Mighty Looee crushes rivals in Cup

Mighty Looee (Sweet Lou) continued his epic harness racing journey when powering to victory in the Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup on Friday (Jan. 13).

The six-year-old led a Dunn domination by taking out 3000m feature on the first day of Richmond Park’s two-day summer meeting.

In just his third start back from an Australian campaign, Mighty Looee worked to the lead before running away from his rivals on a big day out for trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn and driver John Dunn.

Somewhat ironically, the horse was sent to Australia for mile racing because he can get keen in his races.

But under entirely different conditions in yesterday’s 3000m staying feature, Mighty Looee shined.

“It was all about whether he would relax a bit and when he got around to the front and dropped the bit he was super,” Robert Dunn said.

“He has been a great horse, he won as a two-year-old and then ran third in the first heat of the Sires Stakes behind Copy That.”

“We sent him to Australia because we thought he would be a great miler because he can get keen.”

“But even over there he couldn’t relax, so after a while we decided to bring him home.”

“Once we got him home I said to Johnny there is no pressure, we will just take our time – we know he has got the speed and he is a promising horse.”

MIGHTY LOOEE REPLAY

Mighty Looee’s Nelson Cup win took him to ten career wins for owner Robyn Hellaby.

The Dunns also took out Friday’s feature trot with Repeat Pat who impressed in his debut for his new trainers.

“He is a big horse, he has shown a little bit.”

“I was certainly impressed with the way he came around the turn five wide and just pressed on.”

“He has got a bright future.”

Divine Angel started what was a winning treble for the Dunn stable on Friday.

The three-year-old won her second start at the races when working to the lead and fighting hard in the home straight.

“Johnny has liked her all the way through, he thought she was one of our better three-year-old fillies.”

“We have got four or five of them that are handy.”

“I thought it was a good win, she was going to get beat at the top of the straight but she fought back really well.”

Bob Butt drove Divine Angel to victory on a big day out on Friday.

Butt also trained and drove Brando to win as well as steering The Present Maker to victory.

John Dunn drove the Bob Butt trained Winegum to win the Hoani Jack Cup.

Winning with Get Back took Dunn to four wins for the day, alongside his victories with Mighty Looee and Repeat Pat.

For complete Nelson results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand