Dean Atkinson looks to atone with Piccadilly Pete in Redcliffe Gold Cup

Goulburn harness racing trainer Dean Atkinson is having a good run currently in Brisbane and is looking to go one better with his consistent pacer Piccadilly Pete in this Saturday night’s $106,070 Gold Coast Grounds and Gardens Redcliffe Gold Cup on Saturday night.

Last Saturday night in the Flashing Red Discretionary at Albion Park, Piccadilly Pete was narrowly beaten by local Regazzo Di Tilly after coming with a well timed burst down the home straight.

Atkinson has had the five year old gelding since July 2025.

A New Zealand friend of mine indicated that he was on the market for sale. I kept an eye on him for two months. And then I bought him for my clients Rick and Brett Bayliss and my wife Natale.

He’s such a good trier, and he tries his heart out all the time.

He’s a lovely horse and you can do anything you like with him. He’s been well looked after all of his life.

He’s such a versatile horse, he can sprint and stay but in staying races he needs to be driven with precision as he’s a sit and sprint performer.

Atkinson reflected on why he brought up Piccadilly Pete to Brisbane.

In New Zealand he had a brilliant standing start record. He just failed by a lip last Saturday night. It was his first run over 2600 metres or more for over 15 months. I was quite happy with his run given he’s been restricted to the mile and 2300 metre events.

In my view there should be more distance races and more standing start events, the turnover is better as it gives every horse a chance. For example if you have a great horse like Leap to Fame handicapped, as a good horse he brings others up to the standard.

I’m very pleased how he pulled after last Saturday night. He’s settled in well here.

Atkinson is staying with Vic Frost based on the border at Pottsville.

We’ll go home after Saturday and race him in the Free For Alls at Menangle.

Atkinson also has former New Zealand mare Change Tact (Lazarus) in at Redcliffe.

She was very unlucky last Saturday and hope she can go better this week. She’s a lovely mare and has the makings of a nice horse.

Back home at Goulburn where he trains, Atkinson has about 12 to 14 pacers in work. His son Matthew who was with Nathan Turnbull has now moved back home to help. He also has daughter McKenzie who in addition to helping has a trainers licence herself.

As for drivers Atkinson declares

Cam Hart is the best, when I can get him.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink