From HarnessLink (Tony Milanese, published 26 October 2025)
Outstanding filly Ark Sea (Stay Hungry) gave a superb all the way performance to blow her harness racing rivals away in the $150,000 Group 1 Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge for two year old fillies at Menangle on Saturday evening.
And in doing so the filly gave driver Will Rixon his second Group 1 event on the night following the success of Gunna Load in the three year old. It was also a first Group 1 training success for young trainer Sam Hewitt.
The event was seen as a match race between Ark Sea and Sparkling Sea.
Although drawn out very wide, Ark Sea displayed astonishing speed to easily cross the field.
Sparkling Sea ended up with a perfect trail behind the leader. Eye Wish went up to race outside the leader while Yirrabee was caught three wide but raced alongside the other pair. The field bunched up on the final bend and Sparkling Sea who had the softer run was expected to make a race of it.
However Ark Sea just bounded away on straightening and she was safely holding the field. She had just on four metres to spare over Sparkling Sea with Perfectdelight a close third just in front of Yirradiva who ran a mighty race to have sat three wide for the trip.
“I’ve pinched myself a bit. I’ve had so much confidence in this filly and Sam was as well. Every time I sat behind her it’s filled me with her confidence and he’s just had her spot on all year.”
“He done a great job with his babies, they’re an amazing family the Hewitts it’s really special.”
“Not much surprises me about her. She’s just the perfect racehorse, she came straight back to me, she’s got high speed, she’s strong. I was confident she could run serious time.”
“After she went to the front, she just relaxed even though they were putting pressure on me. I was only concerned with Sparkling Sea on my back.’
“She’s just a star really. She’s the best two year old I’ve ever driven. She’s push button, she’s just got better and better. I can’t wait for her next year as well.”
“I think Sam will put her out in the paddock and the first aim will probably be the New South Wales Oaks.”
For Rixon the double Group 1 success for the evening meant so much more. One of the best known and successful drivers in New South Wales, he had previously driven just one Group 1 that was Father Bob when he took out the Regional Championship Final at Wagga.
“I’ve had just so many placings over the last couple of years. I’ve gone so close and it’s been so frustrating. So now I hope to win many more, that’s always the aim of driving in big races.”
Ever since she ran a superb second in the Protostar at Albion Park earlier in the year Ark Sea has shown just how good she is. And in subsequent events she has shown just what a star she really is.
Harness racing fans will no doubt be eagerly awaiting her return early next year and with dedicated trainer Sam Hewitt and Rixon they will make a very formidable combination.
