Hold Onto Ya Bling claims historic second Trot Rods crown

By Jordan Gerrans

Different trainer and driver – same speedy Hold Onto Ya Bling.

The six-year-old gelding became the first pacer to win the popular Trot Rods series on two occasions on Wednesday evening.

Hold Onto Ya Bling first achieved the feat in 2024 when he was prepared by Shannon Price and driven by Nathan Rothwell on the finale program two years ago.

This time around, the son of Bling It On is being trained by Mitch Cox and champion reinsman Nathan Dawson was in the sulky on Wednesday at Redcliffe.

Just as he did in 2024, Hold Onto Ya Bling waited until the final of the 20 Trot Rods heats to swoop and claim victory over 947 metres.

He stopped the clock in 64.03 seconds.

It was slightly slower than his winning mark two years ago, which was 63.86 seconds.

The 30-year-old Dawson admitted the 20^th heat of Trot Rods did not exactly go to plan from his perspective, but he was glad to score the overall prize.

“I was a couple of lengths back further than I would have liked,” Dawson said.

“I just had to go on my own and to the horse’s credit, he was good enough.

“I'd like to thank obviously all the owners and trainers for bringing their horses and obviously the committee and all the sponsors for putting it on.

“I just wanted to mention the track staff, as well.

“The track's beautiful, it's hard and fast and they've done a good job with the conditions that they've had of late.”

The Matt Elkins-prepared Splash Of Paynt was the clubhouse leader in the series leading into the finale program after 10 heats had been completed in recent weeks. 

Splash Of Paynt was drawn with Hold Onto Ya Bling in the final heat, with the eventual winner starting from barrier four.

Splash Of Paynt set a furious tempo in front.

Dawson reeled in Splash Of Paynt and driver Adam Richardson in the closing strides to secure the overall victory.

Trainer Cox spoke with Dawson in the lead-up to Monday’s driver draft and encouraged him to select Hold Onto Ya Bling.

“We had a bit of a laugh about it, but he knew what he was talking about,” Dawson said.

“So, I can't joke about that anymore.”

Hold Onto Ya Bling has now competed in three Trot Rods heats across his career and is undefeated in the short-course racing concept.

After previously being prepared by Group 1-winning mentor Price, Hold Onto Ya Bling transferred into the training stable of Cox over the last few months.

The 33-year-old Cox has been a longstanding member of Price’s stable and will also often drive her pacers in races.

“I'd just like to thank the sponsors for this race, it is much appreciated,” Cox said after winning the overall prize.

“Nathan put in a perfect drive and obviously the horse, so thank you very much.”

Splash Of Paynt entered the finale night of Trot Rods in 2026 as the leader and the fastest time was lowered in the 17^th heat when Mister Reactor won in 64.10 seconds.

Dawson was in the sulky behind Mister Reactor in that triumph.

But, the master reinsman went even faster a few heats later with Hold Onto Ya Bling.

Dawson and visiting South Australian reinswoman Danielle Hill both drove three winners across the last 10 heats of the series on Wednesday night. 

“I want to thank all the trainers that support this series every year,” Redcliffe club President Mark McNee said.

“Mitch and Shannon have been lucky; they've won it twice now.

“It's really well received. I also want to thank Danielle Hill for making the trek across from South Australia.

“I hope she enjoyed her time driving in this series and we might see her back here again one year.”

The fastest time ever recorded in a Trot Rods race was Fact Finder smashing the clock in 62.99 seconds to win the title in 2025.