Veteran pacer Albert Jaccka loves racing.
Trainer-driver Darren Billinger said the 13-year-old was told earlier this month “one more poor run and you will be retired.”
Albert Jaccka replied on the track with two wins, the most recent at Globe Derby Park on Saturday night indicating he still enjoys taking on his younger rivals.
A $3.10 chance, Albert Jaccka came from last to round up the leader Run Riley Run ($2.80 fav) to score a half head win with Falcon Chief ($52) six metres away third in the Ubet Claiming Pace final (1800m).
The gelding is owned by Julie Billinger, Jan Matthews, Alan Matthews, Heather Howe, Rick Fay, Laurie Fay, Grant Paterson and Jim Smith.
“We got together after he ran poorly here on October 31,” Billinger said.
“He has been such a great horse for us, tonight was his 30th win for my stable, that we didn’t want him to just go around when he didn’t enjoy his racing and couldn’t be competitive.
“So we made the call that one more poor run and that was it. We have several options to give him a comfortable retirement so we won’t be swayed from the decision.”
Albert Jaccka’s record is wonderful with a career 51 wins and 99 placings for total stakes of $399,054.
“After tonight, he keeps racing at least once more so hopefully he can pick up another $1000 to make the $400,000 mark.”
On Saturday night, Ryan Hryhorec, driving Run Riley Run, went forward from gate six but had to work hard before taking the lead but once in front he steadied the tempo before trying to sprint home a quick last 400 metres.
The move looked to pay dividends when Run Riley Run led comfortably early in the home straight but Albert Jaccka responded to the challenge and sprinted home well to grab a narrow win.
“We came from gate seven and decided to go back because of apparent early speed and it proved the right decision,” Billinger said.
“Ryan had to work hard from gate six to get to the lead so we would have been caught wide and it would have been too much of an ask.”
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