For the third consecutive year, jumps racing fans were treated to a brilliant performance from iron New Zealand galloper Sea King on Bendigo’s feature Mosstrooper Steeplechase race day.
Sea King is the only dual winner of the Mosstrooper, having won it in 2015 and 2016, but it was in the $100,000 Brendan Drechsler Hurdle (3600m) that the rising 11-year-old completed his Bendigo hat-trick for Patrick Payne last Sunday. 
Taking the front at the second-last of 12 obstacles, Sea King ($7) defied his 70kg burden to run clear of placegetters Two Hats and Hornets’ Nest, with $2.30 favourite Renew finishing last. 
The victory was a milestone for rider Brad McLean — his 150th over obstacles — while Sea King kept his unbeaten Bendigo record intact.
Connections of the 11 who faced the starter in the Mosstrooper would have been pleased to see Sea King opt for the feature hurdle. With no steeplechase trial or race to his name this season, he was ineligible to attempt a threepeat.
As it transpired, McLean almost stole the show in the $100,000 ecycle Solutions Mosstrooper Steeplechase (3600m) 40 minutes later but Zed Em was grabbed in the shadows by the Kathryn Durden-trained, Richard Cully-ridden Wells. 
The victory was the ex-Lloyd Williams galloper’s fourth win at Bendigo. He also placing in the Mosstrooper last year and was twice runner-up in the Drechsler Hurdle.
Former club president Drechsler himself was on course to present the trophy named in his honour and to cheer on a runner in the maiden hurdle — the Eric Musgrove-trained They Call Me Sven, whom Drechsler part-owns.
The riding honours across the four jumps races were shared after Arron Lynch got Richard laming-trained $3.30 favourite Refectory home in the maiden hurdle and John Allen teamed up with Darren Weir to take the 1JW hurdle with The Narcissist ($5), who got the better of $1.90 favourite Mujadale.
Sunday’s program rounded out a successful season of racing at Bendigo, its first under the guidance of club CEO Aaron Hearps. 
Racing returns for the popular Taste of Spring Ladies Day on August 13.
Revenge all the way
The Brian Gentle stable made it winners on consecutive Mondays when Destiny’s Revenge claimed The Bottle O 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) at Swan Hill.
The stable hadn’t been to the races since Ribbon of Choice won seven days earlier at Mildura.
Having found the weigh-in stalls at three of his four runs this campaign, Destiny’s Revenge was sent out a $7 chance on Monday following a third placing at Mildura three weeks earlier. 
With Mark Pegus taking the ride and visors on for the first time, Destiny’s Revenge led stablemate Sandtina and held on for what was a lucrative two-length win — connections banked $33,400 thanks to VOBIS Gold bonuses.
“He panics a bit and starts holding his breath if you travel in amongst them,” Pegus told Racing.com. 
“The key is to have him relax where he’s comfortable.”
Destiny’s Revenge became the 100th individual winner for his sire, Reward for Effort, joining his full brother and stablemate Destiny’s Reward.
Monday’s win delighted Destiny’s Revenge’s owners, who include Brisbane Lions footballer Tom Rockliff.
Night of nights
Leading Bendigo Horse of the Year contender In Fairness enhanced his claims at Morphettville last Saturday with a brave third placing to round out his campaign. 
With a tight battle also playing out among the trainers, results in both categories will go down to the wire as the 2016/17 season comes to a close on Monday.
Eleven days later (Saturday August 12), the Bendigo racing community will gather at the racecourse’s Silks function centre to recognise the standout performers in 10 categories. 
Local race caller Ric McIntosh will MC the evening while the Union Street Blues Band will provide the entertainment.
Tickets are $70, including a two-course meal and drink on arrival plus the opportunity to win raffle and door prizes. 
You can book your place by calling the Bendigo Jockey Club on (03) 5448 4209.