BY RACING & SPORTS
The Locomotive looks the next big thing in Australian square-gaiting after completing a series clean sweep and bettering his own track record with a dominant win in the TAB Inter Dominion Trotters Final.
The talented four-year-old made it eight wins on the trot and delivered a career highlight for Goulburn trainer/driver brand Hewitt with his all-the-way 9m win.
The Locomotive had been the standout trotter of the series, leading to win each of his heats and it was a carbon copy on finals night when Hewitt took him to the front soon after the start.
Keayang Chucky was stalking but The Locomotive is a talented trotter in peak form and he showed once again how hard he is to catch when he is out in front and rolling.
The stallion drew right away in the closing stages to beat the Victorian duo of Keayang Chucky and Keayang Stuka, trained by Paddy and Margaret Lee respectively.
The Locomotive is by Muscle Mass and sports some regal bloodlines as a son of champion mare La Coocaracha, the 2002 Australian and NZ Trotter of the Year.
Hewitt was just as impressed as those on course by the ease of The Locomotive’s win.
“It doesn’t get much easier than having a drive like that,” Hewitt sad.
“I’m so stoked for the horse and his owners.
“I have to mention (the horse’s previous trainer) Wayne Potter, he’s done a terrific job with him all through his career and he’s made him the horse he is.”
Hewitt said The Locomotive’s temperament had a lot to do with him handling the series so well.
“He’s just a pleasure to have around, you couldn’t have a nicer horse, especially for a four-year-old stallion.
“He’s just a cool dude and has a great personality – and he loves winning.”
Hewitt described winning an Inter Dominion title as “the pinnacle”.
“Even a few years ago if you said I was going to be training and driving an Inter Dominion trotting winner I would’ve laughed at you.
“He’s just a gorgeous horse to have around and I’m thrilled.”
