Continental Farms, a pioneering enterprise established in 1975, stands as a pivotal force in the internationalization of North American harness racing. Founded by three Swedish individuals – Hakan Wallner, Berndt Lindstedt, and Jan Johnson – the stable’s success significantly influenced the careers of numerous European horsemen who subsequently established themselves in the United States.
The Genesis of an Empire
The partnership between Berndt Lindstedt and Hakan Wallner began in Sweden in 1966, with both men being relatively young – Lindstedt at 30 and Wallner at 27. Their initial ventures focused on racing within Sweden and other European circuits. In 1978, Jan Johnson, who had a long-standing relationship with Wallner since he was 14, joined the enterprise, solidifying the formation of Continental Farms in the United States.
Hakan Wallner, a natural entrepreneur, played a crucial role in bridging the Atlantic. He began visiting America in the mid-1960s, sourcing horses for the Wallner-Lindstedt stable. Among his significant acquisitions were Dart Hanover, the winner of the prestigious Elitlopp in 1972 and the Prix d’Amerique in 1973, and Pershing, the 1979 Elitlopp victor and a successful sire in Sweden. Berndt Lindstedt was instrumental in driving these champions, as well as most of the stable’s successful horses on both continents.
Pillars of Success: Lindstedt and Wallner
Berndt Lindstedt, a man of quiet demeanor, is widely recognized as one of the greatest all-around horsemen and drivers in harness racing history. His driving prowess led to over 2,000 victories and accumulated winnings exceeding $25 million. He was a frequent leading driver in Europe and consistently competed at the highest level in North America, achieving success in major trotting classics on both sides of the Atlantic. His notable drives included Royal Prestige (Trotter of the Year in 1986), Workaholic (the inaugural Breeders Crown winner and a successful French stallion), Spring Dash (Hambletonian Oaks winner), and many other classic winners like Supergill, Express Ride, and Yankee Glide. Lindstedt, now 86 and retired in Sweden, remains an ardent follower of racing and maintains daily contact with his close friend, Jan Johnson. He was inducted into the sport’s Living Hall of Fame in 2003.
Hakan Wallner was celebrated as one of the world’s foremost trotting ambassadors. Known for his warmth, engaging personality, and exceptional entrepreneurial acumen, Wallner was arguably the most influential figure in international trotting commerce. He significantly paved the way for European horsemen to compete at the highest echelons of the sport in North America. In the 1980s, Wallner relocated to Italy, where he continued his success, including winning the Italian Derby with Offenburg LB in 1992. He passed away in Treviso, Italy, in January 2001. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Swedish Hall of Fame in 2015 and election as an Immortal in the Hall of Fame of the Trotter in 2018.
Jan Johnson: The Active Backbone
Jan Johnson, the youngest of the trio at 71, is the only member of Continental Farms still actively involved in the sport on a daily basis. Many consider him the operational backbone of the former stable. While Lindstedt was renowned as the driver and Wallner as the charismatic “Mr. Outside,” Johnson managed a significant portion of the enterprise’s operations. Though his driving statistics may not match Lindstedt’s, Johnson’s own achievements are considerable, with Wallner having driven North American winners totaling $8,302,240 and Johnson accumulating $14,070,578 in winnings.
Currently based in Lighthouse Point, FL, Johnson remains dedicated to the industry. He works six mornings a week riding two-year-olds for Tony Alagna’s stable, expressing immense pleasure in working with Tony, his mother Donna Lee, and their team, noting the exceptional quality and breeding of the young horses. His second role involves managing the business aspects of Lennart Agren’s SRF stable in the United States. Agren, a prominent Swedish trotting horse owner with over 200 horses, has about 50 in the U.S., including broodmares and horses in training. Johnson coordinates with farms and trainers, managing the business side amidst the busy breeding season and upcoming stakes payments.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Reflecting on his partners, Johnson described Hakan Wallner as unparalleled, akin to a surrogate father, a great horseman, friend, and businessman who significantly influenced international harness racing and paved the way for young European horsemen. Berndt Lindstedt is cherished as his oldest and dearest friend, a true gentleman with whom he speaks daily.
When asked about his favorite horse, Johnson found it impossible to name just one from the many exceptional horses he worked with. However, he expressed a strong belief that the filly Nan’s Catch was the best, stating that if she had competed in the Hambletonian, she would have won it, surpassing even Hambletonian winner Armbro Goal and Supergill from the same year. He believes Nan’s Catch possessed the credentials to produce a champion like Moni Maker.
Johnson recalled his early years in the U.S. in 1973, starting with six horses and achieving early success with Express Ride and Buckeye Count. He considers Stig H. Johansson the greatest all-around horseman he has ever known, citing his exceptional abilities as a driver and trainer. Soren Nordin is also recognized for his training excellence. Johnson’s greatest personal thrill came from winning the 1990 Kentucky Futurity with Star Mystic. He also recounted the development of the pacer I Am A Fool, which he initially co-owned but ended up selling for a substantial profit.
Johnson shared a lesser-known fact: he was involved in deals to purchase both Valley Victory and Moni Maker, but both fell through due to clients backing out or agreements being broken. He believes these deals, particularly the one for Valley Victory, could have significantly altered the breed.
He also emphasized the critical role of caretakers and a strong team of people managing the horses, acknowledging the support of numerous quality owners throughout his career. Despite his deep affection for Sweden, Johnson affirmed his identity as an American and his commitment to the United States as his home, though he continues to visit Sweden, especially for the Elitloppet.
