By MICHAEL GUERIN
The horse that caused the biggest upset in New Zealand harness racing history in the Auckland Cup last night was not even supposed to be in the race.
Cambridge mare Flight South survived a 30-minute inquiry before winning the $250,000 Sky City Auckland Trotting Cup at Alexandra Park at odds of 107-1.
The rank outsider returned the biggest dividend at Alexandra Park in over 10 years, with 1991 Great Northern Derby winner Rainbow Fella the only winner in the past decade over $100.
But Flight South was lucky even to start in the great race. She was originally listed as an emergency and her connections found out only at 7.30 am yesterday that she had made the field.
Flight South gained her entry after South Auckland pacer Classic Turbo was withdrawn with a minor injury.
The unbelievable upset gave 42-year-old trainer-driver Andrew Neal his biggest winner in harness racing by about $200,000. The Cambridge horseman had never driven the winner of a race worth more than $50,000 before last night's jaw-dropper.
"When we got the phone call this morning to tell us we were in the race we were over the moon just to be in," said Lynn Neal, the trainer's wife and an integral part of his training operation.
"This is the proudest moment of our lives and I really can't believe it."
The racing public were held in suspense for 45 minutes after the thriller as the Judicial Control Authority ruled on whether Flight South had affected the chance of runner-up Pocket Me.
Pocket Me hit at least six of the inside markers in the last 200m after taking the passing lane inside Flight South in the desperate home stretch battle.
The pair both charged along the inside to grab tiring pacemaker Yulestar, who faded late after being in front for most of the race.
Just as gallant was Holmes D G, the second favourite, who finished fourth after galloping at the start.
Racing: Jaw-dropping result sees outsider home
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