by Moira Fanning, publicity director, the Hambletonian Society

Cranbury, NJ — Three of North America’s richest and most prestigious events for older trotters have been included in this year’s six-leg World Cup of Trotting, which carries a bonus of $1.3 million ($1 million euros) for the first time.

The European races include an event each in Sweden, Italy and France, with a $271,000 final on Sep. 30 at renowned Vincennes Racetrack outside of Paris.

The $300,000 Nat Ray will be raced on Aug. 4, Hambletonian day at the Meadowlands. Both the $600,000 Breeders Crown Trot and the C$750,000 Maple Leaf will be raced in September at Mohawk.

“It has been our intention to create a true World Cup Trot that includes the major racetracks in Europe and North America,” said Claes Lundell, president of Jagersro trav & galopp, the creator of the World Cup bonus. “After a modest start last year we are very happy to present this schedule.”

To receive the $1.3 million bonus, a horse must win any three of the six legs and then win the final. The seven top finishers in North America and Europe will advance to the final. The World Cup committee reserves the right to invite up to 16 starters for the final. More information on the events can be found at www.worldcuptrot.com.

“This represents another step forward in our continued promotion of international trotting,” said Hambletonian Society president Tom Charters. “There has been enormous effort on both sides, and with our partners at The Meadowlands and Woodbine, to overcome the many restrictions involved in creating a circuit of international races.”

WORLD CUP TROT 2007
Date – Purse (US) – Event (Distance) – Track – Country
July 31 – $244,000 – Hugo Abergs Memorial (one mile) – Jagersro – Sweden
Aug. 4 – $300,000 – Nat Ray Trot (one mile) – The Meadowlands – U.S.
Aug. 15 – $246,000 – Gran Premio della Citta (1.640 m) – Montecatini – Italy
Aug. 25 – $162,000 – Grand Prix du Conseil General Alpes (2.100m) – Cagnes-sur-Mer – France
Sep. 1 – $600,000 – Breeders Crown Trot (one mile) – Mohawk – Canada
Sep. 15 – $663,000 – Maple Leaf Trot (one mile) – Mohawk – Canada
Sep. 30 – $271,000 – World Cup Trot Final (2.700m) – Vincennes – France