Evergreen pacer chalks up milestone win

EVERGREEN pacer Bulletproof Boy chalked-up a sensational milestone in Melton just moments ago.

Despite being an 11-year-old via the calendar - having been foaled on November 3, 2014 - and officially turning 11 in 'racing years' on January 1, Bulletproof Boy notched his 50th win at his 222nd start.

Amazed by Bulletproof Boy's longevity, trainer Scott Ewen stated has no plans of retiring the gelding any time soon.

"I can't see any reason why he can't go for another season," Ewen said. "He's as fit as a Mallee bull, has no leg issues and is racing as good as he ever has.

"If anything, his 10-year-old season has been his best.

"At the start of the year he won the Bendigo and Ballarat Cups, which are his two biggest wins, and two months ago he beat Leap To Fame.

"Those three wins standout among his 50, especially beating Leap To Fame...I never thought it would happen, and may never happen again!

"He'll have five quiet days now while I head back to Adelaide for Christmas, then I'll get him ready for his Bendigo Cup defence a couple of weeks into the New Year."

Driven by James Herbertson, Bulletproof Boy was settled towards the tail of the field from his second row draw as Mach Dan worked to the lead from barrier 11.

Taken three-wide along the back straight, the son of Art Official sustained a strong sprint to score by two-and-a-half metres from the front runner.

Dee Roe was 11 metres away third in 1:52.8 over 2240 metres.

"He's just a marvel," Ewen said. "I always knew he'd make the grade as he always had high speed, but I never dreamt he'd win 50 races.

"It was another perfect drive from James, he's without doubt the best in the state."