Cameron Hart crowned harness Driver of the Year after historic victory

JUNEE harness racing driver Cameron Hart has been crowned 2024 Metropolitan Driver of the Year at Harness Racing NSW’s annual award ceremony at Menangle Country Club.

The award capped off a whirlwind weekend for the star reinsman, who made history on Saturday night by becoming the first back-to-back winner of the $250,000 Chariots of Fire—one of the biggest nights on the harness racing calendar.

Hart, who won last year’s Chariots Of Fire with Frankie Ferocious, was determined to defend his title with Bay of Biscay in this year’s race.

“It would be lovely to go back-to-back and Bay Of Biscay does look the one to beat,” Hart told Harness Racing NSW before Saturday’s 30th anniversary race.

“We’re drawn inside a few of our main dangers and I must admit I was pleased to see that. I’m sure we’ll be awfully hard to beat.”

In addition to his Chariots of Fire triumph, Hart secured another major victory on Saturday night, guiding the Jason Grimson-trained Swayzee to success in the $100,000 Cordina Group Sprint.

This win guaranteed Swayzee a spot in next week’s $1 million Garrards Miracle Mile, where he will take on Newcastle Cup winner Leap to Fame.

Swayzee’s dominance was further recognized at Sunday’s awards ceremony, where he was once again named NSW Horse of the Year, successfully defending his 2023 title.

The accolade cements his status as one of the most outstanding horses in the state’s racing history.

The prestigious honour follows an exceptional season, with Swayzee delivering a series of impressive performances that left both racing fans and experts in awe.

Throughout the 2024 season, he recorded 10 starts for seven wins, including victory in the New Zealand Cup, along with three minor placings, amassing $913,879 in prize money.

His achievements also earned him the KS Black & Co NSW Aged Entire/Gelding of the Year and NSW Aged Horse of the Year titles.

A METEORIC RISE FOR  HART

The weekend’s accolades further solidify Hart’s meteoric rise to the top of Australian harness racing.

Ranked among the nation’s elite drivers, he is arguably Junee’s most notable sporting figure since rugby league legend Laurie Daley.

Born and raised in Junee, Hart was immersed in harness racing from a young age, driving track work by the age of 10. His exceptional talent quickly became evident, and he made the move to Sydney shortly after turning 18 to pursue his career at a higher level.

Hart credits his uncle, renowned trainer Trevor White, for his early development in the sport, reflecting on his journey in an interview with Harness Link in 2020.

“I would help Uncle Trev with trackwork when I was only 12, and three years later mum and dad agreed to let me go there and work full-time,” he said.

“It was an awesome time and I learnt so much about training, care and feeding.

“Uncle Trev also showed faith in me as a driver as well, and he gave me my first race drive on a horse called Ideal Investment at Albury in April, 2016.”

With his latest accolades and a string of high-profile victories, Hart’s dominance in the sport continues to grow.

As he prepares for the $1 million Miracle Mile, all eyes will be on the rising star to see if he can add another major title to his already impressive résumé.