Johan Untersteiner on his journey, drive and life in harness racing.

About Johan and the stable

My name is Johan Untersteiner and I run one of Sweden’s largest harness racing stables.

Untersteiner Racing AB started in 2014 with eight horses in training at the time. Since then, we have expanded steadily as success has come, and today we have around 200 horses in training based in beautiful Halmstad. Alongside me, around 30 employees help keep this operation running.

Before deciding to take out my own trainer’s license, I worked in Stockholm for 11 years. First at Menhammar with Stefan Hultman, and later as first man for Roger Walmann. I am very grateful for those years with Stefan and Roger – not least for all the racing experience and how I developed and established myself as a driver and trainer. It is ultimately what builds a name that later becomes a brand, but also because they gave me my foundation and helped me develop my philosophy as a trainer.

By my side I also have my father, Peter. He has been my biggest supporter throughout my life and was probably the happiest when I decided to move home and become an independent trainer. My father was himself a very successful trainer but chose in 2022 to wind down his own operation and instead work for and alongside me. It is incredibly rewarding and something very few get the opportunity to experience – to work together with a shared passion.

What motivates you?

The most motivating part of running a racing stable with harness horses is the pursuit of the ultimate racehorse. Getting in new crops every year, working with different types of individuals and trying to bring out the very best in each one. It is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding.

What is your biggest achievement?

For me personally, the biggest moment was when I was 23 years old and went to the USA and set a world record with the horse Giant Diablo. An experience and achievement I carry with me for life.

As a trainer, the horse Cyber Lane has meant the most to me and the operation. He won, among other things, the Swedish Trotting Derby and earned 14 million SEK.

How do you prepare for races?

I try to study the races as thoroughly as possible by analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the competitors and combining that with how I want to plan the race with my own horse.

The horses are prepared over time and often matched towards specific races, with training planned accordingly to ensure they are in the best possible condition for competition.

In addition to training, the grooms do an incredible job keeping them in top shape. We have a very strong team of stable staff and we are very grateful for that. We work with horses at the elite level, which comes with high demands. We are also very careful with both veterinarians and physiotherapists, all to ensure the horses are well and have the best possible conditions.

Best advice for someone dreaming of a career in harness racing

Always believe in what you do. Look at those who are successful, think about why they do what they do, and identify what elements you can bring into your own approach.

Thoughts on the collaboration with Uhip

We have seen Uhip’s products in various equestrian contexts, and when we were looking for good-looking, functional and reliable clothing for our staff, Uhip naturally came up as an option.

Uhip is specialised for equestrian sports and offers the functions we are looking for.