Local trainer Peter Luttrell ‘over the moon’ after winning Launceston Cup with Distrustful Award

But in a memorable David versus Goliath moment, Luttrell’s $19 outsider Distrustful Award blew past $1.70 favourite Promises Kept to ensure Luttrell won the Cup on his first attempt on Wednesday.

Promises Kept is part of superstar trainer Ciaron Maher’s stable and was ridden by dual Melbourne Cup winner Mark Zahra.

But the Victorian raider Promises Kept was helpless as Distrustful Award added to his Longford Cup victory on New Year’s Day.

Peter’s brother, John, also won the Launceston Cup with Geegees Black Flash in 2013.

Distrustful Award bided his time in the back of the field before jockey Anthony Darmanin unleashed a sustained run down the straight to reel in the pacesetters.

“It means a lot. You want to try and win the big races and my brother John won it with ‘Flash’,” Luttrell said.

“I thought I might be a chance of running a place, but to win it I’m so excited.

“Even if it ran a place I’d be rapt. I’m over the moon. I’m lost for words, which I’m normally not.

“Halfway down the straight I thought he’s going to run a place, but a bit further I thought ‘Christ, he’s going to give them some curry here’.

“Darma (jockey Anthony Darmanin) rode him a treat, he hooked him out at the right time. The horse relaxes well and he’s just a good stayer.”

The win completes a remarkable ascent for the five year old, with the five year old registering his third victory in 19 starts.

“The first time I let him run up the straight at Longford I thought ‘Jeez I’ve got something here’, he just kept getting out of his ground in Class 1s and was rattling home all the time.

“I didn’t intend to run him in the Longford Cup but he pulled up that well, he had a crack.

“He’s just a beautiful horse, the nicest and kindest horse you could come across.”

Luttrell said Distrustful Award would likely go to the paddock.

“He’s had nine or 10 runs now and he’s a big and lightly framed horse, I’ll do the right thing by him. If he pulls up an absolute treat I’d probably consider riding him in the St Ledger (in Launceston next week). If not he’ll have a break.”

Originally published as Local trainer Peter Luttrell ‘over the moon’ after winning Launceston Cup with Distrustful Award