Random Stable’s Cherokee’s Ironman pulled off a major upset during the New Year’s Day Stakes Race qualifiers.

The gelding, owned by Arnold Manders, the Bermuda Driving Horse and Pony Club president, was not among the favourites to qualify for the Aged Stakes finals.

However, the racing pony did just that while posting its fastest time of the season at the Bermuda Equestrian Centre on Boxing Day.

In another upset, Graceland Stable’s Itsallaboutme failed to qualify for the Aged Stakes final despite posting some of the season’s fastest times in recent weeks.

Brenda Cordoza’s gelding shares the season’s fastest time to date along with Inwood Stable’s Brona’s Mike and Roque Stable’s GV Crystal Ball, which stands at 1:04 flat, but was unable to duplicate that form when it mattered most.

Inwood Stable’s Abbey’s Dream, Brona’s Mike and GV Crystal Ball were the remaining ponies advancing to the Aged Stakes final. Qualifying for the three-year-old stakes final were Tanglewood Stable’s Pocket De Gold, Random Stable’s Touch of Red and Inwood Stable’s Inwood’s Generation. There are no ponies competing in the two-year-old stakes this year.

The New Year’s Day Stakes Races qualifiers comprised of two heats with the four fastest ponies on average time in each division advancing to the final. The finals will be held on New Year’s Day along with the popular Powder Puff Race featuring spectators interested in joining the sport.