It is not often a horse owner can say they have driven their horse around a proper track - especially when the owner is the grand old age of 99.
But Alexandra man Graham Robertson soaked up the experience when he drove Expressionist around Forbury Park, Dunedin, last night - with a little help from co-driver Matthew Williamson.
Mr Robertson, known as Toby to his mates, was a mixture of nerves and excitement as Expressionist led the way over the mile distance to win the race - even if his right hand got a good workout holding on to the sulky for dear life.
''If I hadn't hung on to it, I would have been out, I'm telling you,'' Mr Robertson said.
''But it was lovely.
''Going around the bends was a bit tricky - I thought I was going to fall out.''
Thankfully for Mr Robertson, and his friends in the 30-strong Central Courage syndicate who arranged the dual sulky race, the sprightly Dunedin-bred retiree kept his seat as Mr Williamson ramped up the speed over the last half-lap - despite some gentle advice from Mr Robertson to ''take it easy''.
Mr Robertson has been involved in horse ownership for years, having success with the gallopers, but it is safe to say yesterday's early birthday present - he turns 100 next February - is as up close and personal as he has been to a racehorse.
''I've hardly been near a horse, although I've always been in syndicates. But I've never had much to do with actual horses.''
Mr Robertson travels - usually driving - to all Central Otago race meetings, and most Wingatui meetings and keeps himself active on the bowling green.
''I play bowls - I like bowls - and I used to play golf, but I had to give that up because I couldn't hit the ball too good.''
The junior partner in the sulky, Mr Williamson (22) shared Mr Robertson's concerns when it came to the corners.
''I was a wee bit worried about that, but he loved it,'' Mr Williamson said.
''We sprinted up the straight quite quickly and that was near full clip.''
