Aptly named pacer Leap To Fame did just that when claiming harness racing’s $200,000 Group 1 New South Wales Derby at Menangle tonight.

The Queensland-trained son of Bettors Delight obliterated his rivals winning by more than 10m rating 1:54.1 in the 2400m feature.

This gave horseman Grant Dixon his second win in the race after winning the 1994 edition with Jeremy Lee.

“It’s never over until it’s done,” said Dixon.

“We were getting a great trip and he felt good and got there well.”

Leap To Fame was driven forward initially before gaining cover in the one-one.

My Ultimate Byron led the field for most of the way with the quarters run in 30.7, 28.4, 27.3 and 26.9 seconds.

Leap To Fame is raced by Solid Earth Pty Ltd, headed by Kevin and Kay Seymour.

The three-year-old colt has now won 11 of his 14 starts and extended his earnings to $195,911.

This is his first Group 1 success.

Dixon has raced many nice horses for the Seymours over the years including Colt Thirty One and rates Leap To Fame as the next up-and-comer.

“I definitely think he’s up there,” said Dixon.

“It’s great to have another good horse for Kevin and Kay.”

To view the results from Menangle on Saturday night click here.

Leap to $200,000 Derby success