Leap beyond fame

It’s been a long time coming but New Zealand finally saw Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) deliver a champion performance on this side of the Tasman and what a treat it was.

In the Listed $1,000,000 The Race by betcha the Aussie super star was driven with a lot of intent. He was left three wide early, and sat parked beside Don Hugo. But driver Grant Dixon showed his desire to keep Don Hugo in sight and make the 2200 metre trip into the survival of the fittest.

Australian journalist Adam Hamilton who’s seen all of Leap To Fame’s racing career described this performance as his greatest.

“I’ve seen him at Albion Park, I’ve seen him in a Miracle Mile and I’ve seen him in a Hunter Cup. Grant Dixon was a man possessed tonight. He was obsessed with crushing Don Hugo,” he said.

Dixon was certainly equally as impressed with his charge’s stunning performance.

“He was amazing. He was off the track for so long. I had to make it a staying race. It’s amazing how he just keeps powering.”

When the field opened up early Leap To Fame was able to get off the inside running line.

“I got a lot of instruction from everyone that I really had to get up in his (Don Hugo’s) face. That’s what we did and it paid dividends.”

After the blistering pace and the work Leap To Fame had to put in, his will to win at the end kept Dixon focussed on the finish line.

“I was just focused on Larry. I felt something was running home but I was hoping the post was coming up.”

The winning time of 2-33.6 smashed the New Zealand record of 2-35.1 held by last years winner Merlin and proved that the Australians certainly have the wood on us as the moment.

LEAP TO FAME REPLAY

Previous attempts to get Leap To Fame to New Zealand haven’t worked out, but the Cambridge trip has.

“It a great relief for Trista (Dixon) and I to bring him here. Everything went right and it was great to bring him here and get the win, that’s for sure.”

Dixon said the win tonight was one of the best from the six year old stallion.

“It’s up there that’s for sure. It was such a great field and the way he had to do it.”

For Trista Dixon who’s been a big part of the horses stellar career, the watch was a bit nerve wracking.

“I was very nervous especially when he was three wide for so long. He certainly did it tough and he did us all so proud.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink