Huntsville colt gives connections first Group 1

Promising two-year-old Mister Hunter gave his connections the ultimate harness racing dream at Melton on Saturday night.

The son of Huntsville took out the $150,000 Australian Pacing Gold Bullion Final for the boys giving both trainer Vince Dicocco and driver Jack Laugher their first Group 1 success.

“It’s quite unreal really,” said Dicocco who had trained 27 winners prior to tonight.

“This has been the plan for the last year and for it to come off is amazing.

“We do this all with family and friends and really enjoy it.”

Having only had 148 starters since he began training in the 1993/94 season, Dicocco has learned the ropes from some of the best.

“I first started with Ian Caruana and had a horse called Supremo, we were with Gavin Lang and he took us in a taught us,” recalled Dicocco.

“I even had a stint with Lance Justice and learned from them.”

Dicocco’s pacer Mister Hunter had only raced four times prior to tonight.

“He’s always showed that he was a bit special even from the first day we sat behind him,” said Dicocco.

This was the second time Laugher has driven the colt.

“I’m lucky enough to be driving a few nice horses like this horse,” said Laugher.

“Lucky to get the steer and I’m very grateful for that.

“He has a really nice turn of foot that not a lot of two-year-olds have.”

Laugher has driven 468 winners and this Group 1 will always hold a special place.

“It’s always something you want to achieve,” said Laugher.

To get this Group 1, Laugher took Mister Hunter to back early.

The pair came with one run as the sectionals were 29, 28.9, 29.2 and 28.8 seconds and beat their rivals by more than six metres.

The mile rate was 1:55.3.

Mister Hunter is raced by 17 owners and there was plenty of cheering at Melton tonight.

MISTER HUNTER REPLAY

For complete Saturday Melton results, click here.

by Amanda Rando, for Harnesslink