Veteran Bermuda harness pony driver and owner David Lopes had cause for celebration last Friday night as his horse, Ebony 202, surged to victory in the three-year-old filly division of the International Trotting and Pacing Association Western Division event in Nappanee, Indiana.

The filly, bought by Lopes in April, 2002, and described by her American trainer Willie Borkholder as an "exceptional animal", completed the half-mile race in an impressive time of one minute, six seconds.

And after victories of the calibre of this one, Borkholder, who has trained Ebony 202 for the past eight months, said he saw no reason why the horse could not go on to win the Indiana Breezers Stakes - the highlight of the harness racing calendar in the region, on September 12.

"The Breezers Stakes is the biggest race we have here and although a lot will depend on the draw she gets, on paper she is easily the fastest filly and we expect her to put in a strong showing," he said.

"I have been extremely impressed with Ebony 202," he continued," and I told my friend, David Lopes, that if he ever thinks about purchasing another horse, not to expect too much! This could be a once in a generation horse.

"My driver, Bob Roth, who has been harness racing for almost 20 years, is also very excited about her and believes that she could do very well."

Lopes intends to leave his prized asset in Borkholder's capable hands for another year before bringing her back to compete on the Island.