War Machine bounced back from injury with a bang at the National Equestrian Centre last Saturday night.

The Mello Family pony saved the best for last at the harness racing meeting as he slashed a fifth of a second off the previous season’s fastest time of 1:01.4 set by rival gelding Simsfield Hardtimes after racing on the rail in the night’s final heat.

War Machine achieved the feat on the way to completing a clean sweep of victories in the Free for All division with driver Darico Clarke in the sulky.

It was a jaw-dropping display that exceeded the expectations of owner and Driving Horse and Pony Club president Colin Mello.

“He surprised me with the performance coming back after an injury and a week off racing,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“I’m happy with how he’s going. Darico drove a great race but said to me he was more of a passenger as War Machine ran his race.”

The time was a fifth of a second shy of the gelding record jointly held by War Machine and Simsfield Hardtimes and the overall track record stands at 1:01.1 and is held by retired mare Google Me.

“The record is a long way off,” Mello noted. “Two fifths of a second might not seem like much but in racing it sure is a lot to chase.

“As for the future, we just have to see how he goes and see if he has any more to give. We just have to keep him fit and healthy.”

Mello’s pony also posted the night’s second fastest time of 1:02.2 which was equalled by Simsfield Hardtimes with driver Kirista Rabain at the helm.

Simsfield Stables’ gelding also posted the third fastest time of 1:04.1 as well as achieving a clean sweep of victories in the Free for All division to extend his impressive unbeaten streak to eight races.