Beetson out of retirement to set track record at Wagga

It was a special moment for his owners as Beetson was on the comeback trail having his first start for almost 12 months.

Trainer Peter Trevor-Jones said it was an emotional win for a horse he is so close to not only because of what he has achieved in his career, but his longevity.

"He is just a character - I love him," he said. "To win 40 races is very special for me and the other owners.

"He did a back suspensory in his back leg, which the vet said was pretty rare, so we made the decision to retire him."

So how did Beetson get back as a ten-year-old?

"He was fretting in the paddock and he gets greasy heel so I bought him back in for some tender loving care," Trevor-Jones said. "I said to the owner Rod I will get some shoes back on him and see where it takes us and here we are."

"I knew he was right after he ran 1.54 for a mile rate at the trials and to win today after being wide into the first turn and going so fast early is one of his best wins."

Beetson set a new track record for the 2260 metres with a mile rate of 1:56.0.

He claimed the milestone win right at the finish under the urgings of driver Cameron Hart who completed a double after earlier winning with Seattle Trace for Wagga mentor Paul Kahlefeldt.

As a two-year-old, Beetson won the group one Bathurst Gold Crown and the following year claimed the Breeders Challenge regional final at the former Wagga track.

Several years on and Beetson is still winning and he may well again be back for the Wagga Cup on Easter Sunday.

"I always wanted to get to 40 wins and $400,000 prize money with him if he could and he isn't far off both now," Trevor-Jones said.

Beetson is a big horse by standardbred terms, hence why he was named with the former Queensland rugby league hero Arthur Beetson in mind.

Trevor-Jones said Beetson reminded him of a long distance runner - 'lean and mean'.

"I don't race my horses too light, but he does and its works for him," he said.

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