$250,000 Gamble Begins to Pay Dividends
Heading to the yearling sales and outlaying roughly $250,000 is a significant investment for most trainers, especially for a young couple in harness racing. But that is exactly what Dylan and Jo Ferguson did at the 2025 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales, purchasing four yearlings with the goal of syndicating them.
That gamble paid its first dividend on Thursday night at Cambridge Raceway, when two of those purchases, Apollo Eleven (Bold Eagle x Tickle Me Pink) and Ellie Diamond (Bold Eagle x Ellaria Sand), filled the quinella in the first 2YO Trot held in the North Island for 2026.
Ferguson Racing capped off a dominant performance by producing the trifecta, with I’m Annie finishing third.
“It was quite nerve racking having the whole field,” said co trainer Jo Ferguson.
“While they have all had a number of workouts and trials under their belts, with over 50 owners on course and even more tuning in from around the country, we just wanted them to all put on a good performance.”
“The two Bold Eagles have been professionals since day one, and I’m Annie has great manners. That breed tends to get better with age, and she has had an interrupted preparation.”
Strong Performance on the Clock
Despite the small field of three runners, the 2YO trotters recorded a solid time over the 1700m, stopping the clock in 2.09.8, with a mile rate of 2.02.9 and closing sectionals of 60.2 and 29.5.
Driven by Peter Ferguson, Apollo Eleven led from start to finish and appeared to do it comfortably, while Ellie Diamond made up strong ground in the home straight to be beaten by just half a length.
A Reward for Owners and Supporters
Bred by Breckon Farms, both horses boast large and diverse ownership groups.
“We took a punt at the sales to spend a fair bit of money and have had great support, not only from our existing stable clients but also from a lot of new owners,” said Dylan Ferguson.
“To get this result for them first up is very satisfying.”
A quick glance at the ownership of Apollo Eleven reveals familiar names such as Breckon Racing, Richard Cole, Off n Racing Syndicates, Brenda Armstrong, and Steve Taylor. There is also a strong thoroughbred crossover, with trainers Robbie Patterson and Alex Forbes involved, alongside premiership winning jockey Craig Grylls.
A Special Syndicate for Ellie Diamond
Ellie Diamond was structured as a ladies syndicate horse, reflecting both her appeal and presence as a yearling.
“It is certainly a big group involved in both horses. We decided to make Ellie Diamond a ladies syndicate horse as she was such a beautiful yearling,” said Jo.
High profile names in her ownership include Karen Breckon, Glenys Kennard, Vicki Glynn, Brittany Graham, Bailey Rogerson, and Caitlyn O’Sullivan Doyle.
Looking Ahead
Being by Bold Eagle, both trotters are eligible for the NextGen scheme and will receive their $5,000 second start bonuses at their next outings.
Based on their debut performances, both Apollo Eleven and Ellie Diamond now shape as leading contenders for the $50,000 NextGen bonuses attached to the 2YO Harness Million later in the year.
Their immediate targets now shift north, with both set to be aimed towards the Group 1 Young Guns Final at Auckland on 8th May, where they will have the opportunity to test themselves against the country’s best juvenile trotters.
Ownership Opportunities Continue
Off n Racing Syndications is proud to be involved in both Apollo Eleven and Ellie Diamond, giving our owners the opportunity to be part of this exciting result from day one.
If this result is anything to go by, the Ferguson Racing team once again look to have a very strong hand with their young trotters.
There are still limited shares available in our What The Hill x Lovemelikeyoudo trotter, also trained by Dylan and Jo Ferguson. This filly will follow a similar pathway, with the same team, systems, and opportunities that have already delivered early success.
For those looking to get involved in harness racing ownership, this is a proven pathway with the right people behind it.
👉 View available shares at
