Racing: Vulcan in toughest one week trotting double

Vulcan (1) takes out the $200,000 Dominion Handicap at Addington yesterday. Photo / Otago Daily Times

For years the Butt brothers almost felt like they were stealing our best open class trots.

A decade ago they would win races like the Dominion Handicap and Rowe Cup with ease simply because they had two champions in Lyell Creek and Take A Moment.

It wasn't that trainer Tim and driver Anthony Butt didn't deserve to have two such great horses - they are after all two of the best in the business - but now it feels like they are earning their money more with Vulcan.

And the unimposing trotter completed a double either Lyell Creek or Take A Moment would be proud of when he captured the $200,000 Dominion Handicap at Addington yesterday.

He added that to his win in the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All three days earlier to complete the toughest one-week trotting double in Australasia.

Any win with Vulcan is especially satisfying for the Butt brothers as he was bred and is part-owned by their mother, and biggest fan, Jenny Butt.

But it is even more so as Tim admits Vulcan isn't the best trotter in the country, meaning to win at this level he has to be trained and driven to perfection.

"We have seen enough big races and been lucky enough to have two champions that we know where this horse stands in the pecking order," said Butt.

"He is not the best but we have got him here fit and healthy and Ants has driven him perfectly and that has been the difference."

The Butt brothers' talents and Vulcan's courage have seen them combine for 11 wins from 34 starts but four of them have been big ones, this week's double as well as two Harness Jewels victories.

And he won't be adding to that any time soon as Butt has changed his plans and will now spell the five-year-old. "He can have a break now rather than going to Australia and we will set him for the Interdominions in Victoria in January."

While it was his second group one win of the week, yesterday's victory was far more important for Vulcan and his standing in the trotting ranks as he beat Dr Hook, I Can Doosit and Springbank Richard.

I Can Doosit had an excuse as he galloped at the start and then trotted roughly on a bend but Dr Hook had every chance after getting the lead in the middle stages and should have won, suggesting he is still a touch weak for 3200m at the highest level.