Rank outsider shocks the stars in $150,000 Len Smith Mile

The emergency runner Cya Art (Art Major) a rank outsider at over 125/1 caused a boilover in defeating a star studded harness racing field in the Group 1 $150,000 Len Smith Mile at Menangle on Saturday evening.

It was an incredible race with all eyes on Swayzee resuming first up. Captains Knock showed electrifying early pace to take up the running but no sooner was he in front, he was tackled by Kingman who took up the running.

The Janitor spoiled his chances when he mixed his stride after the mobile was released and was back last.

Cameron Hart on easing favourite Swayzee allowed the gelding to race around the field and he settled outside the leader. Sure Thing Captain had the one out and one back trail with veteran Max Delight right behind him while Cya Art was three back on the rails.

CYA ART SEP 6 REPLAY

Kingman had set such a fast pace and it was not surprising that he was beginning to wobble on the final bend. Swayzee couldn’t keep going and Captains Knock burst through and looked the likely winner until Cya Art got up on the inside to grab a last stride win by a short half head.

Out wide both Eye Keep Smiling and Ubetcha Tigerpie sprouted wings and they finished third and fourth respectively.

As usual Max Delight was just behind them trying to weave through the field. The winner ran a scintillating 1.47.5.

Josh Gallagher was overwhelmed after the event.

“He’s been such a champion I didn’t really know whether I had won. I knew it was tight”.

“What a thrill, It’s a little bit of a speechless moment for me. We bought him early in January, he’s earned $150,000 and hasn’t won a race for us but to do this in a Len Smith Mile. I can’t be any happier for the team”.

“I didn’t want to burn him out too early Off the gate we got a nice trip. Just everything happened we got the run at the right time. We got a good split at the right time. I couldn’t be any more grateful for the team at Lucky Lodge. They’ve been big supporters of mine”.

“To win at 150 to one I just love the horse”.

“It’s probably my number one highlight, my beautiful wife bought him. To do it with him I’m really proud”.

Trainer Kerry Ann Morris was equally surprised.

“I’m just so excited for Josh and Aleisha. This horse he bought him at the start of the year. He didn’t have any expectations and he just keeps getting better and better. And he’s just a lovely horse around the stable”.

He works with the three pensioners, there’s Pete Said So, Kanena Provlema and Cya Art. They all work together. They’re all good friends”.

Luke McCarthy was thrilled with the performance of Eye Keep Smiling who came well back in the field for a close third.

Swayzee finished sixth and a vet’s examination after the event revealed nothing amiss.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink