Destreos does it again – Win 86

Iron tough pacer Destreos registered yet another harness racing victory at Albion Park tonight (Saturday). Facing the starter for the 394th time, the horse commonly known as ‘Dexter’ claimed win number 86. Amazingly, it was his 65th success at headquarters of Queensland harness racing, a record that appears never to be broken. His prizemoney has now surpassed $700,000.

Prepared by Ken Rattray and handled by regular pilot Kelli Dawson, the 12yo Astreos gelding sat without cover in the Mercedes Benz Toowong Open Pace before defeating Lebron and American Legend.

The 1660m event was covered in a time of 1:55.9 on a rain affected track with splits of 29.7, 30.8, 28.8 and 26.8 seconds.

It was his 5th win this season and his first since winning the Redcliffe Christmas Cup on December 23.

“He went great, he got really keen with the steady speed early but he kept fighting all the way to the line. He’s just an incredible old horse, the best I’ve ever driven.” Dawson said.

On Tuesday, Destreos was beaten by a nose margin by his stablemate Funny Boy in a time of 1:56.4 for 2138m after being caught outside leader Devil Dodger.

Between Destreos and Funny Boy, the two hardened warriors have amassed more than $1 million in stakes.

Funny Boy has won 22 races at Albion Park.

Both Destreos and Funny Boy will start again on Tuesday at Albion Park in the Lunchbox Lodge Spelling Farm at 1660m and will start from gate five while Funny Boy has drawn the inside gate.

by Chris Barsby