Aussie Swayzee makes history in repeat victory

Mighty stayer Swayzee led an Australian pillaging of New Zealand’s biggest race day at Addington.
In arguably the most amazing story of the million-dollar Group 1 NZ Cup’s 121-year history, Swayzee overcame a manic racing and travel schedule to become the first Aussie pacer to successfully defend his title in the iconic race.

Earlier in the day, champion Australian trotter Just Believe thrashed his rivals in the other feature race, the $NZ400,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot.

But Swayzee’s win was the story of the day.

The mighty NSW stayer, backed into $2.20 favourite, raced and won at Young last Friday night and then had flights from Sydney to Auckland and another to Christchurch, only arriving at 9.30pm on Sunday night.

Just when it looked like the challenge might have found him out and local star Don’t Stop Dreaming headed Swayzee at the 100m, the Aussie found another gear and pulled clear for a remarkable win.

Winning back-to-back NZ Cups is more amazing when you consider Arden Rooney (2015) is the only other Aussie-trained pacer to win the race since My Lightning Blue did in 1987.

“Now we’ll come back and chase a third Cup,” triumphant trainer Jason Grimson said. “People made a lot of his travel, but I always felt he had the demeanour to handle it. He’s an amazing horse.”

Driver Cam Hart, who also won on Swayzee last year, said this year was even sweeter.

“It doesn’t get better than this, just to come back and win it again … it sort of ices his greatness,” he said.

“I actually wasn’t that worried when Dont Stop Dreaming came at me because Swayzee was loafing. As soon as he saw that horse, he switched on again and really lifted. He was hitting top gear again on the line.”

Grimson also confirmed that Swayzee would bypass the NSW Inter Dominion, starting later this month.

“He won’t here Friday, either. He’s going for a bit of spell,” he said.

Photo: John Davidson, Photosport.