Aussies strike gold

Cambridge is fast becoming a happy hunting ground for Australia’s top harness racers – and the town’s hospitality sector is reaping the benefits.

Hotels, eateries and short‑stay accommodation were at capacity as thousands poured into Cambridge Raceway for The Race meeting.

They were drawn by elite trans‑Tasman competition, live entertainment and the growing reputation of the Waikato venue as a destination rather than just a track.

Leading the Australian charge on Friday night was Queensland champion pacer Leap To Fame, who delivered what many are calling the performance of his career to win the $1m feature event and reaffirm his status as Australasia’s dominant force.

Among those celebrating trackside were owners Kevin and Kay Seymour, Brisbane business figures who made the trip to Cambridge with family members to see their pride and joy in action.

Now both 85, the Seymours have long favoured pacers over gallopers, though they have sampled both codes over the years. Leap To Fame – known simply as Larry around the stable – runs under the banner of their company, Solid Earth Pty Ltd, and has become something of a family obsession.

And accompanying Larry as usual was Alfie, his companion horse.

“We pay for Alfie as well – he keeps Larry calm,” said Kay Seymour.

Trained and driven by Grant Dixon and prepared alongside wife Trista at their Tamborine stable south of Brisbane, Leap To Fame continues to improve with age, much to the owners’ delight – and frustration.

“As owners we are extremely excited,” Kevin Seymour said after the win.

“This year was even better. He just seems to keep improving. We talk about sending him to stud, but how can you do that when he’s winning like that?”

Kay Seymour laughed that she had been “a bit angry” earlier in the year when Kevin purchased additional horses in New Zealand – a decision she has since forgiven him for.

The family left Cambridge early on Saturday, wary of the cyclone threatening to track south, but not before confirming they would love to be back.

“We are desperate to win a New Zealand Cup,” Kay said. “Addington is definitely on the wish list.”

The New Zealand Cup is run in November, and neither would rule out a return to Cambridge either.

The night also brought a curious family twist: Leap To Fame finished ahead of his half‑brother Swayzee, who ran third. The pair were bred from the same dam, Lettucereason, though by different American stallions.

It was not just one Australian who starred.

The dominance continued across the card with Keayang Zahara taking out the $530,000 TAB Trot for Victorian trainers Margaret and Paddy Lee, driven by Jason Lee. The Janitor, driven by Queenslander Pete McMullen for trainer Chantal Turpin, won the Group 2 Waikato Pacers Flying Mile, while Arcee Phoenix claimed the Waikato Trotters Flying Mile for trainer‑driver Chris Svanosio.

While the racing was top‑drawer, organisers noted a noticeably younger crowd, many drawn initially by the presence of pop‑jazz band Drax Project – though plenty stayed long enough to discover the sport itself.

For Cambridge, that mix is exactly the point.

Big race nights now mean beds filled, tables booked and tills ringing – with overseas owners and supporters increasingly treating the town as part of the experience.

By the time the Australians headed home, the message was clear: Cambridge is on their racing map.

And with performances like Leap To Fame’s, they’ll be back.