The NSW Raider HiManameisJeff was successful in his QLD raid.
In a spectacle that lived up to its Group 2 billing, Hi Manameisjeff (NZ), under the astute guidance of champion reinsman Cameron Hart, held off a tenacious challenge from The Janitor (NZ) to claim the $75,000 Garrards Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park Saturday night.
The Jason Grimson-trained pacer stopped the clock in a blistering 1:52.7, registering an electrifying 1:49.3 mile rate over the 1660-meter journey – a performance that sent ripples of excitement through the industry.
The victory further cemented the formidable partnership of Grimson and Hart, who continue to dominate feature race circuits across Australasia. The Sunshine Sprint was a testament to both the horse’s raw speed and the strategic brilliance of its connections.
A Race of Blistering Pace
From the moment the mobile barrier released the field, the intent was clear: this was to be a genuine speed test. Hi Manameisjeff (NZ), starting from barrier four, displayed excellent gate speed to secure a prominent early position. The initial lead time of 3.2 seconds set the tone, followed by a sharp 27.2-second first quarter.
As the race unfolded, the pressure remained relentless.The pace eased slightly in the second quarter (29.9 seconds), offering a brief respite before the sprint’s true intensity began. The third quarter was nothing short of breathtaking – a searing 26.3 seconds– a segment where the race was well and truly broken open. This brutal sectional put immense pressure on every horse in the field, separating the contenders from the pretenders.
Reflecting on the relentless tempo in high-stakes sprints like this, Hart has previously noted the demands of such races on a horse like Hi Manameisjeff: “It’s the hardest part of my job when you’ve got to make these calls, especially in big races, but it’s a good problem to have.”
His decision to lead from the front echoed that strategic mindset, allowing the gelding to dictate terms. The final quarter, a blistering 26.1 seconds, saw Hi Manameisjeff (NZ) dig deep, fending off the relentless charge of The Janitor NZ by a mere 0.4-metre margin. The Janitor (NZ), who had endured a tough run outside the leader for much of the race – the dreaded “death seat”– earned immense admiration for his courage, finishing a tan equally impressive 1:49.3 mile rate.
Grimson’s Masterclass: “Trusting the Process”
For trainer Jason Grimson, the victory was another feather in the cap of a career defined by targeting and winning major races. Known as the “big-race hunter,” Grimson’s ability to prepare horses for peak performance on the big stage is unparalleled.
Hi Manameisjeff’s journey under Grimson’s care has been one of transformation, turning an injury-prone talent into a consistent elite performer. As Grimson reflected after a dominant win earlier in the year, the key has been patience and precision: “I couldn’t have asked for any more. They’re all at the top of their game for this week.
This approach has clearly paid dividends, with Hi Manameisjeff now thriving in a feature company after a chequered past.
Grimson’s stable, based at Menangle, has become synonymous with success in elite company.
With a career ROI of 0.91 and a staggering 25% win rate from over 2,000 starts, including 9 Group 1 and 10 Group 2 victories, his record speaks for itself. His two Inter Dominion Grand Final wins (Boncel Benjamin 2021, I Cast No Shadow 2022) and the New Zealand Trotting Cup with Swayzee underline his status as one of Australasia’s finest trainers.
Hart’s Heroics: “He Found Another Gear”
Cameron Hart’s drive aboard HiManameisjeff NZ was a masterclass in modern harness racing. The young reinsman, who was recently crowned the 2024 Metropolitan Driver of the Year, showcased why he is so highly sought after by top stables.
After a previous blistering performance where Hi Manameisjeff blitzed the field, Hart was effusive about the horse’s explosive ability: “After the race, driver Cameron Hart was exultant in his praise of Hi Manameisjeff.
“That same turn of foot proved decisive, as Hart navigated the speed battle to perfection, holding off challengers in the dying stages.
Hart’s career statistics are equally compelling, boasting over 1,420 wins from nearly 7,900 starts, with an 18% win rate and a remarkable 45% place rate.
His 14 Group 1 victories, including becoming the first back-to-back winner of the Chariots of Fire, speak to his ability to perform under the most intense pressure. His partnership with Grimson has been particularly fruitful, combining for major successes including the Inter Dominion and Blacks A Fake with Majestic Cruiser.
Breeding and Future Prospects
Hi Manameisjeff NZ, an eight-year-old bay gelding by the influential sire Art Major (USA) out of Honour Lady (NZ), has now amassed over $448,800 in career prize money, pushing his total earnings past the half-million dollar mark. His pedigree, blending Art Major with a dam by Bettor’s Delight, is a recipe for success at the highest level. While specific plans for Hi Manameisjeff NZ remain to be fully mapped out, a performance of this calibre will undoubtedly see him targeted at further Group 1 and Group 2 sprints throughout the summer carnival.
With Grimson’s meticulous preparation and Hart’s peerless driving, this seasoned speedster has shown he’s still a force to be reckoned with. As Hart himself highlighted ahead of a recent feature, the horse’s versatility shines in these tests:”And the 2240m at Melton feels a lot shorter than that, it’s more like a sprint race.”
The 2025 Garrards Sunshine Sprint will be remembered not just for the winner’s brilliant turn of foot but as another chapter in the storied careers of Jason Grimson and Cameron Hart, a partnership that continues to redefine excellence in Australasian harness racing.
– Tully Potts
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