James Dunn to have first race day drive at Addington

By Mike Love 

Canterbury horseman James Dunn will have his first race-day drive at Addington this afternoon.  

Dunn is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having co-trained forty-seven winners with his father Geoff Dunn, between 2021 and 2024, before heading to Australia.

“My wife and I went over to Australia for a working holiday for a year,” explained Dunn. 

“We went to Canberra, and I worked for a galloping stable, and helped out in a harness stable in my spare time.”

Today, Dunn will link up with the Mitchell Scheuber trained Justification ($5.50FF) in Race 1, the Avon City Ford Mobile Pace (1.08pm), over 1980m. 

“It’s cool to get a drive for Mitch. I’ve had a lot to do with him, we did cadets with them. He used to come out and help us when we were still at school. Now he works for Ken Barron and has a few in work.” 

“Justification is a nice horse, but she lacks a bit of speed. It will depend on how the race is run, for how she’ll go.” 

“She’s a full sister to one that went pretty quick for Luke McCarthy.”

That was Bettor Enforce, who won five races in Southland for trainer/driver Allan Beck, before winning a further 17 races in Australia, with a best time of 1:48 for a mile.  

Current favourite for the race is the Brent and Tim White trained Carrera Bravo ($3.20FF) with Sarah O’Reilly to drive. 

Dunn is happy “just cruising” for now, and is driving for enjoyment. 

“For the moment I’m happy just working away, and getting the odd drive here and there and see how I go.” 

Dunn is looking forward to starting a new job on Monday with the Hayden and Amanda Cullen team.

“I’m pretty excited to start there. They have really nice horses, and it’s just down the road from where I live.” 

Note: The FF (Final Field) odds can fluctuate, so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.