Trainer Emma Stewart made a tough decision to scratch Bay Of Biscay, the star pacer, from the $300,000 Group 1 Rising Sun event at Albion Park due to transportation issues. The horse, along with stablemates War Dan Buddy and Harold Smith, faced flight challenges from Melbourne to Brisbane, leading to their withdrawal from the prestigious race. Stewart had been resolute about not transporting her horses by road, leaving Bay Of Biscay’s Queensland campaign in jeopardy.
Bay Of Biscay, a standout performer with 11 wins out of 22 starts and earnings exceeding $830,000, had been a favorite for the Rising Sun. His notable victory in the Chariots Of Fire and recent impressive form had raised expectations for a strong showing in the upcoming race. However, with the logistical hurdles hindering their travel plans, connections redirected their focus towards the $2.1 million TAB Eureka, the world’s richest harness race, scheduled for September 6 at Menangle.
In Bay Of Biscay’s absence, emerging Kiwi pacer Betterthancash and the inform Jacks Ultimate Fury secured spots in the Rising Sun field as replacements. Betterthancash’s co-trainer, Stacey White, expressed empathy for the affected connections while anticipating a competitive performance from their entrant. The reshuffling of the lineup set the stage for an exciting night of racing, particularly for the Whites, who had another contender, Bet N Win, as a favorite in the Inter Dominion trotting series.
New Zealand’s prospects in the Inter Dominion trotting series seemed promising with Bet N Win and Oscar Bonavena poised for a strong showing in 2025. The Whites’ confidence in their trotter reflected a resurgence in form for the Kiwi contingent, hinting at a potential shift in the competition dynamics. Amidst the changes and challenges, Stewart remained optimistic, with plans to unleash a cohort of promising young talents in Brisbane, including Loucasso, Cardigan Dan, and Dynamitedan, all set to feature in the upcoming $500,000 Protostar event at Albion Park.
As the harness racing season unfolded, the industry witnessed the ebb and flow of fortunes, with unexpected twists shaping the competitive landscape. Stewart’s strategic decisions, coupled with the resilience of the equine athletes and their connections, exemplified the unpredictable nature of the sport. With each race offering a fresh narrative and new opportunities, the anticipation for future showdowns and triumphs continued to fuel excitement among fans and participants alike.
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