The Edendale trainer is sidelined from his driving duties as he recuperates from the operation in Dunedin last month, but Clark Barron proved to be an able stand-in as he steered the mare down the middle of the track to win by four lengths.
Milne's heart problems surfaced halfway through last year, following a sensation across the chest in June.
He went to his doctor in July for medical tests when he turned 55 in accordance with his Harness Racing New Zealand's driver's licence.
''She said with the family history you have, you need to go on the treadmill.
''I went on the treadmill in September and got a positive result that there was something wrong.''
Milne kept working around his Edendale stables until the operation date came around.
''I never missed a minute - I didn't think I was getting a triple bypass when I went to the hospital.
''They said it will take the chest six weeks to mend, and it could possibly be another six weeks before I'm allowed to start working.
''I'm not allowed to lift anything heavier than 2kg at the moment, so I can't even put a horse cover on.''
Milne hopes to be back to full duties within a few months, depending on his recovery, but all is going well to date.
''The way I've recovered is amazing - I've been in no pain or discomfort, and I don't feel tired, which I thought may have happened.''
Milne has turned out most of his team, with his son Grant working some horses. Grant took Veecewah and Matai Maddi to the West Coast for the Christmas circuit. Veecewah's third at Reefton was the best result of the trip.
''I'm just pleased Veecewah won because she's shown the potential to win a race,'' Milne said.
The 8yr-old daughter of Red River Hanover may have been busy over the summer break, but Milne's heart problems have had an unexpected benefit.
''The two best things that have happened are I'm still alive - I wouldn't have been if I hadn't had the operation - and the other thing is I've had the first Christmas and New Year off in probably forever.''
