Dexter Dunn is part of New Jersey harness racing history.
The ten-time champion of Canterbury has sent superstar pacer Bulldog Hanover to a new world record in the Meadowlands, setting the fastest mile in the history of the sport.
“Bulldog” won the William Haughton Memorial last weekend by two lengths in 1:45.8. He walked home in 52.6 (last 800) and the last 400 in 25.2.
“He’s just an amazing animal,” Dunn says.
“It’s just a joy to sit behind him. I just sit on my ass and enjoy the ride with him.”
It was the last of several sensational performances from Shadow Play’s son, after sharing the previous 1:46 world with Always B Miki and Lather Up.
Tattoo Artist led the field into the first quarter in :26, but was already under pressure from Rockyroad Hanover, who took the lead but only held it briefly when Bulldog Hanover and Dunn struck.
Bulldog Hanover took first place in a half of :53.2 and stayed in front from there. He hit three quarters in 1:20.6 after fending off a challenge from Whichwaytothebeach, then stopped Rockyroad Hanover to set the record.
“I had a good helmet all the way around the first corner in a hot first quarter,” Dunn said.
“Once (Rockyroad Hanover) crossed over, and the big guy got clear skies which he marched on after.”
Bulldog Hanover has won seven of the eight races this year and made more than half a million dollars.
He is the third highest earning horse in North America this year, behind the former Kiwi who has bred and ridden with Funatthebeach and Beach Glass.
Overall, he has 21 wins in 29 starts and $1.27 million in purses.
Bulldog marked a night for Dunn where he had three winners. His other wins came with Bella Bellini and Slay.
Dunn, a three-time Driver of the Year in North America, has 130 wins in 2022, on a stake of nearly $4 million.
Dunn was inducted into the Addington Harness Hall of Fame in 2020 and has previously been inducted into the NZ Trotting Hall of Fame.
Amazing Dream was another star performer on the night.
She finished second, more than four lengths behind reigning Horse of the Year, Test Of Faith, in an open mare race.
Test Of Faith won in 1:47, a new world record for four-year-old running mares. Shartin is the fastest mare of all time (1:46.8).
The time of Amazing Dream was 1:48.0
-By Dave Di Somma
Harness News desk