Ready to reclaim Inter Dominion crown

FORMER Inter Dominion champion Don Hugo rounded off his quest to regain the title in the perfect manner last night.

Winner of the 2024 edition of the time-honoured series at Club Menangle, Don Hugo finished fourth behind superstar pacer Leap To Fame during his defence at Albion Park last season.

Leap To Fame won the 2023 Albion Park-based Inter Dominion before missing the year in which Don Hugo claimed the crown.

Thanks to his 2025 triumph, Leap To Fame became just the third champion to return to the honour roll after falling short of their title defence.

Captain Sandy was the ground breaker after capturing the 1950 edition at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds before emerging victorious in Perth in 1953.

Successful in 2006, ’07 and ’08, Blacks A Fake was runner-up in ’09 – beaten a half-neck – before becoming champion again in 2010.

Blacks A Fake’s last victory saw him become the only quadruple Inter Dominion winner.

As for Don Hugo’s campaign to become the fourth member of the elite group, the son of Art Major proved he is ready for the challenge with a victory at Club Menangle.

Trained and driven by Luke McCarthy, Don Hugo worked to the lead from barrier 10 before covering the mile in 1:49.2 as Nyack and Lux Aeterna filled the placings.

“That was a good run to see where he is at,” McCarthy said. “He was second-up from a three-month break and he needed to do a bit of work and I was thrilled with his run.

“Throughout his career he has taken a run or two to get back to his best, and now with two runs back, the Inter series will suit him down to the ground.”

McCartht plans to keep Don Hugo “ticking along at home” before the opening Inter Dominion heats at Albion Park on July 4.