Sixth episode of Fika with Jonas

ALLENTOWN, NJ – August 1, 2016 – Jonas Czernyson is reunited with his harness racing mentor, Per Eriksson, in the sixth episode of “Fika with Jonas,” which airs on YouTube, starting on August 1, 2016.

Czernyson was an Eriksson protégé when he first came from Sweden to the United States, starting as a caretaker before progressing to second trainer for his fellow countryman.

“I started working for him the week after Alf Palema won the 1992 Hambletonian,” said Czernyson, who trains Brooklyn Hill, one of the entrants in the 2016 Hambletonian on August 6 at the Meadowlands. 

Eriksson trained the winners of three Hambletonians – 1985 with Prakas, 1991 with Giant Victory and 1992 with Alf Palema.

Eriksson discusses his experiences of training in the States – he came in 1981 as an assistant for the Soren Nordin Stable – and the special place in his heart for Prakas.  He talks about how King Conch was the star of his stable and the anticipated Hambletonian winner in 1992.  Initially, he was disappointed that King Conch was beaten until he realized it was by his other entrant, longshot Alf Palema.

Eriksson and his wife, Tina, returned to Sweden, but now it is one of their daughters, Vanessa, who has come to the States and is working for Jonas Czernyson.  Vanessa Eriksson is the caretaker of Side Bet Hanover, who won her Hambletonian Oaks Elimination race last week.

The protégé is now the teacher.

“It is important to understand that horses are not work; it’s a lifestyle,” Eriksson said.  “Jonas is a good teacher.”

Fika is the Swedish word for a coffee break, and Swedish-born trainer Jonas Czernyson, who is stabled at Winners Training Center in Chesterfield, NJ, is the star of the monthly series produced by Cody Bach Productions.

Questions and comments may be sent to Christine and Jonas Czernyson through the Team JC Stable page on Facebook, @teamjcstable on Twitter or by email to info@teamjc.net.

To view the video: https://youtu.be/PE6s8g8PUzs

From Carol Hodes