The Duffy family has renewed a link with one of New Zealand's great harness families, thanks to Rockin Cullen.
The 5yr-old mare put in a late bid to win the first heat of the Forbury Park sprint series last night - a win which could prove useful in the coming months.
Brendan Duffy and his father, Paul, of Seaward Downs near Edendale, spotted the daughter of Christian Cullen and Idancedallnight at a clearing sale held by Christian Cullen's owner, Ian Dobson, four years ago.
The purchase had more than usual significance for the Duffy family, as Paul's grandfather, Martin, helped establish a leading Southland breed.
''It's the breed that's been in our family for over 100 years - the Rosehaven-Black Watch family. That's why we bought her back,'' Paul Duffy said.
''We had lost the breed.''
Rockin Cullen was trained by Kirk Larsen before heading north to Mark Jones' Woodend Beach stable to be beach-trained.
Rockin Cullen's career might be nearing the end, as she has been mated with Bettor's Delight.
''The plan is to try and get a decent mile rate out of her, and then retire her,'' Brendan Duffy said. Father and son also have a share in Uncle Ben, who broke a pedal bone after a strong effort last season.
''He'll be another three months and then he'll come back to work,'' Brendan Duffy said.
Perfect record
Balfour trainer Robert Wilson came to Forbury Park with three horses and left with three winners, although he can only claim two for himself.
Wilson brought the Billy Heads-trained trotter Strathmores Charm, who won race 1, to the track, along with his two runners, Mr Mayfly and Lucky Lands.
While Mr Mayfly has been in good form, Lucky Lands had yet to find his rather large feet after six starts - until last night in race 7.
''He's a beautiful horse. Most of the family are a good size,'' Wilson said.
''It goes back to the old Handwise family - we've had it for many, many years. We brought the good mare off Davey Hill about 20 years ago.''
Atomwise (five wins from eight starts) was the most notable product from Handwise.
Mr Mayfly swooped nicely in the c1-c4 trot to continue his strong run of form - and Wilson believes it has simply been about patience with the son of Earl.
''He's just come of age and learned what the racing game's all about now. He's just settled in to be a really nice little racehorse.
''At this stage, he's going to get a few days off now. I'm going to Cup Week [in Christchurch] anyhow.''
Favourite gallops
The major sensation of the night came in the c3-c6 mobile pace, when hot favourite New Years Jay galloped at the top of the home straight before regaining her gait and crossing the line first. The inquiry siren sounded soon after.
Co-trainer and driver Jonny Cox initially defended the charge of New Years Jay breaking stride for more than 50m in the last 200m.
However, he changed his plea after the footage showed the mare galloping for 75m to 80m.
