Golden Sunset in shock Inter Dominion heat success

Bonny Queensland harness racing mare Golden Sunset (Skyvalley) caused the first boilover of the Inter Dominion Carnival when she led all the way to hold on in winning the First Heat of the Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Trotting championship at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

There was plenty of action early with a false start as a result of favourite London To A Brick pacing and interfering with Oscar Bonavena.

On the second occasion with release of the mobile London To A Brick galloped and effectively lost all chance settling back at the rear of the field. Golden Sunset was on the inside of the second row and by some miraculous quirk of fate driver Nathan Dawson was able to ease off the rails and whip around the field to take up the running.

Oscar Bonavena seemed to leave it late when he made his run and it was left to Gus and Parisian Artiste to be gathering in the leaders but Golden Sunset hung on in a desperate finish.

GOLDEN SUNSET  REPLAY JULY 5

Earlier in the season Golden Sunset had proved herself to be the State’s best trotter but she finished down the track in the Macarthur Mile at Menangle Park and put in a similar performance back home at Albion Park before redeeming herself in a trial a few days ago.

The former Victorian mare is raced and trained by prominent identity Shawn Grimsey.

Driver Nathan Dawson wasn’t too surprised with Golden Sunset’s return to form.

“At her best she was flying. She can hold up to these trotters. She proved that tonight and she’s back there again.”

“She went a little bit off at some stage. Last trial we were super happy and I said to Shawn I think we’re back. She’s proved that tonight. It’s good to have her back at the right time. Plenty of luck on my side so we need something like that in the Final and we’ll be right.”

“I don’t think the trip will worry her. She’s chaired up before over a marathon before and probably a bad drive got her beat that night so I think the trips not going to worry her.  A bit of luck will go a long way.”

Gus made it a Queensland one two when finishing second.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink