The name Keayang Zahara isn't household in North American harness racing circles just yet, but the trotting mare has established herself as a juggernaut down under with her connections indicating that she could tackle international competitions in the future.
This past Saturday (Feb. 14), five-year-old Keayang Zahara pushed her career record to 25 wins in 26 starts (with the loss being a second-place finish) after cruising to victory in the two-heat Great Southern Star at Melton for owners Levarg Racing Group.
“She’s just a freak this mare, next level,” driver Jason Lee said. “Any queries I had about backing up for two runs in a night were gone as soon as I got out on the track to warm up for the final."
An older trotter going two heats in one day isn't common, but it's also the format for one of the sport's most prestigious events: the Elitloppet. In fact, officials from Solvalla have had their eye on Keayang Zahara since her sophomore year.
“These kinds of horses and stories is what make our sport public for a bigger audience and so important for all of us being a part of it," said Anders Malmrot, the sports director at Solvalla in November 2024.
Trainer Paddy Lee feels an appearance in the 2026 edition of the elite race isn't in the cards.
"I think she probably needs to be seasoned for another 12 months to travel to the Elitlopp or something like that," Lee said in a post-race interview Saturday with Paul Campbell. "You just can't be too greedy. She's still only young. Twenty-six starts, five-year-old. Don't take for granted what she's actually done. You've got to make sure she's in her best mindset and space to compete the best she can. I know those races are all on the calendar but, at the end of the day, I'm sure they'll sit down and map it out and pick the best races for her."
A future trip to North America isn't out of the question for the millionaire mare with North American bloodlines. She's a daughter of Volstead, who has sired the likes of trotting stars Sugar Instead and Jurassic Hattie since arriving in Ohio, from the Muscles Yankee mare Keayang Yankee.
(Standardbred Canada)