Swedish Trotting Criterium


The Swedish Trotting Criterium is an annual national Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Solvalla in Stockholm, Sweden. It is considered one of the classic trotting events in Sweden as well as the most prestigious Swedish event for 3-year-old trotters.
The purse in the 2008 final was ≈US$458,000, of which the winner Maharajah won half.

Location

The Swedish Trotting Criterium has been exclusively held at Solvalla since 1966. The first five editions was raced at Jägersro, before the hostesship was altered between Solvalla and Jägersro until 1954, when Åby was added to the mix. The three tracks took turns until 1966, just as with the Swedish Trotting Derby, another prestigious Swedish event. In 1966, Solvalla started to host the Criterium annually and Jägersro became permanent host track of the Derby.
  • 1927 - 1931 Jägersro
  • 1932 - 1954 Solvalla or Jägersro
  • 1954 - 1965 Åby, Solvalla or Jägersro
  • 1966 - Solvalla

Entering the event

To enter the Swedish Trotting Criterium, a horse owner is obliged to make four payments of totally ≈US$530 as of 2009. These payments are as well valid for the Swedish Trotting Oaks, which is held at the same day as the Criterium but are open only for fillies. In addition to these costs, a supplementary fee of ≈US$820 is paid to enter the elimination races before the final. If a filly owner decides to enter the Oaks instead of the Criterium, the supplementary fee is half as large, ≈US$410.

Racing conditions

Distance

From the start in 1927 until 1977, the distance of the Criterium was 2,600 meters. In 1978, an added 40 meters made up a distance of 2,640 meters, which has been the distance of the race ever since.

Starting method

The first 33 Criterium finals was started by using volt start. In 1960, auto start was introduced. Since then, a motorized starting gate has been used every year, with exceptions for 1967, 1971 and 1979.

Past winners

Drivers with most wins

Trainers with most wins

  • 8 - Gunnar Nordin
  • 8 - Sören Nordin
  • 5 - Stig H. Johansson
  • 4 - Gösta Nordin
  • 4 - Olle Goop
  • 3 - Håkan Wallner
  • 3 - Robert Bergh
  • 3 - Stefan Hultman

Sires with at least two winning offsprings

Mares with at least two winning offsprings

  • 2 - Lemomite

Winning stallions that have also sired winners

Winning mares that have also brood winners

  • Lorry, dam of Turf

Winner with lowest odds

  • Winning odds: 1.16 - Julienne

Winner with highest odds

  • Winning odds: 119.00 - Kerrim

Fastest winners

Auto start

  • 1:14.0 - Maharajah

Volt start

  • 1:18.5 - Pamir Brodde