KING OF SWING
ROCKNROLL HANOVER USA – TWIST AND TWIRL NZ – ARTSPLACE USA
$3,390,546 – 1:47.9
82 Starts – 44 Wins – 18 Placings
2014 – bay horse – 16 hands
- 3 Time Miracle Mile Winner – First Horse in History
- 2 Time Hunter Cup Winner – First Horse in History to win 2 Hunter Cups & 2 Miracle Miles
- 3 time Australian Grand Circuit Champion
- 3 time NSW Horse of the Year
- 11 time Group One winner
- 19 time Group Race winner
- Group One Winner as a 2,3,5,6 & 7 Year Old
- Sub 1:50 mile rate 11 times
- Unbeaten in 12 starts over the mile at Menangle
- Track record holder
- Undefeated in his last season of racing
- Breeders Crown winner at 2
- WA Derby at 3
- Out of NZ Broodmare of the Year Twist and Twirl
- Richest son of the champion super sire Rocknroll Hanover
2022 Miracle Mile
After his third Miracle Mile win, King Of Swing advancing his earnings over the three-million-dollar mark – a triple millionaire – making him the richest son of the champion sire, Rocknroll Hanover USA.
King Of Swing is sired by the supersire Rocknroll Hanover USA, whose total progeny earnings is in excess of sixty-eight million dollars. Rocknroll Hanover’s stats speak from themselves and he needs no real introduction. He has sired many champion racehorses and now proven stallions as well such as Rocknroll Heaven who is bred on the same cross as with an Artsplace broodmare.
The champion racehorse’s mother, Twist And Twirl NZ was named 2021 Pacing Broodmare of the Year primarily as a result of the efforts of her Australian based Rocknroll Hanover entire King Of Swing and her Bettors Delight three year old filly Bettor Twist NZ – who also was named three year old Pacing Filly of Year and Pacer of Year at NZ Harness Racing Awards.
Twist and Twirl NZ was a handy racemare herself: TWIST AND TWIRL NZ (2008f Artsplace/Giveitawhirlgirl; Jessie Pepper, U4) : five NZ (three Alexandra Park, one Addington), 1:59.3, $234,095, two VIC (Melton/Bendigo) wins, 1:55.9AUS, $49,163, GN Oaks, NZSS – 3f; dam of five live foals, four have raced for three winners, all in sub 1:57, one in 1:48.0. Bred by Breckon Bloodstock and all her foals bred by Breckon Farms Ltd.
The crowned 2020, 2021 and 2022 Australian Grand Circuit Champion King Of Swing’s career stats certainly put him up with the all-time Down Under greats. His prize money of $A3,390,546 put him fifth on the all-time earners’ list for Down Under pacers behind: Blacks A Fake ($A4,575,438), Im Themightyquinn ($A4,567,456), Lazarus ($A4,125,988) and Smoken Up ($A3,607,985).
The three time NSW Horse of the Year, King Of Swing won Group One races from the age of two when he won the Breeders Crown final, to the age of seven winning his third Miracle Mile. He won the Group One Breeders Crown 2YO Colts and Geldings for his former NZ trainer Ray Green. He continued to be a dominant juvenile winning the Group One WA Derby for Gary Hall Sr before adding another nine Group One victories in the care of Craig Cross, Belinda and Luke McCarthy.
As a seven-year-old, King Of Swing became the first pacer in history to win three Miracle Miles – he won them consecutively – in the fifty-five-year history of Australia‘s greatest speed test. King Of Swing is one of eight pacers to have won the Miracle Mile twice, but none have saluted three times. And his third Miracle Mile win kept his unbeaten record over a mile at Menangle intact as he was unbeaten in twelve runs over a mile, five of them at Group One level. King Of Swing stands alone as one of the best milers seen in Australia.
King Of Swing’s career was one that re-wrote history, including eleven Group Ones and eight other Group races wins, eleven sub 1:50 times, winner of eleven races at Gloucester Park, eighteen wins at Menangle, three at Albion Park and three at Melton of which are major metropolitan tracks in Australia. Ending his racing career on a massive high he left the racetrack undefeated in his last four race starts, three that were at Group One level – the Del-Re A G Hunter Cup, the Allied Express Sprint and the Miracle Mile. A career best mile rate of 1:47.9, which he broke his own “PB” by 0.1 of a second on his second ever last race start taking victory in the Group One Allied Express Sprint. It was the performance of a champion and the fact he had to overcome adversity to do so, with an unsuccessful early speed burn and then sitting parked for the trip to pull through with the win. It was the win that helped him stamp himself as a true champion.
King Of Swing achieved yet another moment of glory in a celebrated career when he won the Del-Re A. G. Hunter Cup for the second time. Becoming the first pacer in history to win two Hunter Cups and three Miracle Miles. The Hunter Cup is run over 2760m and is proven to be a real stayers test, King Of Swing has shown his versatility by outstaying his rivals and bringing home the trophy on two occasions.
King Of Swing also holds the Track Record at Newcastle from his only race start there. King remained unbeaten in the three rounds of heats when smashing the track record at Newcastle in the last of the 2021 Inter Dominion qualifiers. He stopped the clock in 1:51.5 in the 2030m event proving that he wasn’t just a ‘miler’.
King Of Swing raced in an open bridle, snaffle bit and just knee boots. “This is one of my favourite horses of all time – he’s big, he’s strong, he’s so good gaited. He’s just done such an amazing job,” driver Luke McCarthy.
King Of Swing retired from the racetrack completely sound with no injuries.
His overall career stats are : 82 starts, 44 – 11 – 7, (50%+ win ratio), $3,390,546 , 1:47.9
Season by season performances have included :
2YO (16/17) – $208,721 – 10 starts – 5 Wins – *G1 Breeders Crown
3YO (17/18) – $183,856 – 13 starts – 7 wins – *G1 Western Australia Derby
4YO (18/19) – $78,517 – 23 starts – 7 wins – Winner of six races at Gloucester Park and one at Pinjarra from twenty three starts
5YO (19/20) – $1,130,100 – 13 starts – 10 wins – *G1 Miracle Mile and prelude G1 Allied Express Sprint, G1 Hunter Cup, G1 Blacks A Fake, G3 Kevin Robinson Memorial and several Menangle FFA’s; second Victoria Cup; thirds York/Media Guild Cups
6YO (2021) – $871,870 – 16 starts – 11 wins – G1 Miracle Mile, G1 Schweppes Sprint, Lucky Creed, G3 Mr Feelgood, three ID heats and several Menangle FFA’s; second Sunshine Sprint; third Hunter Cup & Blacks A Fake
7YO (2022) –$900,300 – undefeated – G1 Miracle Mile, G1 Hunter Cup, G1 Allied Express Sprint, Menangle FFA
Building a Legacy
King Of Swing has wasted no time making his mark at stud.
From outstanding demand in the sales ring to an exciting start on the racetrack, his first crops have given breeders every reason to be optimistic about the future.
His yearlings have consistently attracted strong competition across Australia and New Zealand, highlighted by sale toppers, record-breaking prices and increasing demand from leading trainers and bloodstock agents. Now, with his oldest progeny already producing winners, King Of Swing is proving that the qualities which made him one of Australasia’s greatest racehorses are being passed on to the next generation.
Commercial Success
A sensational debut in the sales ring
King Of Swing’s first crop of yearlings created an immediate impression throughout the 2025 Australasian sales season.
Buyers responded enthusiastically to his athletic, correct and well-related youngsters, resulting in strong clearance rates and impressive averages across every major sale.
His first crop was highlighted by:
- Dancing Diamonds colt selling for $85,000 at the Nutrien Equine Sydney Sale.
- Queen Of Pop filly selling for $82,500 to top the APG Melbourne Sale.
- Not Guilty selling for NZ$72,500 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
- Strong demand across Australia and New Zealand, with yearlings purchased by many of the industry’s leading trainers and investors.
The consistent demand across multiple sales demonstrated the confidence breeders and buyers have in King Of Swing’s ability to leave commercial, athletic stock.
Commercial Success Continues
Raising the bar in 2026
If his first crop established King Of Swing as one of the industry’s most exciting young sires, his second crop confirmed that momentum was continuing to build.
The standout performer was the magnificent King Of Swing x Gladamare colt, bred by Breckon Farms, who was awarded International Animal Health Best Presented Colt before selling for NZ$140,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Not only was he the highest-priced King Of Swing yearling sold to date, he also showcased the exceptional quality and commercial appeal now associated with the stallion’s progeny.
Across Australia and New Zealand, King Of Swing’s second crop continued to attract strong competition from respected trainers and bloodstock buyers, with healthy averages and consistent demand reinforcing his growing reputation as a commercial sire.
With each successive crop, King Of Swing continues to build on the success of the last.
Early Racetrack Success
The next chapter has already begun.
King Of Swing’s oldest progeny are now making their mark on the racetrack, and the early signs have been extremely encouraging.
Already the sire of six individual winners, his first crop has produced winners in both Australia and New Zealand, highlighted by feature race success and exciting performances from a number of progressive youngsters.
Leading the way is Swinging Queen, who announced herself as one of the standout fillies of her generation with victory in the Group 1 Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Fillies Final at Menangle. Her elite success provided King Of Swing with his first Group 1-winning progeny and further demonstrated the class emerging from his first crop.
New Zealand filly Fanfare created history by becoming King Of Swing’s first-ever winner, capturing the Macca Lodge Kindergarten Stakes Prelude before progressing to stakes company.
In Australia, Spartan Chimes has also impressed with his explosive finishing speed, while several other first-crop performers continue to emerge across both sides of the Tasman.
With six individual winners already on the board and many more lightly raced youngsters still developing, King Of Swing’s first crop is only just beginning to reveal its potential.
Breeder Confidence
The confidence shown in King Of Swing has extended far beyond the sales ring.
Following his retirement to stud, he served four consecutive full books of mares in Australia, reflecting the enormous faith breeders placed in one of the greatest racehorses of the modern era.
That support is now beginning to be rewarded.
Outstanding commercial demand, increasing racetrack success and continued breeder confidence are combining to create a stallion whose best years are still ahead.
The Future
King Of Swing has made an outstanding start to his stud career.
His yearlings continue to command attention in the sales ring. His first runners are already delivering on the racetrack. His books remain strongly supported by breeders who recognise his exceptional race record, elite pedigree and commercial appeal.
Every crop continues to build on the last.
With each passing season, King Of Swing is strengthening his position as one of the most exciting young pacing sires standing in Australasia.
King Of Swing – A Pedigree Built for Greatness
The modern-day Standardbred superstar.
King Of Swing isn’t just a record-breaking racehorse – he’s the embodiment of elite breeding. With 44 wins, three Miracle Mile titles, and over $3.39 million in earnings, this magnificent bay stallion combines championship performance with an exceptional genetic legacy.
Sire Line: Rocknroll Hanover ➞ Meadow Skipper
King Of Swing’s sire line represents the pinnacle of pacing royalty. He is the richest son of Rocknroll Hanover (USA) – the 2005 Horse of the Year and a global supersire whose progeny have earned more than $68 million. Rocknroll Hanover himself descends directly from Western Ideal ➞ Western Hanover ➞ No Nukes ➞ Oil Burner ➞ Most Happy Fella ➞ Meadow Skipper, one of the most powerful male lines in Standardbred history.
This paternal heritage is synonymous with speed, courage, and consistency. From Meadow Skipper’s foundation influence through Western Hanover’s Hall of Fame legacy, this bloodline has shaped generations of champions. King Of Swing inherits the same DNA blueprint that produced countless Grand Circuit winners – a lineage engineered for performance and durability on the racetrack.
Dam Line: Twist And Twirl ➞ Silent Majority
On the maternal side, King Of Swing’s class is equally undeniable. His dam, Twist And Twirl (NZ), was a Group 1-winning racemare and 2021 New Zealand Pacing Broodmare of the Year, producing multiple elite performers including Bettor Twist (NZ) – dual Oaks winner and 3YO Filly of the Year.
Twist And Twirl is by the legendary Artsplace (USA) – son of Abercrombie and grandson of Silent Majority – a maternal line famed for soundness, heart, and longevity. This dam line brings balance and stamina, blending perfectly with the raw speed of the Meadow Skipper sire line.
From the respected Jessie Pepper family (U4), Twist And Twirl adds proven maternal strength and consistent production of top-class offspring – a hallmark of true breeding excellence.
The Golden Cross – Meadow Skipper × Artsplace
King Of Swing’s pedigree unites two of harness racing’s most potent bloodlines: the Meadow Skipper sire line crossed with the Artsplace maternal line. This combination has produced legends such as Foiled Again ($7.63 M), Put On A Show ($2.46 M), Rock N Roll Heaven ($2.77 M), and Pet Rock ($1.98 M) – all sharing the same genetic pattern.
This “golden cross” delivers the ideal mix of speed, grit, and racecraft, and King Of Swing is its modern masterpiece.
A Blueprint for Success
King Of Swing’s pedigree is a living legacy of harness racing’s greatest influences, a synthesis of champions that has already proven its power on the track. His bloodlines don’t just honor the past; they shape the future, offering breeders a rare opportunity to tap into a lineage that consistently produces excellence.
King Of Swing’s Ultimate Crosses: Harnessing the Power of Proven Genetics
King Of Swing (Rocknroll Hanover – Twist And Twirl by Artsplace) combines record-breaking racetrack performancewith a pedigree built on the most successful cross in harness racing history. A three-time Miracle Mile winner and the richest son of Rocknroll Hanover, King Of Swing is bred on the golden cross of a Meadow Skipper-line sire over an Artsplace-line mare – the same cross that produced the legendary Foiled Again, the richest Standardbred of all time.
What sets King Of Swing apart is not just his brilliance on the track, but his ability to lift mares through one of the most dominant sire lines in history, while offering the versatility to suit a wide range of proven broodmare families across both hemispheres.
Art Major, Artsplace & Sons – The Blueprint That Made Him
King Of Swing is bred on the same Meadow Skipper × Artsplace cross that has produced countless champions. Mares by Art Major, Perfect Art, Sportswriter, and Artsplace himself are ideal matches.
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9 of the top 10 performers from Artsplace mares were by Meadow Skipper-line stallions.
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King Of Swing is proof of what this combination can produce.
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This is the same cross that delivered Put On A Show ($2.46M) and Foiled Again ($7.63M).
Breeders looking to double down on this elite pattern should strongly consider this cross – it balances speed, toughness, and soundness with proven consistency.
Cam Fella-Line Mares – Fake Left • Armbro Operative • Albert Albert
King Of Swing’s sire Rocknroll Hanover nicked brilliantly with mares from the Cam Fella line, and that legacy continues.
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Foreclosure N ($807,746) – Rocknroll Hanover × Fake Left mare
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Simply Business ($1.03M) – Rocknroll Hanover × Presidential Ball mare
Mares by Fake Left, Presidential Ball, Armbro Operative, and Albert Albert offer strong compatibility. These lines add grit and durability – a perfect match for King Of Swing’s class and acceleration.
Direct Scooter-Line Mares – Christian Cullen • Mach Three • In The Pocket
Daughters of Christian Cullen, Courage Under Fire, In The Pocket, and Mach Three are excellent fits for King Of Swing.
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24 of the top 25 foals out of Christian Cullen mares were by Meadow Skipper-line stallions.
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This cross enhances gait, pacing efficiency, and athleticism – a winning formula in both hemispheres.
For breeders with Direct Scooter-line mares, King Of Swing offers the ideal pedigree to reinforce speed while injecting strength and balance.
Bettor’s Delight & No Nukes-Line Mares – Toughness Meets Turn of Foot
Bettor’s Delight daughters are some of the most influential mares in Australasia. King Of Swing, with no close-up Cam Fella or Direct Scooter blood, offers pedigree versatility and an ideal outcross for Bettor’s Delight mares.
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The Always B Miki × Bettor’s Delight cross produced Perfect Sting ($1.86M)
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King Of Swing continues that blueprint – delivering foals with gait, composure, and toughness
Mares by Bettor’s Delight, American Ideal, Always A Virgin, and Western Ideal fit beautifully into this cross section. For breeders chasing commercial appeal and elite race performance – this is a high-percentage play.
Western Hanover-Line Mares – Proven Patterns Repeated
With Rocknroll Hanover as his sire, King Of Swing has already proven his strength through this lineage. Matching him with mares by Western Hanover-line stallions such as American Ideal, Rocknroll Heaven, Badlands Hanover, and Western Ideal allows breeders to replicate patterns that have consistently delivered winners.
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Strong maternal families, great speed influence, and consistent sales appeal
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The Sweet Lou × Rocknroll Dance pattern that produced Confederate is mirrored here from a Meadow Skipper angle
This is a foundation cross for serious breeders wanting to reinforce proven racetrack performance.
Linebreeding Strength -Abercrombie • Western Hanover • Jessie Pepper
King Of Swing opens exciting linebreeding opportunities for those looking to duplicate greatness without inbreeding.
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Linebreed to Abercrombie and Western Hanover for speed and balance
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Reinforce maternal power through the Jessie Pepper (U4) family – the same clan behind King Of Swing, Twist And Twirl, and Bettor Twist
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Excellent match with mares carrying Falcon Seelster, Life Sign, Real Desire, Peruvian Hanover – lines that amplify King Of Swing’s natural traits
Strategic duplication of these influences can produce foals with the mental and physical tools to excel at the highest levels.
The Perfect Match for Australasian Broodmares
Whether your mare is by:
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Art Major, Christian Cullen, Mach Three, Fake Left, Bettor’s Delight, In The Pocket, Life Sign, Armbro Operative or Presidential Ball…
King Of Swing provides the missing piece: a dominant performer with proven genetics, commercial appeal and unmatched versatility.
From sale ring to winner’s circle, King Of Swing is built to deliver.