Cross, a broadcasting cadet in Canterbury for Trackside, had his first ownership interest when Lady Mackendon joined 12 other trotters in the maiden ranks last night.
The distant relative of open-class trotters Thanesan and Vulcan finished off her race in style to win by two lengths for co-owner and driver Kimberly Butt.
Cross (20) worked for leading Canterbury trainer Cran Dalgety for two years before joining Trackside in October to develop his interest in commentating.
And it is the commentating which could provide the next bunch of nerves for Cross as he will call his first totalisator races at the Rangiora harness racing meeting tomorrow.
''I'll be very nervous on Sunday - very, very nervous,'' Cross said.
''It's a brilliant start to the weekend.''
Butt and Cross, who are keen to point out they are not planning on getting engaged despite helpful suggestions from Butt's employer, Mark Jones, have another reason to celebrate as Butt turns 20 today.
Cross has been working behind the scenes for Trackside, recording interviews and calling trials as he builds towards his first race call with the help of commentator Mark McNamara and presenter Greg O'Connor.
''I thought I'd call a race by the end of the year but not by now,'' he said.
''With Mark and Greg's help, it's been a lot easier. I wouldn't have been able to do it by myself just jumping straight in to it.''
Butt and Cross leased the Pegasus Spur mare off co-breeder Don McKenzie, who shares in the breeding with Butt's grandmother, Jenny Butt, after three unplaced runs for Sefton trainer Terry O'Sullivan.
''When we got her, she was tying up a little bit,'' Butt said.
''With Mark's property having the walker [to use] after she works, we can straighten her out a bit.
''We'll just take her home and have a look at things and see where we take her next.''
