After taking the lead, Kihlström dictated the tempo and quickened again entering the home straight, drawing clear with ease.

The podium was completed by Mellby Joker in second, driven by Olli Koivunen and trained by Daniel Wäjersten, followed by Combat Fighter under Santtu Raitala in third. The field also featured Working Class Hero, the Italian entry from Alessandro Gocciadoro's yard, and the Finnish favorite Massimo Hoist with Hannu Torvinen behind the sulky.

Post-race, Kihlström was full of praise for his partner. The first 700 to 800 meters were tough, but Don Fanucci Zet is a tough customer, the driver said, adding that the horse can handle just about anything. He won very easily and I didn't even have to pull the earplugs, was his laconic summary in the winner's circle.

Trainer Daniel Redén was just as resolute in his assessment. I believe he is better than ever, said the Stall Zet principal about his stable stalwart, who won the Elitloppet in 2021 and recently took home the Jämtlands Stora Pris. With a record of 35 wins from 68 starts and over 23.3 million kronor in earnings, Don Fanucci Zet is among the most prolific trotters of his generation. His kilometer time of 1.10,9 neared the race record, which is still held by Etonnant (2023) and Borups Victory (2025), who share the track record.

The victory confirms the resurgence of the stallion, who earlier this season also won the Ulf Thoresen Grand International (Gr.1) at Jarlsberg. Looking ahead to the autumn classics, Don Fanucci Zet once again positions himself as one of the most feared contenders on the European circuit.