Racing: Driver runs hot despite cold

By MICHAEL GUERIN

When Peter Ferguson dreamed of joining one of New Zealand racing's most exclusive clubs he probably didn't envisage it coming true on a freezing night in Dunedin.

But that won't stop him treasuring his victory in a lowly $3000 maiden pace at Forbury Park last night.

Ferguson's win on favourite McAbe's First was his 100th as a driver in New Zealand this season, completing a hat-trick from his first three drives last night.

It also took the Cambridge reinsman 17 wins clear of Mark Jones at the head of the national premiership, almost guaranteeing him his first national title.

That title chase is the reason Ferguson was at Forbury Park in the first place.

This season is the first he has found himself in a position to win the premiership so he decided a month ago to go for it, accepting invites to drive at numerous southern meetings when they didn't clash with his northern engagements.

"You can't die wondering and I might never be in this position again so I don't mind putting the extra effort in," said Ferguson.

His key rivals have already conceded the national title to him, but last night's hat-trick was about more than just extending his lead in the premiership.

Bringing up his 100 wins exorcised the ghost of "the season that nearly was" - in 1998 he finished the racing year with 99 wins.

The always-confident Ferguson saw a positive in that year's shortfall.

"A few guys have got over the 100 wins but I think I'm the only guy to finish a season on 99, so I'm unique," he quipped.

But his pleasure at breaking into the 100 club last night was evident as he thrust his whip skyward in a chilly victory celebration as McAbe's First hit the line well clear.

Usually 100 winning drives in a season is the domain of legendary reinsmen Tony Herlihy and Maurice McKendry, with Ricky May and young gun Mark Jones among a select group to break the ton.

"Obviously it is a great thrill after getting so close back in 1998 and for that I have to thank the owners and trainers who have been behind me.

"Now I have to go on and win the premiership."

With only seven weeks left in the racing season that looks a formality.

And winning the premiership would signal a remarkable turnaround as Ferguson has struggled to drive more than 60 winners a season in the past five years.

That improvement is even more incredible as he rarely drives for New Zealand's leading stables, with most of his wins being purely freelance engagements.

This personal best season has taken him to 963 career wins, also putting him in line to becoming just one of 10 horsemen to have driven 1000 winners in their careers in New Zealand.

At his present rate of success he should reach that milestone in the spring.

"That will also be something special but while I enjoyed that tonight I still have a lot of driving to do this season."

Starting with Alexandra Park tonight, where both Crystal Journey (race two) and The Power Of Wealth (race eight) look top chances of taking Ferguson even further into new territory.