Star driver Anthony Butt has apologised for breaking a whip rule which could have stained New Zealand harness racing's stunning weekend of success in Victoria.
Butt produced a near perfect technical drive behind Stunin Cullen to lead home a Kiwi quinella over Power Of Tara in the A$125,000 Ballarat Cup
on Saturday night.
Earlier in the night, Canterbury trotter I Can Doosit confirmed his favouritism for next Saturday's A$150,000 Australasian Trotting Champs by effortlessly winning his heat.
The weekend was kicked off by Gold Ace winning his Victoria Derby heat on Friday night, suggesting the New Zealanders have a huge chance in all three group ones at Melton this Saturday.
Butt's drive on Stunin Cullen could have turned into a disaster, though, as he broke Victoria's strict new whip rules in the home straight.
They state that horsemen are not allowed to use the whip with a free hand, instead having to use the whip while holding on to one of the reins.
Butt used the whip - not overly aggressively - in the usual New Zealand style five times in the straight, prompting the inquiry which was dismissed.
"It's my fault, I hadn't driven over here for a while and forgot about the new rules," said Butt.
"I am glad it didn't cost him the race because the horse deserved the win and he would have won anyway. He is flying at the moment."
Stunin Cullen tore a second off the track record for the 2710m mobile and will now go close to starting favourite in Saturday's A$425,000 Hunter Cup, in which he has already been heavily backed.
He will be joined in the Hunter Cup by Power Of Tara, who produced the run of the race on Saturday, The Sleepy Tripp, who never had a chance after settling last and Smiling Shard.
I Can Doosit showed improved early speed to lead throughout in his heat of the Trotting series and looks the one to beat on Saturday night, while the Victoria Derby will feature Gold Ace, Matt Maguire and Our Major Mark but looks very even, with tomorrow's barrier draw crucial.
