Stunning record-breaking mile by Leap To Fame

We knew he was good – but maybe not THAT GOOD.

Yet star Queenslander Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) won the fans and the hearts of those present with an Australasian record run at Tabcorp Park Menangle tonight (Oct. 29) to win the three-year-old colts and geldings harness racing final of the $150,000 Breeders Challenge.

Leap To Fame rated a slashing 1:48.9 to knock two-tenths of a second off Balraj’s track record, to become the fastest three-year-old we’ve ever seen race in this part of the world.

Champion Queensland trainer-driver Grant Dixon admitted he had some concerns that the wide barrier draw would make it difficult for his star youngster to get the job done.

Indeed, he took Leap To Fame onto the track for a stirring warm-up before the race and decided to go without the deafeners for this Group 1.

“The warm-up was more for me than him,” grinned Dixon.

“I just wanted to settle down and have a good look around. We both did.”

It was the race the crowd wanted though as second favourite My Ultimate Ronnie (Cameron Hart) took the lead as Dixon made his move and found the death chair for most of the last lap.

Turning for home this star pair singled out and tried to outstay each other but Leap To Fame showed his champion qualities and wore his rival down to score a five-metre win over My Ultimate Ronnie, with the under-rated Teddy Disco (Nathan Dawson) a fighting third, eight metres further away.

LEAP TO FAME REPLAY

“I’m so proud of him. It’s great that he can finish his season on such a high,” said Dixon.

“The race looked a hard one for us, on paper, from that draw.

“To his credit, he was the best horse on the night, I think.

“I’ll double-check with his owners Kevin and Kay Seymour now and, if they are happy, the spell is our plan.”

But it is well known that the Seymours have a slot in the $2m Eureka at Menangle next year . . . and they must be thinking, that’s perfect for Leap To Fame.

For complete race results, click here.

From Club Menangle