Champion sire Sweet Lou has once again stamped himself as one of Australasia’s premier pacing stallions after his harness racing progeny captured four of the six pacing categories at the 2025 HRNSW Awards on Sunday night.
The outstanding haul was highlighted by the deeds of two-year-old sensation Hollywood Strip, three-year-old stars Gunna Reload and Double Lou, and classy aged mare Eye Keep Smiling, underlining the remarkable depth and versatility of Sweet Lou’s stock.
Adding to the milestone season, Sweet Lou also recently recorded his 700th individual Australian winner at Tabcorp Park Menangle on Tuesday; another extraordinary achievement for the Woodlands Stud resident.
Leading the charge was Hollywood Strip, who secured a clean sweep of the juvenile honours, winning the IntelliTek NSW Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pacer of the Year with 100% of the votes, before being crowned the overall Gallagher NSW Two-Year-Old of the Year.
The brilliant colt enjoyed a stellar five for five in his freshman campaign, highlighted by his Group 1 Breeders Challenge Final, capping off three 1:50 miles in his heat, semi and final.
HOLLYWOOD STRIP OCT 25 REPLAY
Sweet Lou’s influence was equally strong in the three-year-old ranks. Gunna Reload claimed the State Medical Assistance NSW Three-Year-Old Filly Pacer of the Year with an emphatic 90% of votes before taking out the prestigious Gallagher NSW Three-Year-Old of the Year title.
Her season featured major victories in the Group 2 Bathurst Gold Bracelet and the Group 1 Breeders Challenge Final, where she ran a lifetime best of 1:50.4 for the flying mile.
Double Lou was recognised as the State Medical Assistance NSW Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Pacer of the Year, polling 72% of votes after a short but successful season, including his first Group 1 win in the Breeders Challenge Final where he lowered his lifetime best to 1:49.9, joining the elusively sub 1:50 club.
At the aged level, the ever-consistent Eye Keep Smiling took out the KS Black & Co NSW Aged Mare Pacer of the Year with 90% of votes. The classy mare added further black-type success to her resume during another outstanding campaign at the elite level. These wins included the Riverina Championships Mares Final (Listed Classic), Robin Dundee Stakes (G3), Queen Elizabeth II (G1) (with a lifetime best of 1:49.3), Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes (Listed Classic) and The Golden Girl (G1).
From juveniles through to seasoned performers, Sweet Lou’s dominance across the HRNSW awards once again showcased the stallion’s ability to leave tough, talented and versatile performers capable of succeeding on the biggest stage.
From the racetrack to the sales ring, Sweet Lou’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Buyers will have the opportunity to secure a youngster by the champion sire in the NZB National Online Weanling Sale, which concludes from 4pm today (AEST) (Wednesday, May 20).
Among the highlights are a striking colt from La Senorita, boasting a pedigree packed with elite performers including Group 1 stars Spanish Armada and Supreme Dominator, along with a beautifully bred filly from Deagg’s Delight, a family renowned for producing Group 1 winners Jacks Legend and Joanne’s A Delight.
by Harnesslink Media
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