NEW Zealanders are going to see a bit more of young-gun Aussie driver Cam Hart.
With trainer Jason Grimson opting to keep Majestic Cruiser in NZ, he’s locked in Hart to come back over the next couple of weeks to stay aboard his stable star.
Majestic Cruiser deservedly earned rave reviews for his monstrous second after coming very wide around the final bend behind Self Assured in last Thursday’s inaugural The Race at Cambridge.
“I said when the horse came across for The Race that it was a deal breaker if Cam didn’t come to drive him and nothing’s changed with these next couple of races,” Grimson said.
Hart added: “Jason’s been such a huge supporter of mine for the past 18 months or more now and we’re building some great success together.”
Just 48 hours after Majestic Cruiser’s near miss, Grimson and Hart combined for their first Group 1 win together when Ideal Dan won the Riverina Championship final for leviathan owner Danny Zavitsanos at Wagga last Saturday night.
“Winning a Group 1 together is something Jason and I have been trying to do for a while. That was a really special one, we’re both from the Riverina and it meant so much,” Hart said.
Hart’s drive on Majestic Cruiser from a second row draw on Friday night won’t be his first around Alexandra Park.
“I’ve driven there before in the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship a few years back,” he said. “But it will be a great experience to get back.
“I loved the whole thing last week. There was a real buzz around The Race. It felt so exciting.
“Any sport needs major events and good-on Cambridge for putting the race on and getting the grest result they did. It was a thrill to be part of it and the horse did us proud.
“The locals told me after the race you can’t do what he did at Cambridge, come as wide as that, and still get so close to a star like Self Assured.”
The 23-year-old Hart has only been based in Sydney for four years and quickly established himself as not only one of NSW’s but Australia’s top drivers.
“Jason’s support and that of Jarrod Alchin have changed the game for me over the past 18 months to two years,” Hart said.
“And now to get new opportunities like these in NZ is great as well.”
