The harness racing meeting at Forbury Park tonight was run in real winter conditions with driving rain and a cold southerly sweeping the course.

The maiden pace over 2700 metres from a stand was more like a 3000 metres race in the conditions.

The well travelled and tried Billy Klondike has been showing signs in his last few starts of winning his maiden and tonight he finally broke his duck after thirty one starts.

Away well for driver Craig Ferguson to lead early, Billy Klondike took a trail with just over a lap to go and then used the passing lane to grab the lead and then hold off a late charge from Spinyback and Nathan Williamson.

Billy Klondike who is owned and trained by Nora Bishop at Tomahawk paced the 2700 metres in 3:35.8 with closing sectionals of 59.6 and 28.8.

Driver Craig Ferguson has always had a bit of time for the showy grey.

" The son of Klondike Kid has got enough ability to win a race or two but his manners have been letting him down badly most of the time."

"Just lately he has been starting to put it all together."

"I thought he might go close tonight, Craig said.

While it may have taken thirty one starts for Billy Klondike to leave maidens, he looks to have turned the corner in his last few runs and looks more than capable of handling the rise in grade.

Harnesslink Media