KEY POINTS:
Sure the money was nice.
And winning the country's biggest harness racing sprint felt pretty good too.
But for trainer-driver Tony Herlihy the stunning victory of Sly Flyin in yesterday's New Zealand Free-For-All was about so much more.
Herlihy produced the sort of drive that has made him our greatest ever reinsman when he steered Sly Flyin to the biggest win of his career in the $125,000 sprint last night.
To do so he had to overcome a second line draw, being held up until entering the home straight and then the courageous New Zealand Cup winner Flashing Red.
It was Herlihy's sixth win in the free-for-all but personal milestones could not have been further from his mind as he stood, mud-splattered, in the Addington birdcage.
Because for Herlihy this was the triumph of a horse's courage and a horsewoman's skills.
That Sly Flyin is even racing, let alone at top level, is remarkable after a series of breakdowns that have robbed him of his chance at greatness.
That latest occasion was last November when he was primed to win the Miracle Mile but broke down four days before the race, only returning to the track six weeks ago.
Herlihy has long held the belief had Sly Flyin not had those sort of problems he would be a champion and in pacing's millionaires' club.
While Herlihy was bursting with admiration for his equine mate last night he was also thrilled for the woman behind Sly Flyin, Waiuku trainer Michelle Wallis.
Wallis has helped revive Sly Flyin's career, doing much of the 8-year-old's training on the beach, even though the relationship is unofficial.
"This success is every bit as much about Michelle as it is me," said Herlihy. "She loves this horse and has spent so much time on him. I know this means a lot to her so I am just as happy to win this for her."
Sly Flyin has now won four of his five starts since returning from injury, with Herlihy adamant he would have been a lot closer to remaining unbeaten this term with any luck in Tuesday's New Zealand Cup.
The pair may not have to wait long to get another shot at that sort of money though, with Sly Flyin almost certain to be invited overnight to next Friday's A$500,000 ($577,000) Miracle Mile.
That would mean spending a lot more time with new arch-rival Flashing Red, who was outstanding in second last night.
If Sly Flyin heads to the Miracle Mile the veteran pacers will travel from Christchurch to Auckland together this weekend before sharing the plane to Sydney.
Providing he remains sound there is no reason Sly Flyin cannot win the remaining $260,000 he needs to attain millionaire status this season.
He could compete in races such as the Miracle Mile, Victoria Cup, Interdominions and Hunter Cup in Australia, where he would be suited by the mobile starts and relentless racing style.
He also looks the most compete package in New Zealand open class at present with the doubts hanging over Mainland Banner . He also has the bonus of last night's win not costing him a handicap for the Auckland Cup in March.
Off the beaten brigade Flashing Red was fantastic after being three wide for the last lap while Waipawa Lad was a slashing third. Howard Bromac had his chance after trailing but few of the remainder had excuses.
Flyin pacer
* Auckland pacer Sly Flyin wins the $125,000 New Zealand Free-For-All.
* It was the 23rd win for the injury-plagued career.
* Trainer-driver Tony Herlihy says a lot of credit must go to caretaker training of Michelle Wallis.
& Sly Flyin is now likely to be invited to the Miracle Mile.
