Harness Racing Wins Honor Late Legends in Emotional Triumph

Aaron Dunn, a Horsham horseman, recently experienced back-to-back wins in the world of harness racing, marking a poignant moment in his career. The victories of Pick Up Elvis at Maryborough and Eyeneedthat at Ballarat held special significance as both horses were owned by individuals who had passed away months earlier, leaving behind notable legacies in Victorian harness racing. These wins not only showcased Dunn’s training prowess but also honored the memories of his late father, Barry, and a dedicated stable supporter known as Digger.

Pick Up Elvis, a promising colt undefeated in four starts as a three-year-old, was the final purchase made by Barry Dunn at a yearling sale before his passing. The horse held sentimental value as it was a shared investment among family members, highlighting the emotional connection to Dunn’s father. Despite initial doubts about Pick Up Elvis’ potential, the colt’s transformation into a successful racer post his return to training underscored the unpredictable nature of the sport and the pride Barry would have felt in witnessing the horse’s achievements.

Eyeneedthat’s triumph at Ballarat, following closely on the heels of Pick Up Elvis’s win, added another layer of poignancy to Dunn’s recent successes. Trained by Dunn for the late owner BJ “Digger” Finch, Eyeneedthat’s victory served as a tribute to a passionate racing enthusiast who had a profound love for the sport. Dunn’s collaboration with Finch, facilitated by a serendipitous connection over a borrowed broodmare and a service fee, exemplified the camaraderie and shared passion that underpin the harness racing community.

The timing of these wins, occurring within a week of each other and in memory of two respected figures in Victorian harness racing, underscored the bittersweet nature of the sport. Dunn’s reflections on the victories highlighted the emotional resonance of these moments, acknowledging the impact of loss intertwined with the joy of success. The shared history between Dunn, his late father, and Digger imbued these wins with a deeper significance, symbolizing the enduring legacy of passion and dedication within the racing industry.

As Dunn recounted the journey of Pick Up Elvis and Eyeneedthat, he not only celebrated their achievements on the track but also honored the memories of those who had played a pivotal role in their racing careers. These wins served as a poignant reminder of the connections forged through a shared love for harness racing, transcending individual victories to embody a collective spirit of perseverance and remembrance. In a sport defined by its unpredictability and emotional highs and lows, these victories stood out as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who have left an indelible mark on the racing community.