A Special Dream led for the majority of the race and survived plenty of challenges from the rest of the field, particularly Jay Dee Zed, trained by Jindera’s Lyn Hancock, to win by a head in the $9180 feature event (2170m).

Albury trainer Hellen Scott narrowly missed out on back-to-back New Year’s Eve crowns with Grinning Punter finishing third, while Magicnracing, driven by her husband, John, placed fourth, while the stable’s third entry in the race, Blade, was sixth.

The win was particularly special for owners and breeders Bryan Johnstone and Lorraine Duffy.

Lorraine’s son Steven trains the seven-year-old bay gelding, while her grandson, Ryan, drove it to victory, meaning three generations were involved in the win.

“We bred this fella and he was a bit of a bugger as a two-year-old, but as he’s got older, he’s got better,” Johnstone said.

“A few months back my wife got very crook and I couldn’t train him, but young Ryan (Duffy) was starting out his career, so went sent him down to Steven and Ryan to get him going.

“I said he could have him for six weeks, but now he’s taken over and I’m not complaining.

“We could have sold him 10 times over, but we just wouldn’t sell him, he’s family.

“The way he fought on tonight, I was so proud of him because he was entitled to get beaten.”

Johnstone has fond memories of the Albury track, driving a winner some 30 years ago, before claiming the race as an owner. 

“Lorraine’s family is all in horses, I’ve always been in horses, so it’s just fantastic,” he said.

“I’ve had some good wins in my time, but this is a really special night for me, it’s a magic night.

“I just can’t get over the crowd, I’ve never seen a crowd like it, it’s absolutely fantastic.”

A rivalry has begun to develop between Ryan and his brother, Jake, who regularly rides thoroughbreds in the area, including a win for Albury trainer Andrew Dale during the recent Boxing Day meet at Wodonga.

“Jake rode a winner today and Ryan drove one tonight,” Johnstone added.

“ I can remember when Jake rode a double at Wodonga and then Ryan came out and drove a double at Shepparton on the following Wednesday night.

“Ryan has now gone down to Michael Stanley’s (in Ballarat) for more experience to help his career along a bit.”

It was A Special Dream’s 11^th career victory in its 132^nd start, which has also featured 34 minor placings.

Four of its lifetime victories came in 2017, as well as seven placings.