Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Odds On Racing's

Trainer of the Month
for March 2009

Jan E. Johnson

Jan E. Johnson is just one of a long list of Swedish imports who have scored success in the United States. Born on January 29, 1951 in Bollnas, Sweden, Johnson first went to work for Hakan Wallner at age 14 as a groom, where he developed a solid bond with the famous elder horseman.

Jan Johnson

"I lived in Hakan’s home," Johnson said. "He’s been like a second father to me."

Johnson is the sole member of the original Continental Farms triumvirate still residing stateside. When the partnership decided to develop young trotters for exportation to Sweden for racing in their later years, head trainer Hakan Wallner established the U.S. end of the operation, then left Jan Johnson to do most of the practical training and driving. The result was that Continental became one of the most successful trotting operations in North America.

Just as Wallner helped Johnson find his place in the harness world, so too does Johnson enjoy developing young trotters.

"I much prefer training and driving the younger horses, watching their progress, their accomplishments and downfalls. In the end, it is a very rewarding experience," he adds.

The list of top trotters that Johnson has helped to develop is endless. They have captured virtually every major trotting stake in North America, most more than once.

I much prefer training and driving the younger horses, watching their progress, their accomplishments and downfalls.

He also developed top pacer I Am A Fool before selling him to Brett Pelling. Outstanding graduates include Conch, Royal Prestige, Arsenal, Winkys Gill, her son Supergill, Tarport Bridget, Workaholic, Demilo Hanover, Me Maggie, Super Arnie, Kramer Nobless, ,Downtown Man, Herschel Walker, Raging Goal, Yankee Glide, Missy’s Goalfire.