Breakthrough win for Grundmann

Junior harness racing driver David Grundmann was elated with his first ever New Zealand win at Cambridge on Tuesday.

It was his breakthrough victory at drive number 40 in this country and came with Benjamin Button, who was having his 100th career start.

“It feels really good, but it’s been a long time coming,” said Grundmann, “I’ve been here eight months now, but I thought I had a fair chance today and the horse has had a great season winning four races this year.”

Grundmann’s win came in Race three, the Friday Steak Night At The Clubhouse Mobile Pace over 2200 metres.

Grundmann drove Benjamin Button conservatively off the arm and landed himself in the one-one following the race favourite Cheer Me On. With around 1400 metres to travel Sister Love came around to take up the parked position with Benjamin Button three back one out and travelling comfortably.

Grundmann patiently waited before making his run 250 metres from home and Benjamin Button accelerated strongly down the outside to score a solid victory by 2.25 lengths.

“I was just going to see where I ended up at the start but he goes best with cover so I was a little worried early that Cheer Me On might press on to lead and leave me in the open,” said Grundmann.

“It all worked out well in the end.”

It was Benjamin Button’s 12th lifetime win with earnings of just over $114,000.

Grundmann, who hails from Germany originally, has driven around 40 winners in Sweden with his first win coming back in 2019.

“They only race trotters in Europe and I’d never actually driven a pacer until I arrived in New Zealand,” said Grundmann, “I prefer training trotters but it’s a lot of fun driving pacers in races.”

Currently employed by Jay Abernethy, Grundmann is enjoying his time in New Zealand and hoping to extend his stay to continue driving and working at the Abernethy stable.

“I’m really enjoying it and I’m currently working on my second Visa which will allow me to stay on and keep training and driving horses here in New Zealand.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand