Swayzee’s demolition job in taking out Renshaw Cup

Mighty pacer Swayzee (Rock N Roll Heaven) earned himself a $500,000 bonus with a devastating harness racing win in the Group 3 $60,000 Renshaw Cup at Penrith last night before a capacity crowd that jammed the venue.

Following his desperately unlucky fourth in the Miracle Mile where he was shut away on the fence and unable to obtain a clear run driver Cameron Hart wasn’t going to have a repeat of that at Penrith.

Making sure that he was clear after the despatch, Hart allowed Swayzee to go around the field and showing his customary brilliant speed to effortlessly move past the leader Ardens Ace.

Captain Hammerhead who had upset Swayzee in the Murray Albury Cup last month was able to get off the rails but driver David Moran decided to stay back and not try to go for the lead instead securing a trail.

However to all those who have seen Swayzee it was a case of once in front the race was a formality. He then led his rivals a merry dance and gave an awesome display in the final lap when Hart gave him more rein. Cya Art set out after Swayzee and he tried hard but could not match Swayzee for sheer brilliance and in the home straight Swayzee looked every inch the star that he is as he strolled to a 20 metre win over a brave Cya Art with Chevron Art another 6 metres away in third.

SWAYZEE MAR 15 REPLAY RENSHAW CUP

Captain Hammerhead who was out three wide at the bell was never travelling that well and he finished sixth.

Making his effort more meritorious Swayzee’s mile rate of 1.54.3 shaved 0.9 seconds off Tiger Tiara’s record set in winning the Renshaw Cup in 2017.

Swayzee earned the bonus by winning four of the five Country Cups that were programmed. The series has to be considered a great success as enthusiastic crowds were present at each venue.

Hart who is New South Wales leading driver has driven some great pacers in his career but he is unequivocal about just how good Swayzee is.

“It was an incredible atmosphere. To have such a great horse. I just wanted to put on a show for everyone and Jason said he was in incredible order since the Miracle Mile and he was ready to run a massive race tonight.”

“I have to pinch myself everytime I sit behind him. He’s such an amazing animal, nothing like I’ve ever driven before. He’s such a powerhouse horse and I’m very privileged to be the one sitting behind him.”

“He’s definitely a once in a lifetime horse the resume he’s got and where he’s taken Jason and I and the owners. It’s just been incredible for our careers. He’s just a special animal away from the track. I think he knows he’s pretty good. He’s so good to get along with. He really enjoys attention. I’m pretty confident anytime I sit behind him.”

Swayzee is now bound for Western Australia in late April where trainer Jason Grimson will aim the seven year old gelding for the Group 1 $1.25 million Nullabor at Gloucester Park where he will clash with Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo. Of even more interest is the Inter Dominion series at Albion Park in July where that duo are scheduled to clash again along with Leap to Fame who will be on his home ground.

Harness racing’s image can only be enhanced when these star performers race and Swayzee has shown that he is a real showstopper displaying both brilliant speed and outstanding staying with a remarkable will to win that makes him a unique attraction.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink