Milton is not exactly a harness racing metropolis, but trainer Lyndon Durham is helping put it on the map.
He produced Abby May for a big fresh-up win at Forbury Park last night.
The 6yr-old Great Success trotter ran away from her maiden opposition to post an impressive two-length victory over 2200m.
Durham took the mare to the event expecting improvement before tackling races on the Otago and Southland summer circuit.
Abby May went into the race without a trial or workout.
Popping along to the local workouts or working in with another trainer is not a simple task for Durham, as there are just two registered horse trainers near Milton.
''I thought she would be a run short tonight. She hadn't been to a workout or trial.
''But she just stepped too well.''
Abby May's surprise victory dashed Durham's Christmas and New Year plans and he will now be restudying the upcoming racing programme.
''We are going to have to restructure the plan now.
''We were going to go to Winton on New Year's Eve and Roxburgh after that.''
Exactly what level Abby May can take her game to is not yet known.
She has largely been untested, having three starts in maiden grade last season before her returning win last night.
What will stand her in good stead in the future is her staying ability.
''She has never shown high, high speed but she can keep going.''
Last night's victory was Durham's seventh training win from just 72 starts.
The trainer has held a licence since 2002.
Durham, who has three horses in work at his Milton stables, juggles training with his full-time job as a dairy farmer.
