Glory days far from over for 76yo trainer-driver

AT AN age when most are sitting back ‘trying to recapture a little of the glory of’, William Drury has proven his ‘glory days’ are from over.

Making a rare trip to Globe Derby last night, the veteran horseman won the opening event on the card with Mighty Regal.

Not only did the gelding register his first victory in 32 months, Mighty Regal broke Drury’s drought from the troubled venue’s winners’ circle which has lasted a little more than a ‘wink of a young girl’s eye’!

In fact it has been more than a decade since Drury scored at the track.

The 76-year-old’s previous Globe Derby success was with Buckleup Billy on April 17, 2010.

“I don’t get to Globe Derby very often,” Drury said. “I reckon I’ve only had 10 drives in those 10 years.

“Three of those have been with Mighty Regal in the last month and I’ll be back again next Saturday night.”

Drury’s return to headquarters – which requires an 11-hour round trip from Mount Gambier – will be to drive Mighty Regal in the Final for ‘up to 50’ pacers.

The son of Stonebridge Regal earned his berth in the decider by rating 1:58.3 in his 1800-metre heat as Illawong Gerry and Rudi Sandel filled the placings.

“Going on his last two runs and his work at home I was pretty confident with him,” Drury said. “He’s done it tough outside the leader and still got the line strongly.”

In what was a great night for the family, Drury’s son David was triumphant with Plutonium later on the card.

Driven by David, Plutonium was never fully extended on his way to a six-and-a-half metre win from Springfield Desire, with Cavalryman a head away third.

The four-year-old rated 1:56.7 over 1800 metres to remain unbeaten from two starts since arriving from New Zealand.

“I felt he had class on his side with the only query being he hadn’t raced for three weeks,” David said. “That run will do him good and he will be better for next week’s Final.”