Junior reinsman and first season trainer Craig Ferguson did the right thing on Mothers Day, winning a race for his mother Susan.And in the process he chalked up his 100th winning drive when Havinaravup won at Invercargill today.
"I told her I hadn't bought a present and hopefully that I could win a race for her so it worked out good," said Ferguson after the impressive win.
After the early rush Ferguson settled Havinaravup four back on the inside with Changesaw leading. Memphis Mafia then took over and the blistering pace continued. When Blow A Cloud moved off the running line Ferguson moved Havinaravup up to be three back on the inside. The gaps opened in the straight and Ferguson reined the gelding up to get up to beat a late finishing Jetsdream by a length and a quarter.
The time was 2-39.7 was 0.1 of the second outside the track record of 2-39.6 recorded by Royal Counsel when she won the Southland Oaks in 2014.
Ferguson demonstrated with a flourish of the whip, that he was thrilled with the result.
"I don't salute very often but I was pretty excited today and pleased that it was one of my own."
Havinaravup is a seven year old by Washington VC. He started his career with Brendon McLellan winning at Forbury Park in June 2014 when driven by Ferguson. He had a further three starts from that stable before he disappeared off the radar.
Nineteen months later Ferguson took over his training and from five starts he's won twice and finished second twice.
"He always had ability and was forgotten about and time probably helped him as well. Sheree (partner Sheree Tomlinson) rides him and does a super job. She's a huge asset and deserves a lot of the credit."
The half brother to Leigh Major and Mr Handleman is owned by Ferguson, his mother Susan and old school mate Rory McCall.
Ferguson since taking out his training licence in March, has now had eight starters to the races for three winners and three second place getters.
"I'm loving it. It's a new challenge and something to look forward to and we're starting to pick up a few more horses now."
So expect more winners from those white with royal blue diamond colours and a young trainer who turns 23 later this month.
"We just drew the colours up ourselves. Sheree and I sat down one night with some felt pens and came up with a few ideas and this is the one we liked best. I wanted something nice and colourful and bright."
Havinaravup
Earlier in the programme Ferguson reined Karlie Montana to win the Invercargill Workouts Committee Trot for his employer Wayne Adams.
The Repeat Love mare is closely related to the mighty Stig.
"She's a good front runner and just cruised it out there and went really nice. She's always been near enough but it's just taken a bit of time to get her trotting. But now she's faultless."
Karlie Montana
Bruce Stewart