Cam Hart with Bay of Biscay after the horse won the Chariots of Fire.
Harness racing fans at Menangle on Saturday night witnessed a brilliant performance, as the four-year-old Bay of Biscay, sired by Somebeachsomewhere, avenged his narrow second-place finish in last year’s Eureka. He secured a decisive win in this year’s $2 million edition of the world’s richest harness race, with a masterful drive from one of Australia’s top young reinsmen, Cameron Hart.
From a Small Town to the Big Stage
Hart’s victory is the culmination of a career built on hard work and a deep connection to the sport, forged in the rural town of Junee, New South Wales. He’s often spoken about his childhood there, a place where harness racing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life.
Growing up, the Junee harness racing track was his backyard. He spent his days there, watching his father, Stephen Hart, train horses. This early exposure wasn’t about a fleeting interest; it was an immersion into the discipline, the rhythm, and the community of the sport.
He’s said in past interviews that his up-bringing in Junee taught him the values of perseverance and dedication. He started out doing stable work, mucking out stalls and feeding horses, learning the ins and outs of horse care before he even got a chance to sit in the sulky. These foundational years instilled a quiet confidence in him. He wasn’t just a driver; he was a horseman who understood the animal from the ground up. He often recounts how his journey started with those small, everyday tasks, building a foundation of respect for the horses he would later drive to victory.
A Career on the Rise
That deep understanding has been a driving force behind his rapid ascent. Hart’s career is marked by a series of significant achievements that have cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. He’s a multiple Group 1winning driver, a category of races that represents the pinnacle of harness racing. His list of accolades includes wins in prestigious events like the Miracle Mile, where he steered horses to victory against the nation’s best. He’s also been the leading driver at key carnivals and has consistently ranked among the top reinsmen in New South Wales.
This latest win in the Eureka is a massive highlight, not just for the prize money because it further solidifies his reputation as a big-race driver. The drive itself was a masterclass in strategy.
Drawn wide, Hart was able to press forward and secure the lead early, a move that proved to be the winning decision. He then managed the pace perfectly, allowing Bay of Biscay to get a breather before unleashing a powerful final surge. As Hart himself said after the race, “It’s unbelievable. It’s a massive highlight of my career. Just very grateful to be with this fellow. He’s such a great horse and Emma and Clayton and the owner and slot holders, it took a special effort for the whole team.”
He credited the horse’s early speed, which allowed them to get into a prime position. Once in front, he was able to dictate terms. Bay of Biscay had a powerful kick, running his last two quarters in 26.6 and 26.9 seconds, a speed that left his rivals with no chance of catching up.
“Once Jackie started to apply a bit of pressure at the 900 to 1000 metres we were rocking and rolling but this guy was just swelling up harder and harder for me. He felt incredible around the bend,” Hart said. “He’s so strong he just keeps digging.”
The Rest of the Field
Bay of Biscay’s stablemate, Fox Dan, finished strongly to claim second, with Hesitate holding on for third. It was a dominant night for trainer Emma Stewart, who not only secured her second Eureka win—following Encipher’s inaugural victory in 2023—but also had four of her runners finish in the top five.
Bay of Biscay is the first progeny of the remarkable mare Nike Franco, who won 32 races and recorded the fastest time for any mare in North America in 2017. Her racing career took her to the highest level, and now as a broodmare, she is already producing top-tier talent.
Hart’s Eureka triumph is more than just a win; it’s a testament to his journey from a young boy on the dusty tracks of Junee to a champion driver on the biggest stage. His dedication and natural talent continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Australian harness racing.
– Tully Potts
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