International finish in the Maori Mile

14 January 2013 - Bendigo underlined the globalization of trotting in Australia with square gaiters born in three different countries filling the official places in the Group 2 Aldebaran Park Maori Mile at Lord’s Raceway on Saturday night. 
New Zealand mare My Escapee driven by Kiwi supremo Mark Purdon defeated the Australian born I Didnt Do It (Jodi Quinlan) and USA’s Cold Sister (Chris Alford) in a thrilling finish to the 1650 metre event.It was a great outcome for the club and Australian trotting with the first three horses being from three different countries of birth.
“It’s probably a first for a Group trotters race in this part if the world and It’s worth mentioning that international mares took two of the first three places,” race sponsor and Australia’s prime mover of trotting Duncan McPherson said. “I believe an important step for the globalization and internationalization of the industry happened on Saturday night. “I'm sure as years go by the race will hold greater significance as a qualifier for the Great Southern Star and a must ‘go to’ race for the Kiwis. “The Maori Mile is a race that can achieve Group 1 status in the not too distant future.”  
There has only been four Maori Mile’s ever run with the first edition of the race in 2010 won by Acacia Ridge, Ronerail won the mile in 2011 and My Mon Star in 2012. ​