Gus NZ connections after winning the 2026 Inter Dominion
QUEENSLAND superstar Gus’ historic $500,000 Group 1 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion trotting final win also made his mark on the Trotting Masters’ series.
The Chantal Turpin-trained gelding became the first Queensland-trained trotter to win the trotting final of the iconic series in its 50-year history.
But the 100 points he snared in the Trotting Masters’ series for the victory won’t be enough for him to deny the champion Victorian mare Keayang Zahara her first title.
After three of the four legs, Keayang Zahara, who missed the Inter Dominion, leads on 200 points from Gus and Jilliby Ballerini on 120.
While Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini are being set for the final leg, the Group 1 Bill Collins Trotters’ Sprint at Melton on October 17, Gus won’t contest the race.
Instead, Gus will be set for a return to NZ where he famously won the Group 1 double – Dominion Trot and NZ free-for-all – Addington last November.
That puts Keayang Zahara in the box seat for her first Trotting Masters’ title unless stablemate Jilliby Ballerini can shock her in the Bill Collins.
Like Keayang Zahara, Jilliby Ballerini stayed home with a hoof issue and missed the Brisbane Inter Dominion.
But the glamour pair are being set for the Bill Collins and an NZ trip to clash with Gus after that.
Gus’ win was a training triumph for Turpin and husband, Pete McMullen, with a trotter, who has tested all their skills and patience.
The ability has always been there, but the manners and ringcraft not so.
This was his fourth crack at the Inter Dominion and this third final.
Helped by a superbly patient McMullen drive, so save him for his speed, Gus narrowly but impressively won last Saturday night at Albion Park.
“Growing up as a kid, the Inter Dominion is the race you most want to win, I just didn’t think I’d do it on a trotter,” McMullen said.
Gus’ win eased the frustration and disappointment of Turpin and McMullen after their star pacer The Janitor didn’t qualify for the pacing final.
But he oozes class, as evidenced by his close second to Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile, and will bounce back next campaign.
With the Inter Dominion back in Brisbane again next year, Gus is sure to be set to defend his crown.
See the trotting masters points table here.
PHOTO: Toby Coutts
