Stockholm, Sweden — Daniel Redén, one of the most successful harness trainers in Sweden, has several big stakes races under his belt. But winning the Swedish Trotting Criterium on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 24) at Solvalla with Xanthis Harvey — a colt sired by Propulsion — surely meant a lot for Redén.

Redén developed Propulsion into a top international trotter, and the son of Muscle Hill even won the prestigious Elitlopp. But, when it was revealed that Propulsion was nerved in both front legs, the horse was subsequently disqualified from all starts in Europe, and the prize money he had won – more than $3 million – was to be paid back to the racing association.

And therefore, the victory for Xanthis Harvey was very emotional for Redén.

Ôrjan Kihlström was in the bike behind Xanthis Harvey, who won handily in the 1-5/8-mile event in 1.57.2f (mile rate), followed by stablemates Bengan (driven by Ulf Ohlsson) and Ante La Rogue (Erik Adielsson). The Kriterium was a huge success for Redén; in fact, it was only the second time in the history of this classic race that a trainer sent of the first three finisher.

The purse for the winner was 4 million Swedish krona, and the Redén trio took home a total of 7 million krona ($620,000 U.S.).

The filly division, the Swedish Trotting Oaks, was won by Bonneville WI (sired by SJ’s Caviar) with Ulf Ohlsson driving for trainer Timo Nurmos. The purse was 2.8 million krona (U.S. $250,000).