Professional harness driver Kiwon Waldron has received a huge confidence boost after securing a maiden win in standardbred racing in the United States.

The Bermudian achieved the career milestone competing with three-year-old stallion, Airbus, after pipping rival Kyle Wilfong, at the helm of Image of Anera, in an exciting photo finish at Harrah’s Hosier Park racetrack in Anderson, Indiana.

“I didn't think I got there at the end. It was quite tight, but the photo ended up coming up and it was a dead heat, so I'll take it,” an elated Waldron told The Royal Gazette.

“It was pretty exciting to get my first win at this track, and hopefully I can get many more.”

Starting from the two-hold, Waldron and Airbus grasped the lead from the outset in the ten-horse field.

“I got the lead right out the gate. He is pretty fast off the wings, so I got to the top and kind of cut the mile,” he added.

Wilfong managed to close the gap on the leader heading down the home stretch at the 7/8th of a mile racetrack, the longest home stretch in the United States, to set the stage for thrilling finish at the line.

However, he was unable to overtake Waldron, who did just enough to hold off his charging rival and take the win by a whisker.

“It's such a long stretch, so you never really know,” Waldron said. “It all depends on how gamely the horse is, and how much you got left in the tank. It came down to the wire and was a nail biter for sure.”

Remarkably, it was the first time the 24-year-old had competed with Airbus. “It was my first time sitting behind him,” Waldron added.

“Adrian Bontrager, a good mate of mine from the Pony’s, owns the horse and I was glad to be able to get this one home for them.

“They do all the work with the horse so credit to them. I just got to sit behind him for two minutes.

“The guys before me keep him going every week, and I just got lucky enough to pick up the pieces.”

Bontrager’s horse had been gradually rounding into good form heading into the race.

“The horse had been racing good the last few weeks, so his time was coming and I just glad it was when I was behind him,” Waldron added.

The top driver was making only his second appearance at the track since moving to Indiana.

“Two weeks ago, I raced here. I did one race and didn't fare too well, so this was just my second start.

“I have just moved out here not too long ago. I am trying to stay out here for good now, that's the plan.”