Swedish hoop aiming to make his mark in the Sunshine State

By Jordan Gerrans

After an initial “working holiday’ in Australia just over five years ago, Swedish hoop Shane Karlsson is eager for a longer stay after recently relocating to the Sunshine State.

The 31-year-old has been busy riding across Northern NSW and the Gold Coast in the first few months of 2023.

Karlsson – who has ridden for much of his life in his native Sweden – first came to Australia in the 2017-18 campaign, where he rode two winners.

He is already on the way to bettering that, grabbing his first winner during his second stint in Australia at Lismore last month.

The lightweight jockey took a trio of rides on the Gold Coast’s all new Polytrack last Saturday afternoon as he aims to build his connections and opportunities in South East Queensland.

Karlsson has linked up with his mate Jason Patton on the Gold Coast, who has recently established his own training stable after ending his riding career.

“I was in Melbourne a number of years ago and one of my good friends – Jason Patton – is just starting out up here,” Karlsson said.

“It was a working holiday when I came to Melbourne last time. 

“I have always missed Australia and when you go somewhere you need to know someone.

“The good weather helps, as well, here.”

Patton has started four gallopers for his new stable – two of which Karlsson has been in the saddle for – after last riding in a race back in 2009.

Karlsson has ridden extensively throughout Europe, mostly basing himself in his home of Sweden, while also travelling to Norway, Germany, Denmark and France, among other countries.

He has competed in a French Group 1 event while also collecting a duo of Listed victories in Germany and Sweden.

The well-travelled hoop is hopeful of extending his initial three month visa in Australia to a year-long stay.

“That is what I am planning on doing,” he said.

Based on the Gold Coast, Karlsson has been doing the hours on the highway to Brisbane to ride track work a couple of mornings a week to establish contacts for race rides.

On top of his work for the Patton barn, Karlsson has also ridden some work for Marcus Wilson – who he landed a winner for last month – as well as Group 1-winning trainers Lee Freedman, Desleigh Forster and Robert Heathcote.

“It has been tough to break my way in but I am enjoying it,” he said.

“You have to do the hard yards but it is what it is.”