Thoresen Guides Nuclear Kosmos to Straight-Heat Hambletonian Win

Per Henrikson left the driving to four-time world champion Ulf Thoresen in the $1.17-million Hambletonian, and it just may have been the move that got Nuclear Kosmos to the winner’s circle in the most prestigious race in trotting.

Thoresen of Norway used a pair of masterful drives to guide Nuclear Kosmos to a straight-heat victory in the 61st Hambletonian Saturday at the Meadowlands.

“Ulf is one of the best drivers in the world,” said Henrikson, who had driven, as well as trained, Nuclear Kosmos all year. “You’ve got to go with the best in Bill O’Donnell, John Campbell or Ulf. I just wanted to keep it Scandinavian. Ulf can do marvelous things with a horse.”

Thoresen first guided Nuclear Kosmos to a one-length victory in the second division of the first heat and then wrapped up the Hambletonian by edging first-division winner Royal Prestige in the second heat by a neck. The filly Britelite Lobell finished third, a half-length farther back.

“I always wanted to see the Hambletonian, and to win it is marvelous,” Thoresen said. “It is the biggest race in the world. This is my biggest thrill so far.”

Nuclear Kosmos trotted the mile in the decisive second heat in 1:56 1/ to win for the fifth time in eight starts this year. The New Jersey colt returned $9, $3.60 and $3.20 and earned $586,041 for owners George and Gary Hoffman, Steve Sullivan and Lilla Henrikson, the wife of the trainer.

Royal Prestige was driven by Brendt Lindstedt and returned $3 and $2.60. He earned $293,020 for the Workaholics Too Stable. Britelite Lobell, with Campbell in the bike, paid $3.20 and earned $140,649 for Irving Liverman and James Masterson of Montreal.