Five-year-old Harjeet crossed the line in front of fellow Tasmanian Scooterwillrev – who clocked the quicker in Sunday’s heats.

It was all smiles for Harjeet’s trainer-driver Todd Rattray and co-owners Wayne McLaughlin and Barrie Rattray.

“He can drive, Todd – he’s a terrific driver,” Mr McLauglin said. “Off the ten metres, just unbelievable.”

“Because it’s your local club more or less and it’s a horse we bred ourselves, that’s the main reason it becomes a little more special.”

“We bought the mare in New Zealand and bred the horse, it just makes it that much better.”

Launceston Pacing Club chair Chester Bullock said after helping support the $25,000 prize with $5000 of their own, they hoped to increase the stakes in coming years to create a new highlight on the club’s calendar.

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