by Adam Hamilton

Young gun Kiwi driver Carter Dalgety is about to live his dream.

The 21-year-old is jumping on a plane from Christchurch to the U.S. on Monday (July 8) for a working holiday of at least six weeks “and maybe as long as three months.”

And Dalgety has just the right host, his long-time idol and now best buddy, Dexter Dunn.

At the height of his rampaging dominance in New Zealand and before he moved to the U.S., Dunn was like an older brother to Dalgety.

“Obviously Dex worked for mum and dad [top NZ trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety] for a long time and when I was younger; he was like a big brother, but now he’s more like my best mate,” Carter said.

“Every time Dex comes back home, we spend heaps of time together and get closer. I’m so lucky to have him to stay with and, to be honest, getting to have a couple of months with him will be fantastic.”

Given their relationship and Carter’s exciting emergence in NZ — more than 120 wins and already two at Group 1 level — the similarities have been irresistible.

“I remember Dexter spent three months in the U.S. when he was 21 and said how much he learned from it,” Carter said. “I was always going to get across at some stage, but I had a huge surprise recently winning a Young Achiever Award [across the whole NZ racing industry] and there’s a handy monetary prize that comes with it.

“It’s been the spark I needed, a massive spark, to just get over to the States. It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve always followed the U.S. racing closely, especially since Dex moved over, so the thought of being part of it myself is awesome.

“I got my visa and license to drive in the U.S. I’m leaving on July 8 and will stay six-to-eight weeks, but the visa is for three months, so if everything went well, I’ve got that option to stay for three months.”

Carter’s father, Cran, said Carter winning the Young Achiever Award was a proud moment for the family and a big thing for NZ harness racing, which is going through some challenging times.

“It’s an award mostly won by people in the thoroughbred industry, so for someone in harness racing to get the nod is important for the game and an incredible thrill for us as a family,” Cran said. “He’s in the right hands being able to hang off Dexter’s coattails.”

Carter admitted he was somewhat shocked with the award.

“We thought it was a long shot, but worth a crack,” he said. “Most of the part winners have been from the thoroughbreds or veterinary industry.

“When I made the short list, I got excited, but I didn’t know what to think after my interview. I didn’t feel it went that well. They said they would call me back within a week, but rang the next day saying I’d won. It’s a great thing, the award because we all know it can be difficult for young people to get ahead in the racing game.”

Selling himself is something Carter does well and is increasingly important.

To say he “gets” the marketing side of the sport and himself personally is an understatement.

A few years back, Carter launched his own clothing brand, Fuego, which has been a terrific success story.

All that while emerging as a driver and continuing his passion as a first-grade rugby player in NZ’s South Island.

“I’ve had a bit on my plate, but it’s been great,” he said. “I absolutely love rugby, the competitiveness of it and playing with your mates, but I had to give it up to focus properly on the horses. This is the first year I haven’t played rugby. The risk of injury, breaking an ankle or a hand, is just too high, but I still get down most weeks to watch the boys play.”

When it comes to his pending U.S. trip, Carter admits he — with help from Dunn — has already been leaning on the many ex-pat Aussie and Kiwi connections in North America.

“People like Nifty Norman, Noel Daley, Chris Ryder and Ron Burke, who has a few horses with us Down Under,” he said. “Dad [Cran] and Dex know these people, but I’m really looking forward to building my own relationship with them. It’s important for a young person like me.

“This may only be a short visit [to the U.S.], but it’s fair to say I’m looking at Dex and what he’s done and think I should have a go at it full-time a bit later in my career.

“I want to drive as much as I can over there this trip, whether that’s in races or track work. Nifty’s been great, so has Chris Ryder and Ron Burke’s got such a big team, he said he would have a few drives for me. I’ve spoken to Brett Pelling, too.”

The second part of winning the Young Achiever Award that Carter will explore is a trip to Sweden for the iconic Elitloppet next May.

“I need to do some homework on that one,” he said. “I’m going, definitely going, but I have to explore whether the opportunity will be to do any driving over there, too.

“It keeps ringing in my ears what Dexter said after driving at the Elitlopp last year. He said it’s the first time he’s genuinely been made to feel like a rockstar and it was the coolest moment of his career. How can I not go check it out after that?”

While Carter is excited about spending time in the U.S. and Sweden, he still has unfinished business in NZ.

“Things are coming together well and I’m driving some nice horses,” he said. “I’ve got that juggle over how long I stay in the U.S. this trip because some of the nicer horses will be back getting ready for our big carnival [NZ Cup in November].

“There’s a 3-year-old filly of ours called All You Need Is Me. She’s come a long way really quickly and I think she’s a bit special. She’s the drive I’m most excited about when I get home.

“She gave me the 100th win of my career and second Group 1 when she won the Northern Oaks back in May at just her seventh race start.”

This might only be a brief stint in the U.S., but Carter, with his shock of blonde hair and enviable ability to self-promote, is sure to make a splash.

As he said himself, it feels like an entrée before he follows in Dunn’s hugely successful footsteps and makes the U.S. home.