The inaugural running of The Race - New Zealand and the world’s first harness slot event - was won by Self Assured at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night.
Champion trainer-driver Mark Purdon partnered with the star gelding to claim victory in the $900,00 race, winning for owner Jean Feiss, co-trainer Hayden Cullen and slot holder Sports Entertainment Network (SEN).
Self Assured overcame the widest barrier (8), settling at the rear of the field before Purdon slid his runner forward in a three-wide position.
He hit the front at the stop of the straight, holding off a fast-finishing Majestic Cruiser with stablemate Spankem in third.
“He should have won by more,” Purdon joked post-race.
“He was bolting and I was sure I had the leaders covered and straightening up I thought we were going to win by four lengths.
“But he almost shut off and waited for the other horses and at the line it was getting tight because Majestic Cruiser was still coming hard.
“With the time they ran maybe he had the right to be getting tired but he almost waited for them. That was just how well he was going at the top of the straight, he was that ready for it.”
Thanks to SENZ, seven lucky shareholders have each won a 0.5% share of the prize.
David Gash (Taupo)
Carolyn Pannett (Invercargill)
Anton McManus (Whangarei/Auckland)
Jonty Kay (Manawatu)
Scott Rushbrooke (Papamoa, Bay of Plenty)
Brett Johnson (Huntly, Waikato)
Jason Martin (Rotorua)
Alicia Harrison (Morrinsville)
Self Assured, now New Zealand’s best pacer, adds The Race to a bulging CV which also includes the New Zealand and Auckland Cups.
It is understood he will race in the Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park next Friday before tackling the Messenger Stakes and then next month’s Auckland Cup.
The Race 2022
— TAB Racing (@TAB_Racing) April 14, 2022
Congratulation to the Self Assured Team @AllStarsRacing @SENZ_Radio @cambridgeracewy pic.twitter.com/yvyBvouyom