The win was timely with Paul O'Neill, the president of the Waikouaiti club among the 10-person What Ever syndicate who race the 4yr-old with Ryal Bush trainer Hamish Hunter.
The grandstand erupted with the cheers of the syndicate and supporters as Franco Ledger surged home from back in the field to win by two and three-quarter lengths.
His time of 4.07 lowered the mark of 4.08.8 set by My Man Dan in the 2010 Waikouaiti Cup.
Ohoka Texas, the $1.80 favourite, dropped out to 11th, 11 lengths from the winner, after settling last from a 30m handicap and moving to outside the leader at the 1500m.
Glencoe V C came from last at the 500m for second.
It was the 10th win for Franco Ledger in 26 starts and the $15,600 first prize took his earnings to $103,606. He had won the Central Otago Cup last month.
Mike and Sue McGuire, the Rakaia owners, had their third individual winner for the past seven days when Pretty Sunday led throughout a maiden trot yesterday.
The McGuires won with Sonofanearl at Rangiora on Monday and The Real McGuire at Addington on Friday night.
Pretty Sunday, who was having her fifth start, is a 3yr-old sister to Sonofanearl (Earl-Sun Mist). She is trained at Fernside by Phil Burrows.
Sonofeanearl has won seven races from the Ashburton stable of John Hay, who has trained The Real McGuire for five wins.
The McGuires bred The Real McGuire. They bought Sonofanearl and Pretty Sunday.
Canadian owners Sam and Nancy Taylor were on hand to see their horse Kid Galahad win yesterday. They have raced horses in New Zealand for 20 years but this was the first occasion they had been present for a win.
Sam Taylor won a race with Striking Impulse at Hutt Park in 1992 when the horse was having his first start in his ownership. The My Striking Force entire won another 28 races in Canada and took a record of 1.54.4.
The Taylors bought Kid Galahad for $65,000 at the 2008 premier yearling sale.
Northview Punter became the first 2yr-old pacer to win at Waikouaiti with a dashing performance at his first start. He is a Bettor's Delight-Watch Your Step colt trained by Greg and Nina Hope who race him with Wayne and Connie Stewart, of Masterton.
Northview Punter, a half-brother to Announcement (eight wins and 1.51.2 in the United States) and Stopwatch (1.51.2) was a $16,000 purchase at the premier yearling sale.
