Henry’s win special for the Dunns

Henry Hubert (Bettor’s Delight) has been one of New Zealand harness racing’s great war horses.

Having raced since he was two, he’s now won fifteen races and close to $400,000.

Today in the Ranfurly Transport Limited/RD Petroleum FFA at Omakau the eight year old, trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn, had to draw on all that experience to beat his six rivals.

Driver John Dunn had to sit parked early before taking the lead from Macandrew Aviator, and Krug moved up to challenge for the last part of the race. Halfway up the straight Macandrew Aviator hit the lead, but Henry Hubert fought back to get the decision by a neck with Krug a nose back in third.

“He fought back really nicely. That was exciting, and it was Johnny’s 1500th winner so that made it even more exciting,” Robert Dunn said.

HENRY HUBERT REPLAY

The winning time of 2-24.8 was 2.6 seconds outside of the track and race record held by 2019 winner Funatthebeach ($930,744). The last 800 metres was run in 54.9 seconds with the last 400 cut out in 27.2.

Co-trainer Jenna Dunn was in attendance today. “Henry Hubert is her favourite horse, and she does most of the work with him. He’s had a few niggly issues over the years. Jenna decided to go down just in case Johnny got his 1500th.”

Also present was Robert’s youngest son Dexter who’s on a break after a mammoth harness driving season in America.

Henry Hubert is owned by Christchurch based couple Ross and Angela Gordon.

“They’ve been with me for years and are brilliant owners.”

The Gordons who own and run Telfer Electrical have owned a few very good horses over the years including Billy Badger which is still racing in America, Heisenberg which won the Central Otago FFA in 2020 and Charlie Brown which won at Alexandra Park on Saturday and is earmarked for the NZB Standardbred Harness Millions next month.

“We haven’t had a Group One winner yet, but we’re close to getting one. Ross and Angela have got a very promising horse called Triple G. He’s had one start for one win. He was turned out to mature. One of the nicest horses they had that we never saw the best of, was Say My Name. Unfortunately, he broke a leg at the beach one day. He could have been anything.” 

Another promising horse in the Dunn stable owned by the Gordons is Follow Your Dream, a half -sister to Heisenberg. 

“She broke in really well. Believe it or not it’s the only horse he’s ever bought at the Sales that he hasn’t changed it’s name. It’s called Follow Your Dream. His Dad Don always said to his grandchildren to follow their dreams so they the left the name the same.”

The Gordons weren’t on course today but will be at Roxburgh on Wednesday when Heisenberg will compete in the Roxburgh Cup.

“Ross is picking his father up and taking him to the races because it’s been on his bucket list to go to Roxburgh.” 

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink