Key Takeaways
- The Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series is a racing series for R51 and faster trotters, with 10 heats around the top half of the South Island.
- The series is in its third year and is named in honor of West Coast legend Trevor Craddock, who passed away in October.
- To be eligible for the final, trotters must have had a minimum of four starts at Seddon Shields meetings in 2025-26.
- The series will culminate in a $30,000 Final at Addington, with the top performers from the heats competing for the top prize.
- A new series, the Tasman Empress Sprint Series, will also be held at Nelson, featuring lower to intermediate grade mares.
Introduction to the Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series
The Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series is a prestigious racing series that is currently underway in the South Island. The series, which is in its third year, targets R51 and faster trotters and consists of 10 heats around the top half of the island. The series began on Kaikoura Cup day last November and will conclude with a $30,000 Final at Addington on a later date. The series is named in honor of Trevor Craddock, a West Coast legend who passed away in October. Craddock was a successful trainer and a President and Life Member of the Westport Trotting Club, and the series is a fitting tribute to his memory.
Current Standings and Upcoming Heats
The series has already seen four heats, with the Gavin Smith-trained Premium Player leading the way on 21 points. Premium Player has been in impressive form, winning back-to-back heats at Westport on Boxing Day and December 28. Rachmaninov, a veteran of the sport, is currently in second place with 20 points, just one point behind the leader. Dreams Pat is the only other heat winner, having taken out the victory at the South Bay circuit in November. The next heats in the series will be held at Nelson on January 9 and 11, followed by meetings at Marlborough, Westport, and Reefton. The points standings are currently: Premium Player 21, Rachmaninov 20, Dreams Pat 10, Wilma’s Boy 6, Zoltan Boscik 5, Helloveamoment 5, Tu Tangata 4, Bullit Train 4, Rush 3, Vertigo 2, Mavis Jones 1, and Ready Set Jet 1.
Eligibility and Qualification for the Final
To be eligible for the final, trotters must have had a minimum of four starts at Seddon Shields meetings in 2025-26. This requirement ensures that only the most consistent and dedicated horses will have the opportunity to compete in the final. The final will be held at Addington, where the top performers from the heats will compete for the $30,000 prize. The series provides a great opportunity for owners and trainers to showcase their horses and compete against the best in the region.
The Tasman Empress Sprint Series
In addition to the Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series, a brand new series will also be held at Nelson. The Tasman Empress Sprint Series is a new initiative that targets lower to intermediate grade mares, with a focus on 4YO+ and up to R45-60 mares. The series will feature one $20,000 heat on each day of the Nelson meeting, with a maximum of 12 runners in each. The top five from each heat will qualify for the $35,000 Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 23, 2026. This series provides a great opportunity for owners and trainers to compete with their mares and potentially win a significant prize.
Conclusion and Contact Information
The Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series and the Tasman Empress Sprint Series are both exciting initiatives that provide opportunities for owners and trainers to compete and showcase their horses. With a range of heats and a significant final prize, these series are sure to attract a lot of interest and attention. For more information on the Nelson meetings, including the Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series and the Tasman Empress Sprint Series, contact [email protected]. Whether you are an owner, trainer, or simply a fan of harness racing, these series are definitely worth following and are sure to provide some exciting racing action in the coming weeks.