Lucas Olsen makes most of working holiday

[Wandering Eyes]

Lucas Olsen (right) pictured with trainer Shaun Fannin prior to Sailor Jack’s win at Hawera on Sunday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

Danish jockey Lucas Olsen, who recently achieved his first victory in New Zealand, shared his excitement about the win.

He rode Sailor Jack to a dominant 6.25 length victory in just his second ride in New Zealand. Olsen commented on the race, saying,

“That was good, I am pretty pleased. I knew Billy Boy (runner-up) was the one to beat.

“Shaun Fannin told me to just get up there, and that is what I did, and luckily I had a tonne of horse in my hands coming into the straight.”

While trotting is the primary horse racing code in Scandinavia, Olsen’s passion for thoroughbreds comes from his family’s involvement.

He explained, “Trotting is quite big, but it is the arch-enemy for my family, so I am not keen on it.

“Gallop racing isn’t that big in Scandinavia, that is why I have worked in England for a little while when I was younger.”

Olsen’s family has a history with horses, and he has ridden in nearly 100 races.

He considered a career in the Air Force but is now torn between returning to it or pursuing a full-time career in racing.

He said, “I have always had racing on the side as a hobby, and my parents have horses back home, so it has always been a passion of mine. I want to keep it at least as a hobby.”

Having arrived in New Zealand in May for a working holiday, Olsen is enjoying his time in the country.

He has worked with various trainers and may extend his stay if he continues to enjoy his time in New Zealand.

Olsen mentioned, “My VISA runs out in May, and I want to stay throughout the summer, but it depends on what happens.

“The plan is to go back home in May, but if something crazy happens and I really like it, I might stay for a little longer.

“But I promised Mum I would be home.”

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