Seymour Trotters Cup headlines feature-filled Saturday

Harness racing fans are in for a treat this Saturday night at Globe Derby Park, with the inaugural running of the $25,000 Kevin & Kay Seymour Trotters Cup taking centre stage. The discretionary handicap event, contested over 2645 metres from a standing start, marks a significant milestone for square gaiters in South Australia.

Once considered the backbone of the sport during challenging times, trotters often carried race programs with up to three events per meeting. Now, with the Kevin & Kay Seymour Cup offering quality prizemoney, the spotlight returns to the trotting ranks in fitting fashion.

Leading the charge is Ryan Hryhorec’s powerful team, which will saddle up four key contenders: SA Trotting Cup winner Phoebe Onyx, last week’s victor Ebonys Avenger, consistent performer Regal Attire, and Aldebaran Dexta, runner-up in last month’s SA Trotters Cup. Remarkably, the first three filled the trifecta just last week, underscoring the stable’s dominance.

Adding further prestige to the night is the $14,000 Minor Derby Free-for-all, a time-honoured race named after one of South Australia’s greatest pacers. Minor Derby etched his name into history by winning back-to-back SA Cups in 1950 and 1951, overcoming handicaps of 36 and 60 yards respectively. He also claimed a heat of the 1952 Inter Dominion at Harold Park, setting a then track record for 15½ furlongs in 2:07.8.

Juvenile talent will also be on display with the running of the Ladyship Stakes for fillies and the Lordship Stakes for colts and geldings—key lead-up events to next month’s Southern Cross Series.

Racegoers can book a table at the Paceway Restaurant or enjoy takeaway options from the canteen near the parade ring. Entry is free, making it the perfect opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and celebrate harness racing—“the sport where dreams are made.”

by Gary Newton