Nelson is next for Seddon Shields trotters

The Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series heads to Nelson next week, after a busy time on the West Coast circuit.

The series, in its third year, targets R51 and faster trotters.

There are 10 heats in all around the top half of the South Island. They started on Kaikoura Cup day last November and will wind up at Reefton on March 8, before the $30,000 Final at Addington.

To be eligible for the final trotters must have had a minimum of four starts at Seddon Shields meetings in 2025-26.

This year the series is named in honour of Trevor Craddock, a West Coast legend who died last October. He was a successful trainer and a President and Life Member of the Westport Trotting Club.

So far there have been four heats with the Gavin Smith-trained Premium Player leading on 21 points after going back to back at Westport on Boxing Day and December 28.

Rachmaninov, the old wonder who won his 15th race at start number 301 at Reefton on December 30, is second one point behind (30).

Dreams Pat is the only other heat winner, with his victory at the South Bay circuit in November.

Nelson's two day meeting will be held on January 9 and 11.

Following that there will be other heats at Marlborough (Jan 16 and 18), Westport (March 6) and Reefton (March 8).

Points (after four heats) :

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
Ready Set Jet 1

A brand new series for lower to intermediate grade mares will also held at Nelson.

The Tasman Empress Sprint Series for 4YO+ and up to R45-60 mares will feature one $20,000 heat on each day, with a maximum of 12 runners in each. Both will be run over the mile. 

The top five from each heat will qualify for the $35,000 Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 23,2026.

For more information on the Nelson meetings contact erinkfox24@gmail.com