Swayzee wins Cup for Aussies

The much talked about Kiwi vs. Aussie battle in the $750,000 IRT New Zealand Cup was played out at Addington Raceway today (Nov. 14).

In harness racing’s richest race, Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) trained by Jason Grimson and driven a treat by Cam Hart took the initiative early in the 3200 metre classic, taking up the role of pacemaker and leaving archrival Akuta (Bettor’s Delight) to do the chasing. Although Akuta moved up to sit parked for the last lap, Swayzee proved too good, winning by two and a half lengths.

“He felt incredible. He stepped away so cleanly and once we were able to get to the front I was pretty confident. I thought if he could find the front it would take an incredible horse to beat him. He was so strong. Even on the line he was pulling away and it was an incredible feeling. The horse is just a powerhouse,” Hart said after the win.

Hart was aware of Akuta’s presence.

“I thought he had done a bit of work in the running to get around there, so I was pretty confident if I kept running it would have to be a massive performance to beat him. It’s unreal.”

SWAYZEE REPLAY

Asked when he thought he had it in the bag, he said “Probably from the 100 metres and once I got away from Mark a little bit. I can’t describe it. A great atmosphere and the crowd were so loud and a memory I will remember forever.”

The winning time was 3-56.5 with the last 800 metres run in 57.9.

Swayzee is owned by Micheal Boots of Boots Properties Pty Ltd, former Southlander Lester Drake, his good friend Neville Jackson and the horse’s trainer Jason Grimson.

“He is a dream horse and such a professional who makes my life a lot easier. He steps away clean and relaxes and is just a beautiful horse to drive and I’m pretty privileged to be in that position. He’s just a professional who is very calm and over at the start you would have thought he had had 100 starts from the stand and really it was his first. He’s just a pleasure to be behind.”

Hart was quick to label the win as his biggest.

“It’s probably the biggest moment of my career. We obviously respect all the kiwi horsemen and to get one over them is really good. It’s obviously New Zealand’s biggest race and has definitely been on our radar. We bought one over here last year and it’s nice to go one better.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink