An Aussie first in New Zealand

STAR pacer Swayzee has become the first Australian-trained pacer to complete consecutive victories in the famed New Zealand Trotting Cup thanks to his epic performance in Addington this afternoon.

Driven by Cameron Hart during last year's edition, Swayzee rated 1:58.9 over 3200 metres to score from Akuta and Beach Ball.

With Hart holding the reins once again, the Jason Grimson-trained gelding accounted for Don't Stop Dreaming and Republican Party in 1:59.2.

Amazingly, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven was set to bypass the Trans Tasman trip until connections elected to pay a $28,000 late nomination fee last week.

In what has been an incredible five days, Swayzee captured last Friday night's Young Cup to remain on target for a $1million bonus.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal promotion, the governing body has promised the mouth-watering bonus to the connections of any pacer which completes a clean sweep of the feature race at all five legs of the Carnival of Cups series.

"I had full confidence in the horse to run a full two miles," Hart said. "To come back and go back-to-back is unbelievable."

Former iron-horse, Flashing Red, is the only other Australia-bred dual NZ Cup champion.

Beginning his career in Tasmania, Flashing Red was under the care of Kiwi co-trainers Tim Butt and Phil Anderson at the time of his Cup wins in 2006 and '07.

As for Swayzee, he has been nominated for Friday's New Zealand Free-For-All also at Addington.