Milestone: Pete McMullen has posted yet another century season of winners
Star young reinsman Pete McMullen is the first to reach the century mark this season in Queensland.
The victory of Ezi Days on Saturday night at Albion Park registered the milestone moment, McMullen is currently 18 wins clear of his nearest rival Bart Cockburn.
Ezi Days is prepared by McMullen’s fiancé Chantal Turpin.
McMullen joins Chris Alford, Greg Sugars, Gary Hall Jnr, Gavin Lang, Amanda Turnbull and David Harding as century drivers for the current season.
“It’s nice to reach that mark again but I’m focussed on a quite a few more yet this season.” A modest McMullen stated.
The 21yo has now posted century seasons in four of the last five terms and has amassed a whopping total of 721 winners already in his burgeoning career.
During the previous (2011/12) season, McMullen steered home 162 winners after coming off a career best term with 191 victories while starting his century run in the 2009/10 season with 146 winners.
At his tender age, McMullen has already enjoyed vast experience with several trips to North America where he was based with leading New Jersey trainer Chris Ryder and competed at the famed Meadowlands Racetrack while also driving in both New South Wales and Victoria too.
McMullen has also realised a dream by competing in an Inter Dominion Pacing Championship when he partnered Riverboat Star during the 2009 Gold Coast series for his father John and grandfather John C McMullen.
McMullen has garnered plenty of support through punters over the years with his aggressive driving style while many highly respected trainers are keen to utilise his talent.
Leading Perth based trainer Gary Hall is an unabashed fan of the third generation horseman.
“I watch a lot of races throughout the country and I’ve been really taken by his skill and talent, many people wouldn’t realise how young he is and he really drives beyond his years.” Hall said.
“He’s a natural talent that thoroughly enjoys his chosen profession but he’s obviously keen to improve all the time also, I wouldn’t hesitate to put him on any on my runners and he’s welcome in Perth anytime.” Hall added.
McMullen and Turpin are currently based at Albion Park with their growing team while construction continues at their soon to be new property at Patrick Estate, west of Brisbane.
The duo has already prepared 36 winners this season combining both pacers and trotters with the promise of plenty more to come.
With McMullen the stable driver, Turpin has still managed to win 18 races this season which takes her career total to 277 lifetime victories.
Footnote; McMullen and Turpin are set to tie the knot next year.
