by Bob Heyden

Dexter Dunn turns 35 today (Sept. 1). The 10-time New Zealand and four-time Dan Patch Driver of the Year has earned the respect and admiration of many throughout the business. Here’s a look at what some industry insiders had to say about him.

Yannick Gingras: “In my opinion his success opened the door for Down Under drivers to come here and be on the Grand Circuit. There have been others before him, but not quite to that level. In the end, that might be his greatest accomplishment, even though he’s a great driver.”

Mike Keeling: “Generational talent. Horses seem very content when he’s in the bike and yet he can make quick speed with a horse very quietly. I don’t know him well, but he presents well, and speaks thoughtfully and always compliments the animal.”

Jerry Glantz: “I think Dexter is one of the most naturally gifted drivers since [Ron] Pierce. His ability to make speed while also being able to calm a horse is exceptional. He’s in the top few for sure.”

George Napolitano, Jr.: “A very unique individual… always very energized; always smiling and joking around. It’s obvious how great he is and it shows. He always congratulates me and everyone else that wins a race. A true champion in the sport in the new generation.”

Brad Trebotica: “Watch a winning trip around any oval with any horse with Dexter in the sulky and the reasons he is a superstar are on full display. First, the horsemen witness his professionalism, as he checks all the equipment when he grabs the lines; they trust him. Fans can appreciate his immense talent with patience and his seeming ability to get a horse to top speed with just his hands. It looks effortless. Everyone can see his gratitude for the animals when he pats the winners on the butt when he gets off the bike. And anyone who pays attention to his post-race interviews can hear that he is all class. Dex, thanks for doing it the right way, with professionalism, trust, work ethic, talent, gratitude and class.”

Carter Duer: “Very good horseman who can normally get along with any type of horse from any type of trip. On top of being a great driver, he’s a great guy to have a beer with.”

Louis-Philippe Roy: “I love Dexter. He’s living proof that you can be humble and treat everybody well and be one of the greatest drivers in the world. Happy Birthday DD!”

Kim Hankins: “Only know him to say hello. His ability to make speed and keep horses alive throughout the mile is incredible. He looks to have a great future.”

Jacqueline Ingrassia: “Dexter is a gentleman both on and off the track. One of the best drivers ever in my opinion.”

James MacDonald: “Dex is one of the kindest, happiest people I have ever met. Always cheering on his peers even though he knows the chances of beating him are slim. I’ve heard it many times that drivers don’t reach their prime until 35; that’s terrifying to think if it’s true about him.”

Brett Beckwith: “One of the nicest guys you’ll meet; always friendly to everyone he meets. He congratulates you when you beat him. That’s something 99 per cent of the people couldn’t do. Driving wise, he’s one of the toughest guys to get by down the stretch. He keeps a horse going for a long time and horses just like him.”

Steve Katz: “His near immediate acceptance in North America after transplanting himself, and extraordinary success here, can only be attributed to one thing; talent.”

Bob McClure: “The best driver I’ve ever driven against. Such a great person. He’s got a funny way of beating you down and you’re always still happy for him.”

Lauren and Shane Tritton: “Anyone who has had Dexter drive their horses will tell you this, and we are lucky enough to have had him drive for us in three countries. He may be one of the best drivers in the world, but the way he respects horses and trainers on a day-to-day basis is truly his greatest quality. He has been like that since Day One. We are all very proud of what he has achieved.”

Joe Lee: “Dexter is aces all around. He reminds me of Derek Jeter in that he’s great at what he does but he’s also a professional at all times where you couldn’t tell if he’s won his last 10 races or gone 0 for his last 20.”

Scott DiDomenico: “What can you say about Dex? Along with being a tremendous driver, more importantly, the class and professionalism he shows day in and day out is second to none. He truly is a great diver and a better person.”

Travis Alexander: “He simply has lightning in his hands.”

Jimmy Marohn, Jr.: “Great drivers can adapt to different styles of racing and that’s exactly what Dexter did when he arrived here. He can drive every type of horse in any situation and get the most out of them. Plus, he’s a class act.”

John Calabrese: “Dexter Dunn is an amazing driver who has the natural ability to get horses to finish. If you didn’t know Dexter was one of, if not the world’s best driver, he’d never come across like that. A friendly, down to earth, great guy.”

Peter Blood: “In my opinion the best driver to appear on the scene in many a year. He seems to make very good decisions and act accordingly to the way a race unfolds and take what the situation offers him. His hands are extremely live, much like Herve [Filion’s were].”

Dave Palone: “I’ve been blessed to witness 40 years of elite drivers. The game has changed so much since I started. These guys today are incredible, and have so much talent, but I’ve never seen anyone as smooth as Dex. Never in a panic and always seems to have them in the right spot. Not sure I’ve ever seen him involved when a race blows up… the nicest guy you would ever want to compete against.”