Mat Rue winning with Art Legend at Parkes.
Once he had the milestone in his sights, it only took Bathurst reinsman, Mat Rue three days to achieve 1000 winners in a career that has gone way beyond his wildest dreams.
Last Wednesday night Mat had just one drive at Bathurst and despite being sent out at big odds, his filly Bella Bling led throughout to win, rated to perfection by Rue.
Then it was off to Parkes last Friday night where he had six drives and went into the meeting sitting on 998 wins.
It took one of Rue’s best career drives to score aboard the talented Silk Cloud who had to overcome an awkward barrier seven draw to win for owner, trainer Tony Higgs in the second race on the program.
After a few attempts, Rue was able to get into the running line and then coming to the bell he moved Silk Cloud three wide with a trail before she exploded past the leaders with four hundred metres to travel, racing clear to record an emphatic win.
Mat had two unplaced drives and then sat out for the next two races which left him wondering if he would reach the milestone on Friday night.
But in race seven that all changed when he combined with local trainer Darren Harris for an all-the-way win aboard Art Legend which also gave Harris his first winner as a trainer.
Ironically, Rue won his first race at Parkes aboard a mare named Lace And Whiskey when he was just sixteen years of age.
“It is really hard to take it in, achieving such a milestone,” said an excited Rue.
“And I am so pleased to have done it here at Parkes where it all started for me.”
“I have enjoyed each and every win for the many owners and trainers that I have been privileged to drive for.”
“Just seeing how much joy they get from winning with their horses makes it all worthwhile. Winning for guys like Tony Higgs and Darren Harris gives me a lot of satisfaction and I have to thank each and every owner and trainer who have trusted me to do the job for them.”
“My family and friends have been a great support to me as well.”
Mat is back at Bathurst tonight chasing win 1001 with Onetwo Threecheese being his best chance in race seven.
