Varenne was the first great champion of harness racing in Europe

Harness racing, a sport that involves horses trotting or pacing while pulling a driver in a two-wheeled cart, has a long and illustrious history. It has been tremendously popular in Europe, with its roots dating back to ancient times. However, it wasn’t until the arrival of Varenne on the racing scene that the sport gained its first true superstar.

Varenne, a chestnut gelding born in 1995 in Italy, had an exceptional career that captivated the hearts of racing enthusiasts across Europe and beyond. Trained by Jori Turja, Varenne started his racing journey at an early age, and soon showcased his innate talent and potential. It was clear from the beginning that this horse was something special.

His breakthrough year came in 1998 when he won the prestigious Gran Premio Lotteria, a race held annually in Naples, Italy. This victory was just the start of a remarkable streak that would cement Varenne as a legend in the history of European harness racing.

Varenne’s most iconic achievement occurred in the year 2001 when he triumphed in the coveted Elitloppet, held in Sweden. This race is considered one of the most esteemed international events in harness racing, attracting the finest horses from around the globe. Varenne’s victory in the Elitloppet marked the first time ever that an Italian horse had won this prestigious race, solidifying his place in harness racing history.

In addition to his Elitloppet win, Varenne set a world record for the fastest time ever recorded over a mile in harness racing, completing the distance in a mind-boggling time of 1 minute 50.1 seconds. This astonishing achievement showcased Varenne’s exceptional speed, strength, and endurance, further solidifying his reputation as a true champion.

Varenne’s success was not limited to European tracks. In 2003, he traveled to the United States to compete in the Breeders’ Crown, a prestigious harness racing series. While he placed second in the final, his presence in the event drew attention worldwide and demonstrated the global dominance of European harness racing.

What set Varenne apart from other champions was not only his incredible performances on the track but also his captivating personality. Varenne had a striking appearance, with a flashy white star on his forehead and a powerful muscular physique. His charismatic spirit and undeniable charm endeared him to fans, who eagerly awaited his every race.

Following his retirement in 2005, Varenne’s influence on harness racing continued to be felt. He became a popular sire, passing on his exceptional genes and racing prowess to future generations of harness racing champions. Many of his offspring went on to achieve great success themselves, further solidifying Varenne’s enduring legacy in the sport.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to harness racing, Varenne was inducted into the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in the United States in 2007. This prestigious honor reinforced his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats and underscored his impact on both European and international harness racing.

Varenne, the first great champion of harness racing in Europe, left an indelible mark on the sport. His extraordinary performances, record-breaking feats, and magnetic personality made him a true icon. Harness racing enthusiasts will forever cherish the memories of Varenne’s thrilling races and the legacy he left behind.