Trainer Greg Hunter was a proud man after he helped his family trifecta the race named in their honour at Wyndham yesterday.
The trifecta occurred in the Hunter Handicap (2400m) when Cool Scooter sprinted along the passing lane for driver Craig Ferguson to beat Maidon-thebeach and Groomsman.
The 4yr-old’s victory gave Hunter bragging rights over his cousin, Hamish, who trained the second and third placegetters.
It was Cool Scooter’s third consecutive win. The plan is to continue to step up in grade.
"It is going to be fairly hard for him, but he does give the impression he likes the speed on in his races," Hunter said.
"The harder they go the better it is going to suit him, so that should help him out."
The Hunter family have made an epic contribution to southern harness racing and their trifecta result came just down the road from where Hamish’s father, Adam Hunter, prepared Trusty Scot to win the 1979 New Zealand Cup.
The Hunter Handicap was established by the Hunter families about 50 years ago.
Five years ago, Greg produced Press On and Twilight Franco who ran third to Hamish’s Devil May Care.
Heading the trifecta in the race instigated by his family delighted Hunter.
"I can tell you I have got a grin on my face."
Ferguson was part of another special moment yesterday when Robyns Playboy smashed the 2400m track record.Ferguson let the Ross Wilson-trained 3yr-old stride along at the head of the field before the horse bolted in by 10 lengths.
Robyns Playboy registered a sizzling 2.53.0 time for his 2400m mobile.
That time took 2.1sec off the previous record held jointly by Return To Sender and The Charging Moa.
Robyns Playboy equalled the fastest 2400m time in Southland history with his effort. He shares that honour with Nek Time, who holds the Winton track record with her time of 2.53 set in 2016.
Robyns Playboy could strip an even fitter horse in his next start. The horse had not started, or had a trial or workout, since his impressive Southland nugget final win at Winton in late September.
West Melton trainer Cran Dalgety produced Prince Art, an Art Major half-brother to Pat’s Delight, to win on debut.
Another promising 3yr-old wrapped up the Wyndham card with victory. Winton trainer Lauren Pearson produced Rise Above This to win her first start of the season.
Pearson’s impressive trotter, Superfast Pat, also won earlier on the card.
