Kingman to chase Victoria's summer riches
VICTORIA'S lucrative summer riches have become a key target for rising star Kingman.
Speaking after the four-year-old's Victoria Cup triumph in Melton tonight, New South Wales trainer Luke McCarthy revealed he will return south to chase Harness Racing Victoria's recently-announced bonus.
A fortnight ago Harness Racing Victoria unveiled a $1.5million in insured bonuses – $1million for pacers and $500,000 for trotters – up for grabs during the 2026 Summer of Glory.
Although there are six legs in the bonus series, the $1million will be paid on any pacer which wins four legs - including the Hunter Cup - and $500,000 to any trotter which wins four legs - including the Great Southern Star.
"I haven't set any concrete plans with him past tonight, but The Blacks A Fake in Queensland in December is on the table," McCarthy said. "All the big races in Victoria leading into the Hunter Cup look a good option too.
"With the big money on offer via the bonus, we'll certainly be mapping out a program around those races."
With McCarthy holding the reins, Kingman was sent forward from barrier four before sending the driver's heart racing as he broke stride.
To McCarthy's relief, Kingman quickly returned to his gait to be settled in the one-one as Hi Manameisjeff led and Leap To Fame worked on his outside.
Angled three-wide around the final bend, the son of Always B Miki sprinted to a two-metre win from Hi Manameisjeff, with Leap To Fame battling on to be five metres away third.
"I'm not sure why he galloped, but my heart jumped into my throat," McCarthy said. "I strode up a little to see if Hi Manameisjeff was holding and eased him to take a sit behind Leap To Fame when he went off stride.
"Thankfully he got back down quickly and was fine after that.
"At the 500 he was travelling so well I felt he had plenty in him, which gave me a lot of confidence.
"I was very happy with the way he responded when I pulled him out and he hit the line hard."
Rating 1:52.2 over 2240 metres, Kingman provided McCarthy with his fourth win in the Grand Circuit event following Mr Feelgood in 2010, For A Reason in '13 and Bling It On in '19.
