A star shines bright at Port Pirie

Bay pacer number 2 in a striped saddle cloth racing at night

Saturday night saw the running of the 2026 Port Pirie Cup meeting. On a night when local stars shone bright, none shone brighter than the aptly named South Aussie Star.

A daughter of Ride High out of top producer Towelling, bred by renowned South East breeder Peter Medhurst, she took out the fifth heat of the SA Botra Kindergarten Series.

She led throughout to celebrate her first career victory at start two, recording a mile rate of 2:00.3.

Purchased at the 2025 Adelaide  APG Yearling Sales, the goal was to promote the harness racing industry through horse ownership to those who may never have had an interest before. With ownership of the horse donated to SA Botra to manage, the hardworking committee took control and executed a plan which has been overwhelmingly successful.

A conversation between Botra President Lee-Anne Pangrazio and HRSA Board member Sarah Coligan led to an opportunity to promote the horse through Andrew Costello from South Aussie with Cosi.

As a result, Cosi (as he is affectionately known) jumped on board. He has a huge social media presence through his TV show, which airs on Channel 7, and a Facebook following of more than 270,000 people.

Through his Facebook page, he ran a competition giving away nine ownership shares in South Aussie Star. It created massive interest, with thousands entering.

The result: nine completely new people to harness racing, with little to no previous knowledge of the sport.

Thanks to SA Botra’s initiative in engaging with the lucky competition winners, the new owners are now experiencing the thrill of what it feels like to own a racehorse.

With a big turnout at her first trial, the following soon grew beyond her new owners to include their family and friends, with several buying shares.

SA Botra then offered a registration of interest to purchase the remaining shares prior to her first start, and it was met with an overwhelming response.

The result is an ownership group of more than 60 people, with the majority involved as first-timers and others returning to the industry after a long absence.

Thanks to the support of South Aussie Star’s trainer, Ryan Hryhorec, and SA Botra, the filly’s social media following has continued to grow through regular updates on her progress over the past few weeks.

As was evident on Saturday night, when “Lee” (her stable name) returned to the winner’s circle for her customary photo, a large group gathered to celebrate.

South Aussie Star’s next assignment is the final of the Kindergarten Series this Saturday night at Globe Derby Park.

Cosi will be on course, along with his crew, to film a segment for his TV show, set to air in the not-too-distant future.

We wish all South Aussie Star’s owners, followers and fans the very best of luck on Saturday night.

 

  • Story Simon Jones (SA BOTRA)
  • Photo Walter Bulyga