Swayzee outguns Leap To Fame, Republican Party to win Hunter Cup
Adam Hamilton • February 15th, 2026 11:46 AM
As brave as Republican Party was, those great Aussies were too good for him again in an epic Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton last night.
Just as he did last year, Republican Party enjoyed a lovely run on the pegs and had to be content with third place.
Part-owner Greg Ayres argued the photo-finish showed Republican Party ran second and not Leap To Fame, which led to a lengthy stewards’ inquiry.
“I disputed the photo-finish because I felt there was a discrepancy in it, but the stewards ruled to keep the placings the same and I respect that decision,” he said.
“Our horse ran another great race and we love coming over here for the big races.”
Republican Party used barrier one to hold out speedy beginner War Dan Buddy and lead early before Carter Dalgety opted to take a trail on Swayzee, knowing Leap To Fame would come around and pressure him.
Ultimately, Leap To Fame older brother Swayzee upstaged him again in another epic Hunter Cup and denied Leap To Fame a $1 million bonus.
Despite being headed off by Leap To Fame on the home turn, Swayzee’s driver Cam Hart never lost faith.
“When Leap To Fame only got a head in front, I knew my guy would kick-back like he always does,” he said. “Just when I thought I was holding Leap To Fame, I had to look back to the inside and fend off Republican Party.”
Despite racing in an era dominated by Leap To Fame, Swayzee has proven himself a champion stayer with two Hunter and two NZ Cup wins, along with a Victoria Cup and Blacks A Fake triumph.
“This sits right up with the best moments I’ve had,” Hart said. “Last year’s Hunter Cup was really special, but this was a stronger field again and had such a big build up.
“He’s just been such an amazing horse to me. Jase (Grimson, trainer) has done an incredible job with him.”
Grimson has nursed Swayzee back from a career-threatening bowel infection which sidelined him for much of the middle stages of last year.
“We wondered if he’d make it back for a while,” owner Mick Boots said. “I honestly would've been happy with a top four finish tonight, but he just doesn’t like getting beaten, does he.”
Leap To Fame was racing for a new $1 million bonus after winning the Ballarat, Cranbourne and Ballarat Cups at his previous three starts.
There was early drama when reigning NZ and Victoria Cup winner Kingman was checked and galloped soon after the start.
"The horse went amazing to pick himself up again and still be there at the top of the straight. I was really proud of the horse and he came through it well," Kingman's trainer-driver Luke McCarthy said.
Swayzee’s win was the backbone of a monstrous night for Jason Grimson and Cam Hart.
Grimson trained four winners, the others being brilliant former Kiwi mare Captains Mistress, Hi Manameisjeff and recent Kiwi import Chase A Dream.
Hart those Grimson’s four winners as well as winning aboard Emma Stewart’s NSW Derby hopeful Brooklyn Dan in the Caduceus 3YO Classic.
“Perfect, that’s how I’d describe the night,” Hart said.
His five wins were his only five drives on the night.
Hart was in awe of Captains Mistress, who has won all four starts for Grimson since crossing the ditch.
Last night she was mesmerizing, thrashing her $150,000 Group 1 Queen of the Pacific rivals by 25m in a 1min54.2sec mile rate for 2760m.
“She’s the most exciting horse I’ve driven,” Hart said. “With the right, she wouldn’t have been out of place in the Hunter Cup.”
