Video chat with Dexter Dunn

Hightstown, NJ — After capturing his third consecutive Driver of the Year Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association in 2021, Dexter Dunn stated a simple goal for this harness racing season.

“To win as many races as I can,” Dunn said with a laugh during a recent video chat with the U.S. Trotting Association’s Wendy Ross.

The 32-year-old New Zealand native then added, “I just want to try to stay sound … and happy and make sure you’re doing the best for your connections.

“But you can’t beat those big days. Winning the Hambletonian Oaks on Hambletonian Day was a great feeling. But if you won the Hambo on Hambo Day it would be even bigger, so I guess we could start with that.”

Dunn won last year’s Hambletonian Oaks with 3-year-old female trotter Bella Bellini, who was one of three Dan Patch Award recipients that he sat behind in 2021. The others were 2-year-old female pacer Niki Hill and 6-year-old female trotter Manchego.

In three full seasons of driving in North America, Dunn has led the sport in purses twice and won a total of 1,279 races. He has been enjoying some time off since the middle of December but plans to return to action at the conclusion of February.

“It’s always good to freshen up,” Dunn said. “The season is long. It’s enjoyable at the same time, but sometimes you just need to hit the restart button and get ready for another busy year.”

To watch the full interview, click here and get a look at Dunn in 2011 at the U.S.-hosted World Driving Championship as well as hear about his Mr. Congeniality Award, favorite horses, and plans for New Zealand’s 2015 Horse of the Year Christen Me.

by Ken Weingartner, for the USTA