An exclamation mark was put at the end of freakish pacer U May Cullect's first season of racing when he was crowned Southland harness racing horse of the year in Invercargill last night.
The award added another highlight for trainers Kirstin Barclay and Paul "Tank" Ellis during their breakout first season in partnership.
Barclay and Ellis were crowned Southland's leading trainers moments before U May Cullect beat Harness Jewels placegetter Robyns Playboy and fellow listed race winner Get Lucky to score the Southland awards' biggest prize.
U May Cullect burst on to the New Zealand harness racing scene with a jaw-dropping performance that produced a seven-win unbeaten streak, culminating in the pacer winning the listed Uncut Gems at Addington in June.
U May Cullect had a brief spell after that victory and is being prepared for a tilt at the New Zealand Cup.
The pacer's seven victories helped his trainers to a tally of 38 wins last season.
That total came at an excellent strike rate, and with 71 placings, from their 258 starts.
Nathan Williamson was crowned Southland's leading driver with his 54 wins.
Ellie Barron claimed the award for the province's leading junior driver with 17 victories.
Barron was also awarded an award of excellence for her accomplishments during the season which included her contribution to the Team Teal campaign which funds for gynacological cancer research and research nurses.
The achievement of the year award was won by Gore trainer Ross Wilson.
Wilson enjoyed his best winning season with 15 victories.
He also topped 100 career wins last term, and produced Robyns Playboy for a group 1 placing at the Harness Jewels in June
There were two winners for the award recognising significant contributions to the Southland harness racing industry.
One was awarded to long serving administrator and breeder-owner Brendan Fahy.
Another was awarded to the Kidz Kartz Southland organisation for fostering youth participation in the sport.
