Swedish Trotting Criterium
| Group One National race | |
| Location |
Solvalla, , Sweden
|
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1927 |
| Race type | Harness race for standardbred trotters |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 2,640 meters (1.64 miles) |
| Track | Left-handed 1,000 meter track (0.62 mile) |
| Qualification | Swedish 3-year-olds |
| Purse | ≈US$458,000 |
The Swedish Trotting Criterium (Swedish: Svenskt Travkriterium or only Kriteriet) is an annual national Group One harness event for trotters that is held at Solvalla in , 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 (SEK 3,200,000), of which the winner Maharajah won half.
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.
To enter the Swedish Trotting Criterium, a horse owner is obliged to make four payments of totally ≈US$530 (SEK4,125) 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 (SEK6,360) 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 (SEK3,180).
From the start in 1927 until 1977, the distance of the Criterium was 2,600 meters (1.62 miles). In 1978, an added 40 meters made up a distance of 2,640 meters (1.64 miles), which has been the distance of the race ever since.
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.
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