Spirit Of St Louis having another go at The Nullarbor

Grand Circuit harness racing star Spirit Of St Louis (Sweet Lou) is returning to try and go one better in the $1.25mil Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 19.

The millionaire pacer ran a fantastic second to fellow NSW raider Betterzippit in last year’s inaugural Nullarbor.

Summit Bloodstock and Aaron Bain Racing used their slot to team with Spirit Of St Louis last year and today confirmed they would do it again in 2024.

“I read the other day about Magnificent Storm returning this year and the theme being about redemption after not much went right for him last year, it’s quite a similar story for us,” Aaron Bain said.

“Sure, we ran a great race last year, but we still felt he could’ve had won it if a few things had gone differently.

“We’re thrilled to get the chance to team with a top horse, a proven Grand Circuit horse like Spirit Of St Louis, to have another crack at the Nullarbor.

“Everyone involved in our slot last year had such a great time. Perth was buzzing with the three slot races over that weekend. We can’t wait to get back and try to go one better at Gloucester Park.”

Trainer Luke McCarthy said he was delighted to get another crack at WA’s richest harness race.

“It’s great. He deserves it,” he said. “He’s so well suited to that sort of race. He’s great around those smaller tracks and so versatile.”

Spirit Of St Louis, who boasts 28 wins and over $1.34mil in prize money, has been racing exceptionally well at the top level without winning in recent months.

He ran second in two Brisbane Inter Dominion heats before a terrific fourth in the final and, most recently, was a close-up sixth in last Saturday night’s $500,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup behind Leap To Fame.

“He’s going really well, but when you’re at this level, it’s all about the draws and the luck you get,” Bain said.

In a sentimental twist, the Nullarbor will be Spirit Of St Louis’ last race in Australia.

Bain confirmed plans were in place for the gelding to head to the United States to continue his career.

“That’s right. It’s locked in. He’ll head to the US from Perth,” he said. “He’ll be paid-up for some of the big open-class races over there,” he said.

Spirit Of St Louis becomes the second confirmed runner for the Nullarbor, following Tuesday’s announcement Entain/Ladbrokes would again partner with reigning WA Pacing Cup winner Magnificent Storm.

by Adam Hamilton, for RWWA