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APRIL 16, 2026
Aussies strike gold By Mary Anne Gill
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, Trainer Trista Dixon leads champion Leap to Fame while hugging owner Kay Seymour watched by husband Kevin, right, with Entain Australia’s Adam much to the owners’ delight - and frustration. Hamilton at rear. Photo: Mary Anne Gill “As owners we are extremely excited,” Kevin Seymour would rule out a return to Cambridge either. While the racing was top‑drawer, organisers noted a said after the win. The night also brought a curious family twist: Leap To noticeably younger crowd, many drawn initially by the “This year was even better. He just seems to keep Fame finished ahead of his half‑brother Swayzee, who ran presence of pop‑jazz band Drax Project though plenty improving. We talk about sending him to stud, but how can third. The pair were bred from the same dam, Lettucereason, stayed long enough to discover the sport itself. you do that when he’s winning like that?” though by different American stallions. For Cambridge, that mix is exactly the point. Kay Seymour laughed that she had been “a bit angry” It was not just one Australian who starred. Big race nights now mean beds filled, tables booked earlier in the year when Kevin purchased additional horses The dominance continued across the card with Keayang and tills ringing - with overseas owners and supporters in New Zealand - a decision she has since forgiven him for. Zahara taking out the $530,000 TAB Trot for Victorian increasingly treating the town as part of the experience. The family left Cambridge early on Saturday, wary of the By the time the Australians headed home, the message cyclone threatening to track south, but not before confirming trainers Margaret and Paddy Lee, driven by Jason Lee. The Janitor, driven by Queenslander Pete McMullen for trainer was clear: Cambridge is on their racing map. they would love to be back. Chantal Turpin, won the Group 2 Waikato Pacers Flying And with performances like Leap To Fame’s, they’ll be “We are desperate to win a New Zealand Cup,” Kay said. Mile, while Arcee Phoenix claimed the Waikato Trotters back. “Addington is definitely on the wish list.” Flying Mile for trainer‑driver Chris Svanosio. • More photos, see page 9 The New Zealand Cup is run in November, and neither
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