Dexter Dunn is now a winning driver in both hemispheres.
In his first U.S. appearance, New Zealand's 21-year-old leader guided McClelland to victory in the 11th race on Saturday, June 25 at Meadowlands Racetrack
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Dunn and the Aaron Lambert trainee pounced off a perfect second over trip to score by two lengths in 1:50.1. The young reinsman also steered Rock To Glory to a third-place finish in the New Jersey Sire Stakes for trainer Casie Coleman earlier on the card.
Dunn will represent New Zealand in the World Driving Championship, the world's richest and most prestigious driving tournament, which begins July 31. He is also about to win his nation's fourth driving championship with a single-season record of 218 (and counting) wins. The World Driving Championship will open at Harrah's Chester (July 31) and visit Tioga Downs (August 2), Monticello Raceway (August 3) and Meadowlands Racetrack (August 4) before concluding at Yonkers Raceway (August 5).
"Chris Ryder is looking after me well. He put me down on one earlier in the week so I had one [drive] and I was pretty happy about it and then I ended up getting seven," said Dunn in an interview on In The Sulky before the card. "You know since I was little I've always known the Meadowlands so it's good to be here."
In NJSS action for three-year-old male pacers Jimmy Takter trainee Rollwithitharry (Dan Dube, 1:50.4) and James Eaton trainee Best Man Hanover (Michel Lachance, 1:51.2) turned in winning performances.
The $30,000 King Of Sixes Final went to the Ron Burke-trained Tamayo and driver Andy Miller in 1:49.4.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)