Harvey said his two weeks in Christchurch with Kingman were “by far” the best and most fun of his many years in racing.
Remember, Harvey was co-owner of the great King Of Swing, which won a record three Miracle Miles and two Hunter Cups.
Harvey and trainer-driver Luke McCarthy both spoke openly about returning to defend Kingman’s NZ Cup title next year.
“He’s so young and still on the rise… he’s the kind of horse that could come back for this race again and again,” McCarthy said.
“He walks like one of those great old Kiwi stayers.”
Harvey added: “Of course I want more of this. It’s just been the most amazing weeks.
“I think he will only get better and he enjoyed it here so much that we would love to come back next year.”
But Kiwis won’t have that long to see Kingman in person again.
Harvey confirmed that the $1 million Race by betcha in Cambridge was targeted in April.
“Absolutely, it is,” he said. “I have spoken to the club to let them know.”
“I’ve had a lot of people ask me questions, especially Kiwis… the answer is yes.”
More immediately, Kingman will chase a $1 million bonus during a six-race series in Victoria’s Summer of Glory.
McCarthy said Kingman would have a short freshen-up at his Cobbitty property before focusing on the first of the series’ six legs, the $75,000 Group 2 Bendigo Cup on January 10.
“It’s likely we’ll go to the first two and work out the rest from there,” he said.
The second leg is the $50,000 Shepparton Gold Cup on January 17.
The bonus will be paid to any pacer who can win four of the six races, but should also include the $250,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton on February 14.
Kingman will then aim for the $1 million Miracle Mile in March, ahead of the Cambridge raid.
Through Adam Hamilton for Harness Racing New Zealand
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