Veteran breaks his own Australian record

VETERAN horseman John Lee broke his own Australian record earlier this week.

Becoming the nation's eldest winning reinsman with his victory behind Martys Party last March, Lee eclipsed the mark with his latest triumph.

Partnering the gelding once again, Lee scored at Globe Derby at the ripe age of 89!

While most are in awe with the octogenarian's effort, Lee brushed it off as "just another win".

"It's nice to have people take notice, but it's not a big deal," Lee declared. "I don't feel 89, so it is just another win really.

"Last year I was 88, this time I'm 89 and after my next birthday I'll be 90...that's usually how it works!"

Driven confidently, Martys Party was beaten for early speed from the pole before being eased away from the pegs to test the leader, Courtney Katarina, from the 'death seat'.

Dashing to the front along the back straight, the son of Alta Christiano cruised to a six-metre win from Childers Road, with Magnetize 12-and-a-half metres away third.

Also trained by Lee, the 10-year-old rated 1:58 over 1800 metres, taking his record to 17 wins and 32 placing from 116 starts.

"I've had him since he was a foal and he's been a nice little horse," Lee said. "He knows what he's doing out there and I just sit in the cart and follow him.

"He'd run second at his two previous starts, so he's earned that win.

"I really haven't got anything picked out for him moving forward, just find the next suitable race."