Per Engblom’s stable flourishes on a hearty diet, with a taste for luxury

Murray Brown’s article sheds light on the career and journey of Per Engblom, the second leading trainer in North America in terms of wins and money earned by his stable. Engblom’s success has been somewhat under the radar, much like Travis Alexander, due to his focus on racing at tracks like Yonkers, The Meadowlands, Pocono Downs, and Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Engblom’s career in harness racing began in Sweden, where he worked for his father before moving on to work for Jimmy Takter in the United States. He later returned to Sweden for trainers‘ school and a brief stint in Italy before coming back to the States to work for Tony Alagna. His time with Alagna was marked by successes like Captaintreacherous’s 2-year-old season and MVP’s win in the Kentucky Futurity.

After working with Takter again for six years, Engblom started his own stable in 2018, which eventually led him to Magical Acres in Chesterfield, NJ. The transition from a Grand Circuit stable to a focus on raceway horses at Yonkers was a strategic move to ensure financial stability. Engblom credits his success to his dedicated team of horsemen and supportive owners like Mitchel Skolnick, Evan Katz, Frank Canzone, and the Morrison Stable.

Engblom’s stable now consists of around 100 horses, with a mix of racehorses and young prospects. While the racehorses form the core of his operation, the 2- and 3-year-olds represent the future of his stable. Engblom is a bargain seeker when it comes to selecting sires for his young horses, preferring options like Huntsville, Heston Blue Chip, and Muscle Hill based on affordability and quality.

Looking ahead to the Hambletonian, Engblom has Supernova Hanover, a Greenshoe colt, entered in the race. While he doesn’t expect a win, he hopes the colt will perform well enough to qualify for the final and potentially earn a share of the million-dollar purse.

In conclusion, Per Engblom’s journey in harness racing is a testament to the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and strategic decision-making in a competitive industry. His success as a trainer is a result of his dedication to his craft, his horses, and his owners, making him a force to be reckoned with in the world of harness racing.