Dunn’s double delight

IT WAS a day to remember for Aaron Dunn.

Not only did he register consecutiv wins in the  Hamilton Pacing Cup, he  trained the quinella, with Forty Love taking the honours deomlast year’s winner Dee Roe, which was driven by Jackie Barker.

Forty Love worked forward at the start to find the front in the 2660-metre event before fighting off a late challenge from stablemate Dee Roe.

Driven by Lochie Cookm Jilliby Nitro was 18 metres away third.

“I had a glance behind me and saw it was between us two,” Dunn said. “Jackie was travelling better than me, but I knew he would keep slogging away.”

Dunn praised the impact the Hamilton Cup has had on his career.

“I never won a true country cup until last year in Victoria,” Dunn said. “To think, if I’d said 10 years ago that I would have the two favourites run first and second in the Cup here at Hamilton, I would nearly say that’s not right.

“But it’s come to be the case, and I am very proud of the horses, and thankful for all the workers and people around me.”

Earlier in the day, Meadow Valley Star and Jordan Leedham sustained a strong run to take out the Trotters Cup first-up for new trainer Matthew Horsnell.

Over the 2660-metre trip, the seven-year-old gelding stepped well from his 10-metre handicap to be settled in the one-one.

Leedham made his move at the 400-metre mark, with Meadow Valley Star producing a powerful finish to claim victory.

“Not a bad catch drive to pick up on a day like today,” Leedham said. “Big credit goes to Matty (Horsnell). He does a terrific job and had the horse cherry ripe. My job was pretty easy, just to point him in the right direction.”

Meadow Valley Star was first-up since joining Horsnell’s stable last month, and Leedham was confident throughout the run.

“He was doing it so easy, and once I came outside of them he let down beautifully and was too good for them,” Leedham said.

Along with the prizemoney, the top three finishers received a product from Carbine Chemicals fantastic range.

In a terrific show of support, Carbine Chemicals is providing products to the placegetters in every race on the card.

• HRV Media