Local outsider causes upset in the Launceston Cup

Distrustful Award delivered an emotional victory for Tasmanian racing fans, producing a stunning last-to-first finish to win Wednesday’s $250,000 Launceston Cup.

Overcoming a slow getaway, the five-year-old stormed home in the 2400-metre Group 3, denying the heavily-backed Promises Kept ($1.65) and handing trainer Peter Luttrell one of his biggest career wins.

“I was just hoping he could run a place after missing the start, so to see him win is unbelievable,” Luttrell said.

“When I took him on, he only had one win to his name. Now, he’s won the Longford Cup and the Launceston Cup.

“I’ve trained for many years, and he’s the best horse I’ve had.”

Distrustful Award was initially trained in Victoria by Paul Preusker before moving to WA under Grant and Alana Williams. Last year, he found his way to Luttrell’s Tasmanian stable.

The Launceston Cup victory was his fourth in 20 starts, lifting his earnings to $249,650, with the $150,000 winner’s cheque boosting his career bankroll.

Starting at $21, the Shamus Award gelding hit the line half a length ahead of Promises Kept, who looked poised to win after a dream run under jockey Mark Zahra. Kaliuwaa Falls ($21) finished a close third, a long neck behind.

Jockey Anthony Darmanin, who steered Distrustful Award to victory, was thrilled with the performance.

“He didn’t make it easy, but when I saw how well he was moving, I knew we had a real chance,” Darmanin said.

“He found the line strongly, just as I expected.”

The win capped off a memorable day for Darmanin, who earlier rode Geegees Mistruth to a commanding win in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m).

The feature card also included the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes, taken out by Durazzo for trainer Barry Campbell. However, the race ended in heartbreak as local champion The Inevitable was euthanised after sustaining a catastrophic injury.