King at the top again despite being retired

Retired harness racing superstar King Of Swing (Rocknroll Hanover) has snared a record-equalling third Grand Circuit champion title to go with his historic-making Miracle Mile three-peat.

The Team McCarthy-trained entire became just the third pacer to be crowned Grand Circuit champion three times. He joined illustrious company in past champions Gammalite (1982-84) and Westburn Grant (1990-92).

Despite King Of Swing being retired after winning that third Miracle Mile way on March 12, his wins in the Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile earned enough points (200) to fend-off stablemate Spirit Of St Louis (181 points) and Majestic Cruiser (180).

Spirit Of St Louis earned most of his points through seconds to King Of Swing in the Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile, as well as his subsequent second to Majestic Cruiser in the Blacks A Fake.

As well as his Blacks A Fake win, Majestic Cruiser picked up 60 points for his massive second to Copy That in the NZ Cup.

In winning a third Grand Circuit champion tag, King Of Swing leapfrogs many other pacing greats who won it twice. They are: Lazarus (2017-18), Christen Me (2014-15), Im Themightyquinn (2011 & ’13), Blacks A Fake (2008-09), Our Sir Vancelot (1997-98), Village Kid (1986 & ’88) and Pure Steel (1978 & ’80).

The finish to the trotting equivalent, the Trotting Masters champion, was tighter.

Although the Andy Gath-trained Majestuoso earned 260 points and had a winning margin of 20, it all came down to the Inter Dominion final.

Kiwi superstar Sundees Son held a 40-point lead going into that race, but didn’t contest it. Majestuoso earned 60 points for finishing second and snatched the title.

It denied Sundees Son doing what only the amazing Lyell Creek has done before, winning the title three times.

Majestuoso is the third Andy Gath-trained trotter to win the crown, following Tornado Valley (2020) and La Coocaracha (2002).

by Adam Hamilton, for HRA