by Chris Barsby
It was a send-off fit for a King.
And that King is Destreos.
More commonly known by his fans as the ‘King of the Creek’ owing to the fact no other horse in history has won as many races at the famed Brisbane racetrack as the New Zealand bred gelding who is prepared by Ken Rattray for his partner Sally Stingel.
The rising 14-year-old gave his local fans and fans abroad for that matter a final memory when he led throughout in the SKY Racing Open Pace today (Tuesday) in a time of 1:54.4.
Amazingly, it was his 74th victory at Albion Park.
Overall, he has won 97 races.
But Rattray and Stingel are set to return to their native state of Tasmania next week after spending the past two decades away from home.
Destreos will continue his career in Tasmania where he will be based at Flowery Gallery, near Launceston where he closing in on another milestone moment – win number 100!
“What more can I say about him, we love him dearly and he continues to amaze us. We were hopeful today given that it was his final start at the track but I know I was so nervous and stressed about the whole day, it’s a huge relief and something he truly deserves.” Stingel said.
Depending on how he recovers in the coming days and how he handles the trip south, Destreos could be amongst nominations for next week’s $20,000 Blacks A Fake FFA at TABCORP Park, Melton before heading across the Bass Straight.
As it stands, Destreos has never raced in Victoria.
Destreos has raced at Albion Park, Gold Coast, Redcliffe, Menangle, Bathurst, Dubbo and Newcastle plus Alexandra Park and Cambridge in New Zealand.
But his efforts and records are well documented at Albion Park; he graced the track on 322 occasions which resulted in 74 wins and 100 minor placings.
His victory today was his first during the month of July.
He has covered more than 618,000 metres.
His average winning mile rate is 1:56.3.
While he has banked more than $790,000 in total, his earnings from Albion Park alone stand at $599,142.
A number of drivers have partnered “Dex” including Kelli Dawson, Scott Kunde, Darrel Graham, Bruce Birch, Ray Law, Ricky Thurlow, Mathew Neilson, Shane Graham, Luke McCarthy, Hayden Barnes, Simon Jones and Rattray himself.
And Dawson is a clear leader with victories.
The lightweight driver has posted 54 victories behind the marvel at Albion Park and the association looks set to continue.
“We plan on flying Kelli down when he starts in either Melbourne next week or Tasmania when he arrives. We’re a team and Kelli plays a pivotal role so we want that to continue, especially with the 100 career win milestone just around the corner.
“Unfortunately Kelli missed his 400th start owing to injury and we want her to be behind him for as long as possible.
“They have a special bond just like Kenny and I do with him and we won’t break that bond, heading back to Tasmania is just another chapter in this horse’s career.”
DESTREOS
Breeding; Astreos-Melvins Speed
Record; 435 starts, 97 wins, 132 placings, $788,345 in stakes.
Biggest win – 2012 Gr.3 $30k Be Good Johnny Sprint
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