Bay of Biscay wins $2m Eureka at second attempt

Brilliant four year old Bay of Biscay (Somebeachsomewhere) avenged his unlucky second in last year’s Eureka when he scored a decisive harness racing win in this year’s $2 million edition of the world’s richest harness race at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Assisted with a classic drive by Cameron Hart Bay of Biscay was drawn wide and was caught wide early. Star three year old Seathestars won the early lead from the pole with Hesitate taking a one out and one back trail.

It was then that Hart in going forward pressed for the lead and that proved to be the winning drive as once in front he allowed Bay of Biscay a breather in the lead and being able to run fast sectionals for the final quarters. Stable mate Miki To Success went outside the leader.

Hesitate looked to be a threat on the final bend after being given a perfect run by Luke McCarthy

BAY OF BISCAY SEP 6 REPLAY

But Bay of Biscay had a kick and in running his last two quarters in 26.6 and 26.9 seconds made it almost impossible for those behind to catch them.

Cameron Hart was ecstatic following the win.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s a massive highlight of my career. Just very grateful to be with this fellow. He’s such a great horse and Emma and Clayton and the owner and slot holders, it took a special effort for the whole team”.

“He bounced off the gate so well  I was super happy how handy he was coming up to the first bend. I was able to get past Fighter Command and having Jackie on my outside. The three year olds sorted themselves out quicker than I thought. So all went in our favour and we got some pretty nice sectionals early”.

“Once Jackie started to apply a bit of pressure at the 900 to 1000 metres we were rocking and rolling but this guy was just swelling up harder and harder for me. He felt incredible around the bend”.

“He’s so strong he just keeps digging”.

“It’s great to see everyone come out and enjoy harness racing. It’s been a good night’s racing. It’s my home track and awesome to see the stands filled”.

“He’s right up with all of them, hasn’t got to Grand Circuit level yet but he’s going to . He’s an impressive individual he’s got a huge future”.

Stablemate Fox Dan finished strongly to go down by one and a half metres with Hesitate holding on for third placing.

It was trainer Emma Stewart’s second win in the race as in 2023 she prepared the inaugural winner Encipher. Again in this year’s Eureka her four runners finished first, second, fourth and fifth.

Bay of Biscay is from the New Zealand bred mare Nike Franco who was a remarkable performer. She recorded the fastest time for any mare in North America in 2017 going 1.48. She won 32 races from 83 starts. John Curtin of JC International sold Nike Franco to North America as a race mare and sold her back when retired from racing as a broodmare to Alan Galloway of Alabar Farm and Bay of Biscay is the first of her progeny. She then produced an Art Major filly Delle Donne who is unraced.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink