In the high-stakes world of North American harness racing, few names command as much respect as Dexter Dunn. The 37-year-old Christchurch, New Zealand native has evolved from a dominant force in his home country, where he secured 10 consecutive driving premierships, into the undisputed king of the U.S. sulky circuit. His trajectory reached a new pinnacle in August 2026, when he steered Apex to a record-setting victory in the $1 million Hambletonian at The Meadowlands, winning a dramatic photo finish against Tim Tetrick. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the reinsman, who has spent the last several years systematically checking off the sport's most elusive major stakes races.
Dunn’s career in the United States has been nothing short of prolific. Since arriving in 2018, he has accumulated over $80 million in career earnings in the U.S. alone. His consistency is legendary; he has been named the Dan Patch Driver of the Year five times in the last six years, a testament to his tactical brilliance and ability to adapt to diverse stables. His 2024 campaign was particularly historic, highlighted by a record-breaking six Breeders Crown final victories in a single month. Beyond the statistics, Dunn is known for his calm demeanor and his ability to extract peak performance from elite horses, such as the celebrated pacer Twin B Joe Fresh and the unforgettable Bulldog Hanover. Despite his immense success, Dunn remains grounded, often crediting the support of top-tier trainers and the deep bond he forms with his equine partners. As he continues to rewrite the record books, the "Kiwi Maestro" shows no signs of slowing down, remaining a fixture at the top of the earnings leaderboard and a perennial favorite in the sport's biggest events. Whether he is navigating a crowded field at The Meadowlands or competing in regional stakes, Dunn’s presence in the sulky remains the gold standard for modern harness racing excellence.
