Racing: Trip to US will cost Dunn chance to break record

Dexter Dunn. Photo / Greg Bowker

Dexter Dunn A chance at some dream overseas experience will cost wonder driver Dexter Dunn a shot at breaking his New Zealand record.

The phenomenal junior reinsman continued a freakish season when he drove five of the six winners at Oamaru yesterday, finishing second in the other race.

It was the seventh time Dunn has driven five winners at a meeting and only one short of his best, when he drove six in a day at Forbury Park two years ago.

"It was one of those days when things went right and I had the right horse," he explained with typical modesty. The onslaught takes him to 145 wins for the season, well on target to beat his 168 victories last season.

But Dunn says his New Zealand record of wins for either equine code of 204, set two years ago, should be safe.

"I would love to get to 200 again but I have basically written July off this season.

"I am off to represent New Zealand in the world driver's champs in the States in late July and I am going to head up there for a sort of working holiday first.

"I would like to get some drives in up there and that means I will be away for at least a month, maybe six weeks. So I will just keep doing what I am doing but won't be chasing any records."

And for one of the first times publicly Dunn has hinted at his ambitions to drive in the States more regularly.

"If I got an offer or opportunity while I am up there to drive a bit more and stay a bit longer I would look at it for sure."