Race Of The Week 23rd July 2026

This weeks”Race Of The Week” could almost be classed as the harness racing ‘race of the year’ so far in 2026.

Last Saturday night’s $1 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Pacers Final at Albion Park lived up to all the hype pre race and then some.

Captains Mistress (Captaintreacherous) defeated Leap To Fame (Bettor’s Delight) in a race that had been billed as a clash between two champions. Unlike many highly anticipated showdowns, this one exceeded expectations.

The barrier draw handed Captains Mistress the early advantage. She started from the front line while defending champion Leap To Fame faced the difficult task of overcoming a second-row draw.

Cam Hart used the mare’s early speed to cross Cheerstolou before allowing him to lead briefly. Once the field settled, Captains Mistress moved around to take control.

Behind her, the race was already becoming complicated for Leap To Fame.

Grant Dixon initially followed Max Delight forward three-wide, but when that runner was unable to secure a position and began retreating, Leap To Fame was dragged backwards with him. Dixon eventually moved wider and launched another run around the field.

By the time Leap To Fame reached the leader’s outside, he had already covered considerably more ground than Captains Mistress and spent valuable energy doing it.

Hart knew this was his opportunity.

Rather than easing the tempo and allowing Leap To Fame to recover, he kept Captains Mistress rolling. The pressure remained on, ensuring the champion sitting outside her would receive no respite.

Approaching the home turn, Captains Mistress appeared to have the race under control. Leap To Fame was under heavy driving and looked to be feeling the effects of his enormous early workload.

Then the complexion changed again.

As Cheerstolou began to tire, Leap To Fame was able to drop onto the back of Captains Mistress briefly before making one final challenge in the straight.

What followed produced one of the great Inter Dominion finishes.

Captains Mistress was still clear, but Leap To Fame refused to surrender. Despite everything that had gone against him, he began closing the margin with every stride.

The sell out Albion Park crowd roared as the two champions drew away from their rivals and fought towards the finish.

Captains Mistress would not give in.

She held Leap To Fame by 1.2 metres, with Nyack producing an outstanding performance to finish another 14 metres away in third.

The winning mile rate of 1:51.8 took a full second off the previous track record set by Don Hugo.

Two exceptional horses, a record breaking performance and an unforgettable finish.

CAPTAINS MISTRESS 18 JULY REPLAY

by Harnesslink Media