Returning to the winner's circle, the Exotic Dragon reclaims its position as the preferred champion

Exotic Dragon, also known as Custard The Dragon, burst out of the starting gate to claim her first victory in a high-level harness racing competition since October. The race, called the Fillies and Mares Preferred Handicap, took place at The Raceway at the Western Fair District on Tuesday, March 19th.

Starting from post four, the mare quickly surged to the front, but was overtaken by Major League N (ridden by Ed Hensley) before the first quarter of the race, which was completed in a time of 27.3 seconds. Major League N maintained the lead throughout the middle portion of the race, posting splits of 57.4 seconds and 1:26.4. As they approached the final turn, Laila Blue (ridden by Travis Henry) began to challenge Major League N from the outside.

Meanwhile, Exotic Dragon cleverly manoeuvred along the inner rail, biding her time. In the home straight, she made her move, accelerating past the top two contenders and crossing the finish line a quarter-length ahead in a time of 1:57. Major League N managed to hold onto second place, while Laila Blue finished in third.

Exotic Dragon achieved her 33rd victory overall in the competition, marking her 106th race and boosting her total earnings to £340,263. The mare, trained by Jodie Cullen, has now won five out of nine races this year. In her previous three Preferred starts in 2024, she finished fourth, with her last win at this level occurring in October.