Friday night was star studded on and off the track at Parkes Showground Paceway but headlining the racing action was Swayzee, who claimed the $60,000 The Dish and opened his bid for a million-dollar bonus.

Harness Racing NSW's rich Carnival of Cups got under way at Parkes, with major music acts as well as the offer of some top prize money for racing.

It all combined for a top night.

Favourite Swayzee won the feature - the very first The Dish - over the distance of 2807m for the first time.

Driver Cam Hart described the winning run as awesome.

"I just love sitting behind him," he said in his post-race interview.

"Every time I get to race him he just gives me an incredible feel that no other horse does to be honest, he's probably a once in a lifetime horse."

Hart added the atmosphere trackside was great, with thousands drawn by the incredible live music lineup to witness the action on track.

Swayzee started from barrier 10 and over the extended distance made his way around the field, took the lead and was in command to the end - first past the post first by 15m.

"I love coming to these smaller communities, they really get around their racing and it was pretty special for us to bring Swayzee out here tonight," Hart said.

Swayzee is now in contention for a million-dollar bonus, on offer to a horse that wins all five Cups in this season's carnival.

"You never know what can happen in racing," Hart acknowledged, but added the series is the stable's focus.

Winning three or four of the feature races, with the next at Young on Friday November 8, also carries significant bonus prizemoney to anyone successful.

Local harness racing attention now turns to Eugowra, where the community is gearing up for the Canola Cup meeting on the October long weekend.

Heats at the Eugowra Showground Paceway this Sunday, September 29 from midday.

The eight-race program includes heats of the Kriden Farms Canola Cup and the Mick Rawsthorne Memorial. Free entry.