Sally Stingel and Ken Rattray realised their dream tonight at Devonport when their grand old campaigner Destreos brought up the magical three-figures with a sensational victory in the Degree C Quality.
Destreos with the congratulatory 100 win blanket
Mark Yole will go down in history as the driver who piloted the 14-year-old equine marvel to his century with an inspired drive over 1930-metres.
Yole dashed Destreos up into the death-seat in the early stages outside the second favourite Modern Ruler with the popular pick Stagger Lee camped on the leaders back in third position.
With the pressure on the race went up a notch at the bell, but despite the tough run Destreos was in for the fight and drew level with Modern Ruler as they raced to the 400-metre pole.
Gareth Rattray sat quietly on last week’s Free-For-All winner Stagger Lee until the gap opened for the heavily backed favourite entering the back straight and he looked set to throw down the gauntlet to the leading pair.
Destreos got the better of Modern Ruler at the 200-metre mark and Yole went for home, Stagger Lee had no answer to the veteran warhorse and Destreos turned for home with the 100th win firmly in his sights.
Ken Rattray with Destreos after the win
Destreos surged to the line to score a memorable victory full of courage and fight, the champion qualities that we have witnessed over and over again throughout his majestic 45o start career.
The super pacer recorded a mile rate of 1:57.7 with a 58.7 last half.
