New Plymouth trainer John Wheeler picked up his first win in the $100,000 Sharp Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) at Ellerslie on Sautrday with Real Tonic winning the race in a thrilling finish.
Wheeler has won many jumping features in Australia but until now a victory in New Zealand's most prestigious steeplechase had eluded him.
Real Tonic prevailed narrowly over I'manace who had taken a clear lead on the final lap of the race. Fenman finished in third place.
Real Tonic, who was ridden by Melbourne-based Kiwi jockey Brett Scott, has won more than $500,000 in prize-money during his racing career which also includes wins in the Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank in Adelaide and the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool.
He cemented favouritism for the Great Northern with his runaway 19-length win in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup at Ellerslie a fortnight ago.
Real Tonic is owned by Wheeler in partnership with Irishman Eamon Cleary.
The other jumps feature at Ellerslie on Saturday, the Great Northern Hurdles, was won by Just Not Cricket ridden by Jonathan Riddell.
