Finding a champion racehorse is sometimes like finding a diamond in the rough. The husband-and-wife team of Nick and Betty Clegg found their diamond late in 2021 when they purchased Ohio-bred Dunkin from the Harrisburg Sale.
Most champions are very expensive at yearling sales; Dunkin cost the Cleggs just $7,000, purchased late in the sale.
"We got unbelievably lucky with this gelding. We purchased him late in the sale, not expecting much, and he is by far the best horse we have ever owned," said trainer Betty Clegg.
The $7,000 price tag seemed a little steep to Mrs. Clegg, but the gamble paid off for the duo.
As a two-year-old, Dunkin mainly raced on the fair and Buckeye Stallion Series circuit, earning six wins in 19 starts with $47,736 made. He blossomed during the off-season and showed he was all heart in his sophomore campaign.
"Something just clicked with him; we knew he had a lot of heart, and he always would give us 100 per cent, but he had to grow up as a two-year-old," said Clegg. "He grew a lot in the off-season, and I knew he would be something special during his three-year-old campaign."
His first win of 2023 came at MGM Northfield Park against conditioned company on March 21, 2023. He reeled off a victory in his next three starts and hit the board twice before trying his luck against more challenging foes.
After some tough defeats against stiff competition, the Cleggs took Dunkin to the Paulding (OH) fair to braven him up, a race that he won easily in 1:59.2. Dunkin heated up in the latter part of his three-year-old season, winning 11 straight races, including a leg of the Buckeye Stallion Series and Ohio State Fair at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
The Ohio State Fair is something that still astonishes his connections today.
"His will to win and his heart stands out with every start," said trainer Clegg.
Husband Nick echoed his wife's comments: "Dunkin's biggest attributes are that he loves to race and never gets tired; he is as fast as they come."
Following the 11-race win streak, Dunkin won five of his next seven starts and was fourth in both the Ohio Sires Stakes final at Scioto Downs and the Ohio Breeders Championship at Delaware (OH). Dunkin earned $202,208 in his three-year-old season, putting up 21 victories in 40 starts, earning him the title of winningest horse in North America for the year.
"I could not be any more proud of my boy, but what he did this year was absolutely astonishing," said Nick Clegg.
The Cleggs enjoyed how well-received he was by the fans, no matter where they took him.
“Every time we would win at the fair, Nick would take him by the stands, and the roar from the crowd was something that almost made each of us emotional. The way Dunkin has become a fan favourite is something very special to us.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, Dunkin began his trek back to the races in a qualifier, scoring an impressive victory after getting the perfect trip. The Cleggs knew it was time to get their star back to the track.
"He is bored to death in the barn and is definitely missing racing."
As for what the future holds for Dunkin, the Cleggs will enjoy the ride and let their star dictate where they take him next.
For trainer Betty Clegg, the love of the horse and Dunkin's attitude week in and week out have brightened her days.
"The only thing I have ever really done is show him love and toss a harness on him. He is a complete sweetheart, while I'm not religious, saying I'm blessed to have my boy Dunkin in my life, which seems fitting."
Reflecting on the last few years with Dunkin, Nick Clegg said, "It's better to be lucky than good; in the case of Dunkin, we got unbelievably lucky. I believe true champions are born, ruined and never made. Anyone who works as hard as Betty deserves one Dunkin in their lifetime."
(With files from Northfield Park)
Dunkin and Shark Week
Shark Week had his picture taken in the winner's circle 20 times in 2023. The only horse of any age, sex, or gait that had more wins was Dunkin, with 21.