Local pride was on full display as Distrustful Award stunned a talented field of Victorian challengers to claim victory in Wednesday’s $250,000 Launceston Cup.

Despite a slow start, the five-year-old powered home from last place to deny race favourite Promises Kept ($1.65) in the 2400-metre Group 3, delivering a career-defining win for trainer Peter Luttrell.

“When he blew the start, I figured a placing would be a huge effort—I can’t believe he’s actually won,” Luttrell said.

“When he arrived in my stable, he’d only won once, and now he’s got the Longford Cup and the Launceston Cup.

“I’ve been in racing a long time, and he’s the best horse I’ve had, so this means a lot.”

Previously trained by Grant and Alana Williams in WA and earlier by Paul Preusker in Victoria, Distrustful Award joined Luttrell’s Tasmanian stable last year.

His Launceston Cup victory was his fourth career success from 20 starts, taking his total earnings to $249,650 with the $150,000 first prize.

The Shamus Award gelding, a $21 outsider, finished half a length ahead of Promises Kept, who had a perfect run behind the leaders before being caught late. Kaliuwaa Falls, another Tasmanian runner at $21, finished a long neck away in third.

Top local jockey Anthony Darmanin, who partnered Distrustful Award, was delighted with the win, particularly given the rough start.

“He makes life hard for himself, but when I saw how well he was traveling, I thought, ‘I’m right in this,’” Darmanin said.

“I knew he’d hit the line well, and he sure did.”

The win marked a double on the day for Darmanin, who earlier guided promising filly Geegees Mistruth to victory in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m).

The program also included the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes, where Durazzo triumphed for trainer Barry Campbell. Sadly, the race was marred by the fatal injury to The Inevitable, a beloved local galloper who was humanely euthanised.