Danish jockey Lucas Olsen, who embarked on a working holiday in New Zealand, achieved an unexpected triumph at Hawera on Sunday when he secured his first victory down under.
Riding in just his second race in New Zealand, Olsen partnered with Sailor Jack, a horse trained by Shaun Fannin, and they clinched a commanding 6.25-length win.
Reflecting on his achievement, Olsen said, “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 predominant horse racing code in Scandinavia, Olsen's passion for thoroughbreds was deeply rooted in 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 connection to the equestrian world runs in the family, as he shared, “My Grandpa has always ridden. My Dad never got the chance, but he has given me plenty of chances to ride, just in amateurs. I have ridden in just under 100 races.”
Despite his initial plans to return to the Air Force after his New Zealand working holiday, Olsen admitted that his love for racing is rekindling.
“I was going to go back in January 2025 and start on that team, but I am getting hooked on racing again.
“As much as I would like a regular job, I like working in racing. I will decide once I have been in New Zealand for a little longer whether I want to continue racing back home or if I want to get a regular job.
“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 spent the winter months in New Zealand, Olsen is relishing his time in the country and is considering extending his stay.
He mentioned, “I arrived in the middle of May. I was going to come down here for six months between my work back in Denmark. I am liking it so far, so I might stay for a little bit longer.”
As for his plans to explore more of New Zealand, especially as the warmer months approach, Olsen said, “I had my ride down south, and before that, I did a bit of traveling around the South Island, and that was great. It was very expensive, but worth it.
“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.”