Demand for Swedish Trotting horses (standardbreds) was high at the prestigious Kriteria Auction held in Stockholm last week. A total of 476 yearlings were catalogued and French and German buyers were strongly in evidence, obtaining 88 of the top-end lots.

Highest price was SEK700,000, (R600,000) for a very attractive Varenne colt who was purchased by Kurt Wijkstrom. The sale average price was SEK65,000.

Harness Racing South Africa CEO Dean Latimer said that there were a number of quality horses sold at prices of between R35,000 and R45,000, who would all make excellent performance horses and foundation breeding stock for South Africa's start-up pool requirements.

Swedish trotting simulcasts will be televised in South Africa from 6 th November 2006, and by October 2007 live physical harness racing in South Africa will be in place and regularly scheduled.

Visit: www.harnessracingsa.co.za