Grimson joins a trio of industry legends
NEW South Wales horseman Jason Grimson joined some of the industry's legends just moments ago.
By successfully defending his Inter Dominion title Grimson became just the third trainer to win consecutive Finals with different pacers since the series’ inception in 1936.
Triumphant in last season's Club Menangle-based Championship with Boncel Benjamin, Grimson captured tonight's $500,000 decider at Tabcorp Park Melton with I Cast No Shadow.
As such Grimson is part of Inter Dominion folklore along with Bob Knight and power couple Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen as the only trainers to achieve the feat.
Knight was the ground breaker, scoring at Harold Park with Our Maestro in 1988 and in Perth with Jodie’s Babe in 1989.
Purdon and Rasmussen were triumphant with Smolda in 2016 and Lazarus in 2017, with both wins recorded at Gloucester Park.
On a side note, former star pacer Captain Sandy is the only campaigner to win two Inter Dominions for different trainers.
Jock Bain prepared Captain Sandy to secure the 1950 series at the Ascot Vale Showgrounds, while Dinny Nolan rejuvenated the retired veteran to capture the 1953 Perth edition.
But the moment belongs to Grimson, who is understandably elated with his latest milestone.
"This is incredible," Grimson declared. "I had a plan a week out, which included changing his gear a bit and it worked out perfectly.
"I was very confident going into tonight...I thought he could win."
With Cameron Hart holding the reins, I Cast No Shadow was pushed forward from the pole to gain the run of the race behind the leader and favourite, Act Now.
Angled into the passing lane along the home straight, I Cast No Shadow sprinted to a two-and-a-half metre win from Torrid Saint, which gained a start as the emergency.
Act Now battled on to be two metres away third.
"This feels unbelievable," Hart said. "You dream of these things as a kid and it is so special to do it with Jason as well as he is such a good mate.
"I knew he would go as good as any if he got right run as he is so fast."
Rating 1:56.7 over 2760 metres, I Cast No Shadow took his record to 20 wins and 20 placings for earnings of $590,823 for owner Diane Reilly.
"Words can't explain how I feel," Reilly said. "I was so happy just to get into Inter Dominion and said if we run in the second half I get $7500 and that's good enough for me.
"Jason said the horse is airborne and was very confident.
"I've been racing horses for 60 years and I can relax now...I've won everything. there is no more to prove."
