Race dear to southern family’s hearts

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 3yrold 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 halfbrother to Pat’s Delight, to win on debut.

Another promising 3yrold 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.