This article was first published in New Zealand Harness Racing Weekly November 13, 2008, and is reproduced here with permission In a sight becoming very familiar across NZ race courses, the excitement surrounding Auckland Reactor began the moment he walked into the birdcage on Friday night. The crowd gathered at Alexandra Park to get a close up look of their horse hero and his driver/co-trainer, Mark Purdon. And they did not disappoint their fans. With an unlucky barrier draw, there was talk of a close $600,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup, especially between Auckland Reactor and popular pacer Monkey King. Securing the best start possible, along with confidence from co-trainer Steven Reid, the bookies placed him as second favourite with punters agreeing. However that was as good as it got, as Auckland Reactor proved why he is the best of the best. The race began well for Monkey King as driver Ricky May took advantage of the number one position, whilst Auckland Reactor trailed at the rear, at one point 15 lengths back off the leader. The crowd watched with baited breath as the champ cruised along at the back before Purdon got ‘The Reactor’ firing at the 1200m mark. The crowd began cheering as he sped past the whole field to lead for the remainder of the race. Monkey King and Changeover attempted to catch up to the leader, however Auckland Reactor forged ahead winning one-and-a-half lengths ahead of Monkey King, whilst Changeover was disqualified elevating Inter Dominion hopeful Awesome Armbro into third. As Auckland Reactor was taken into the winners circle, Prime Minister John Key walked up to meet the outstanding champion. Also greeting the winner was some of his overseas owners who had only met their $4million investment earlier in the week. Despite being surrounded by many people with photo after photo, the supercharged stallion remained calm, adding to his appeal with fans. Soon after the win, the Alexandra Park promo girls gave out free Auckland Reactor caps to fans. The excitement surrounding the son of Mach Three was huge, with the girls being mobbed for the popular caps.

Auckland Reactor NZ

With 20 wins from 21 starts and $1,080,298 in stakes next on the agenda for the sensational pacer is the 2009 Watpac Inter Dominions starting on 14 March on the Gold Coast. Ranked fourth heading into the series, Auckland Reactor is now the $1.60 favourite after his latest win.