Miia Salminen is an advocate for harness racing in Finland
by Victoria Howard
I returned recently from Ireland and Wales where I was a guest at an equine book signing for several horse books I wrote or co-wrote.
The enthusiastic fans purchased the books, Meadow Skipper, Roger Huston, Harness Racing in PA, and Roosevelt Raceway. It was a real honor to educate them on some of our greatest superstars (two and four legged ones) and famous racetracks through my books.
Besides meeting the wonderful Delaney’s who founded and run the VDM (Vincent Delaney Memorial), I visited the amazing country of Ireland where the grass is emerald, green; the people are extremely kind and accommodating, and attended the races at the Tir Prince in Wales.
I befriended several female drivers who participated in the ladies’ race, the Bernie Kelly Memorial, one of whom I already wrote about.
I’ve always been curious about how harness racing is on the other side of the pond, discovering their culture, and style of racing. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Miia Salminen competed in the VDM representing her home country of Finland. After the VDM Salminen appeared on TV discussing her experience at the VDM.
“I was born in Turku, located in southern Finland,” she said. “I have been involved with horses since I was 4 years old. My parents owned a farm where I got my start, and they still own and live there. My father had always been passionate about horses and would take me to the barn where I got my first ride in a cart.
“When I was young, I worked at Mikko Rivinoja’s stable before starting my own company [liikkeelle.com] where I collaborate with Finish Hippos, Racetracks, and Fintoto, too, where I organize various events, as well as marketing and sales. My mission was and remains to bring trotting sports to people in Finland.
“I race and tour the Amateur League in Finland, as well as the Lady League [a league for female drivers]. I am also the organizer of the league. This year there will be 25 races and the final will be in Vermo this November.
“I also organize the activities of the Vermo Trotting School, located at Finland’s main racetrack in Vermo. We collaborate with Harjun Oppimiskeskus/Harju Learning Center where the student’s study to become horse groomers. We also offer different courses for children — young and adults — there is something for everyone.
“When I was 16, I drove in races a few times a year, but there were breaks of silence in between for several reasons. Since 2018, I have driven more and in 2021 I won the Finnish Championship for female drivers.
“I am blessed to have raced in eight different countries. The biggest race I raced in was this year’s Prix de Amerique Amateur race and last year in the Elitloppet Amateur race in Sweden. As far as my best experience, I’d say it has been driving in the Bernie Kelly Memorial this year at Wales.”
Where do you train your horses, and what is your style of exercising and training them?
“At the moment I only have one horse of my own to train who is stabled at the Vermo Trotting School. I had three horses but downsized to have more time to coach and drive. 2021 has been my best year as a coach, where we won 16 times with a winning percentage of 34 per cent.”
Where do you race?
“I mainly race in Vermo and other trotting tracks in southern Finland. My favorite race is St. Michel in July where the sun is shining and there are fast horses competing.”
Trotting is popular in Finland. What are some of the big races?
“Trotting is the second most popular sport in Finland, after ice hockey. Here we have trotting races every other day except on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The biggest races with the highest purses are the International Finlandia Race and the Derby in Vermo.
“The biggest trotting event is Kuninkuusravit where there are the King and Queen Races for Finnish Cold-Blooded.”
What is your style of training and conditioning?
“I train horses individually. I drive intervals to the gentle uphill and same downhill. During the training season I do longer intervals of 700-900 meters and during the racing season I do shorter intervals of 400-500 meters.
“I believe in giving the horse the best care possible, so regularly I treat them with laser and massages.
“I have personally competed in running and cross-country skiing and brought that style to horse training. It’s very important to warm up your horse before racing. I usually warm up for five-to-six kilometers before racing and after the race a two-to-three kilometers recovery jog.”
What is the fastest horse you have driven?
“The fastest horse is one I own named Zumuman. He won in 1:12.2 (mile) and earned just 5,000 Euros. Last Saturday there was a 200 meter speed race at Vermo. Zumuman won the qualifying round and finished second in the final.”
How did you like racing at the VDM?
“I loved it. It was the first time I ever drove a pacer, for there are no pacers in Finland.
“Out of the gate I tried to leave and go to the front but the horse on the rail was faster, so I fell in and sat behind it. My horse, Crosshill Diablo gave his best and finished fourth.”
Is there someone you credit for your success?
“It is driver Antti Teivainen — the second winningest driver in Finland. He taught me many lessons and after a race he always told me his opinion on what I did and could do better. He still teaches and advises me.”
What is the best experience you’ve had in the sport and what are your future plans?
“Life itself and all the great experiences have taught me the most. I haven’t driven in the USA but am hopeful that the opportunity will soon come. I would love to one day drive in the USA, Canada, and Australia and learn their culture as well.”
