Swiatek Leis (Vincent), the homebred star for Trevor and Marjorie Leis, is on the verge of making history by completing a clean sweep of the Tasmanian Sires Stakes series. After claiming both the two-year-old and three-year-old finals, the talented mare added the four-year-old Prelude to her record on Sunday. She will now contest the prestigious Granny Smith Final on July 20, aiming to become the first horse to ever win all three age-group Sires Stakes finals.

In just her second start since January, Swiatek Leis showcased her class. The winner of last season’s Bandbox — Tasmania’s Sires Stakes feature for three-year-old fillies — began well from her second-row draw. Driven by Todd Rattray, she settled one-out and three-back before launching a three-wide run down the back straight on the final lap. Approaching the home turn, Rattray switched back to the inside, and after straightening, eased off the pegs. Swiatek Leis powered home, gathering in the leaders to score a decisive three-metre win over Sabine, with Le Betty finishing a half-neck away in third.

By Vincent out of Azarenka Leis (by Armbro Operative), Swiatek Leis hails from one of the state’s most successful maternal lines. She traces back to the Leis foundation mare Valencia Bay (Scotty Belmont), whom Trevor Leis purchased after unsuccessfully trying to buy one of her offspring, Peta Paige.

 Leis eventually acquired Peta Paige as a broodmare at the end of her racing career. Peta Paige produced notable performers, including Herbition (18 wins, including the Raider Stakes) and Zyuganov Leis (31 wins).

Trevor and Marjorie Leis have been pillars of Tasmanian harness racing for decades. Trevor, a former veterinarian who relocated from Queensland in the 1970s, has dedicated nearly 40 years to breeding and racing Standardbreds. His contribution to the sport was recognised with the Edger Tatlow Medal in 2021, honouring his lifetime service to Tasmanian harness racing. He has also served on the Tasracing board (2009–2023) and is a former chairman of both TT-Line Company Pty Ltd and UMT.

For complete race results, click here.

by Gary Newton