Rooney smashes Terang record

Hunter Cup hero Arden Rooney broke the Terang harness racing track record when he captured the club’s Cup last night.

Trained and driven by Kerryn Manning, Arden Rooney rated a slick 1:57.3 for the 2680-metre trip, slashing 1.1 seconds off Sir Galvinator’s record set in February 2007.

Thrilled with the performance, owner Merv Butterworth stated he has no regret bypassing the Inter Dominion with the son of Bettor’s Delight.

“I didn't want to take him to Sydney for the Supplementary heat, so I took him out of the series,” Butterworth said.

“With the form he is in he would have given a good showing in the series, but the decision was made.

“This Cup is a great race to win and now we will head to the Geelong Cup with him next week. Little fish can be twice as sweet.”

Pushed through from his second row draw, Arden Rooney settled in the ‘death seat’, as Keayang Steamer worked to the lead.

Overpowering the pacemaker leaving the back straight, the gelding cruised to a strong 13-and-a-half metre win from Steam Washed, with Lovable Larrikin 10 metres away third.

Covering the last half in 55.7 seconds, Arden Rooney extended his record to 13 wins and 14 placings from 38 starts.

• PAUL COURTS