'The Reactor' Wins Again In Record Time

Published: January 2, 2009 11:09 am EST

Auckland Reactor, the four-year-old Mach Three pacing sensation from downunder, prevailed by a head in record time to take the $75,000 Gr II Sky City Waikato Flying Mile at Cambridge Raceway in New Zealand while maintaining a spotless record including 16 victories.

With trainer Mark Purdon in the bike, Auckland Reactor took early command of the field before giving way to Baileys Dream (Todd Mitchell) at the first quarter in :28.2. Auckland Reactor, who was hot on the helmet of Baileys Dream through the second quarter clocked in :29.1, popped the pocket after a :29 third quarter and took the lead. 'The Reactor' paced his heart out as he sprinted home holding off a late rush from Monkey King (Ricky May) for the win equaling Scuse Me's national mobile mile record of 1:53.2 set at Alexandra Park 11 years ago. Baileys Dream finished third.

"If I didn't hand up he could have gone 1:52 tonight. They really ground him into the dirt. It was his toughest performance yet. He didn't have much left. I'm so proud of him," Purdon told Harnesslink after the race.

In a touching gesture never before seen at the track, Purdon pulled Auckland Reactor alongside the front fence at Cambridge and let the crowd give the champ a congratulatory pat after the race. "This is a promoter's dream. What an absolutely fantastic horse. What a brilliant gesture," said the club's promotions manager Mike Weston.

Auckland Reactor has earned $641,428 for his connections including Canadian owners Peter Heffering, Tom Kyron, Bill Loyens, Doug Millard, Irv Storfer, Fred Brayford and Dr. Michael Wilson.

The unstoppable champion will reportedly return to Cambridge Raceway for two more starts before gracing Addington Raceway with his presence at the end of the month.

To view the race replay, click here. You must have a media player like Windows Media Player installed to view the video.

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