Multiple track record-holder Google Me made a promising start during the harness racing season opener at the Bermuda Equestrian Centre at Vesey Street.

The five-year-old Indiana-bred mare, jointly owned by the father and son pair of Robert and Tyler Lopes, posted the fastest time of 1:05/2 with driver Candyce Martins at the helm.

Lopes’s pony achieved the feat during the fifth heat of the racing programme en route to claiming a victory in the Free for All division boasting the fastest ponies on the island.

While the time was more than four seconds slower than the overall track, mare’s and four-year-old’s record of 1:01/1, which Google Me holds, co-owner/trainer Robert Lopes was still encouraged with the pony’s performance during last weekend’s opener.

“It was a good night,” he said.

“She started training late. I had retired the mare, but she’s back and only had six weeks training, which is really late. A lot of guys have probably had ten to 12 weeks already.

“It’s an encouraging start and is right where I need her to be at this time at the beginning of the season. That’s where I want her and expect her to get faster. Not only her, but all Free for All (1:03/4 & faster) ponies will get faster as the season progresses.”

Google Me set her multiple records with Martins again at the helm en route to becoming the first mare to win the coveted Champion of Champions title last season.

Lopes retired his pony immediately after her historic feat but has since had a change of heart.

Meanwhile, Simsfield Hardtimes and Custard the Dragon held a share of the second-fastest time of 1:06 flat, also achieved in the Free for All, during the season opener. Simsfield Hardtimes, owned by Simsfield Stables, also posted the third-fastest time of 1:06/1.

J & A Peniston’s Reel Patrol and Andy Stoneham’s WiggleItGiggleIt were the night’s only multiple heat winners competing in the Free for All and slower 1:06/3 divisions.