Max Delight chasing Inter Dominion glory

Tasmanian-owned star Max Delight (Bettor’s Delight) has earned a place in his third Inter Dominion Grand Final, finishing a gritty second in Saturday night’s second round of harness racing heats after racing parked outside leader Sure Thing Captain.

Now a nine-year-old veteran, Max Delight has been a consistent performer at the elite level. He ran fourth in the 2021 Inter Dominion Final behind Boncel Benjamin and improved to third in last year’s decider at Menangle, won by Don Hugo.

Despite his second row draw in this year’s final, Max Delight will be there fighting it out at the finish.

Trainer David Aiken said about this champ, “I can’t remember him ever running a bad race for us.”

Aiken went on to add “He (Max Delight) is capable of be up there with the best given the right run”

Max Delight’s journey to stardom began at the 2017 APG Sydney Yearling Sale, where a fierce bidding war between two of Australia’s biggest owners ended with Michael (Mick) Maxfield securing the Bettor’s Delight colt for $245,000, which at the time was an Australian record for a yearling sold at a yearling sale. Bred by respected New South Wales horseman Peter Lewis, Max Delight is out of Lady Euthenia, a former 2YO Filly of the Year, NSW Oaks winner, and the 2022 Australian Broodmare of the Year, who Lewis trained during her career.

Max Delight made an instant impact, winning his debut at Goulburn (NSW) under the care of Darren Hancock. Though unplaced in the APG Gold Series as a two-year-old, his potential was clear. Maxfield then sent the youngster to Tasmanian trainer Paul Ashwood, where he quickly stamped his class, capturing the Tasmanian Golden Slipper and a Breeders Crown heat.

Ashwood travelled with Max Delight to Victoria for the Breeders Crown Final, but after a below-par showing, Maxfield opted for a stable change, transferring the colt to David Aiken’s Victorian barn.

Under Aiken, Max Delight blossomed into one of the country’s top pacers, amassing 35 wins including feature victories in the NSW and Tasmanian Derbies, the 3YO Breeders Crown Final, and major open-age events such as the Victoria Cup and Bendigo Cup.

Now poised to contest another Inter Dominion Grand Final, Max Delight continues to prove that class, heart, and determination don’t fade with age.

by Gary Newton