The dust had settled on the Menangle track, and the triumphant cheers for Bay of Biscay were now a cherished echo. The young pacer, under the masterful guidance of trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin, had not only conquered the world’s richest harness race, the $2.1 million TAB Eureka, but had done so with a commanding presence that signalled a changing of the guard.
The victory was a culmination of a year of deliberate sacrifice and meticulous planning, a strategy that had paid off spectacularly. But amidst the celebration and the strategic discussions about the future, a truly heart-touching story emerged, one that transcended the thrill of the race and the promise of future glory.
In the euphoric aftermath of the win, driver Cam Hart, his face a mix of exhaustion and elation, fielded questions from the press. He spoke of the unwavering faith of his trainers, the horse’s incredible stamina, and the strategic brilliance of the race. He then revealed a detail that brought a lump to the throat of everyone listening.
Alan Galloway, the principal of Alabar Farms, the very man who had painstakingly bred and helped raise Bay Of Biscay, had purchased the horse in the pre-race Calcutta auction. When the horse won, Galloway made a stunning announcement: he was donating all of the prize money he received from that purchase to Cam Hart’s sister, Ash, who is currently battling breast cancer.
“Yes, that was great from Alan,” Hart said, his voice thick with emotion. “I was really overwhelmed, to be honest.”
He spoke of the incredible support his family had received from the harness racing community, a tight-knit group that rallies around its own in times of need.
“They always rally behind whoever it is,” he added, his gratitude palpable.
Galloway’s act of generosity wasn’t just a financial gift; it was a profound show of support, a gesture that spoke volumes about the character of the man and the deep bonds within the sport. With the Eureka win now a symbol of both athletic achievement and profound human kindness, the focus turned to the future.
For the connections of the Bay of Biscay, the next challenge loomed large: the Group 1 Victoria Cup.
This was not just another race; it was a chance for their rising star to face the sport’s greatest champion, Leap To Fame.
Part-owner Tim Bunning was ready for the challenge. “It’s obviously another big step up to take on one of the greatest of all time, but we have to do it sometime.”
The victory at Menangle had proven Bay Of Biscay’s dominance against his peers; the Victoria Cup would prove his place in history. The decision to make this leap, to move from a well-managed campaign to the sport’s biggest stage, was now in the hands of Stewart and Tonkin. They had kept the horse in”cotton wool,” turning down races to ensure he was primed for the Eureka.
Now, the time for caution was over. Bay Of Biscay, a “big strong bull,” was ready for the next phase of his career. As the harness racing world buzzed with anticipation, the story of Bay Of Biscay became more than just about a horse winning a race. It was about a community united by a shared passion, where a champion’s victory could become a beacon of hope, and where a simple act of kindness could be as powerful as any victory on the track. The Eureka was a historic win, but the journey ahead to the Victoria Cup promised to be even more significant, a true test of a champion and a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.
– Tully Potts
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
