Bold move pays off big time

Tonight’s win at Alexandra Park by Apollo Eleven (Bold Eagle) created a special moment for the Waikato harness racing Ferguson family. 

Dylan and Jo Ferguson trained the quality two year old to win the $100,000 G1 IRT Young Guns Easton Light Classic and the colt was driven to perfection by Dylan’s father Peter. 

“I got interviewed on Harnesslink a few months ago. They said you’ve achieved a lot in the industry, is there something you’d still like to do? I said I’d like to drive a Group One for Dylan and Jo, not thinking it’d come this soon. They’ve just done an amazing job with these two horses. Like with all young horses, things don’t always go to plan, like it didn’t last week. But we’ve had the time to pick them up. It’s been amazing,” Peter said. 

Peter took Apollo Eleven straight to the top and set a moderate clip. Although favourite Duke Of Bourbon came looking in the parked position, he couldn’t muster his normal amount of speed and had to settle for second a half a length away. TK Superstar finished third with the winner’s stablemate Ellie Diamond running fourth. 

“He’s just a real pro. The filly (Ellie Diamond) isn’t too far behind him. I thought the track conditions would suit him tonight and take the speed out of some of the others, it worked perfect.” 

Tonight’s win vindicates Dylan and Jo’s move to spend big money at the 2025 NZB Standardbred Yearlings Sales, purchasing Apollo Eleven for $90,000 and Ellie Diamond for $60,000.  

APOLLO ELEVEN REPLAY

The winning stake of $55,000 pays off over half the Breckon Farms bred colt’s purchase price. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink