Hobart Record Falls To Despacito

EXCELLENT conditions at Hobart last Thursday night led to Despacito breaking the 461-metre track record, previously held by Above All.

A $2.30 chance in the Tasracing Stake, the fawn chaser took full advantage of the great racing conditions, leading all-the-way over the famous journey to defeat a gallant Muppet by 2 ½ lengths in the staggering track record time of 25.49.

"He went super, the dog is in good form, that was a brilliant field too," said trainer Ted Medhurst.

"Despacito jumped well and Muppet (box three) went with him but to the first turn he burnt her off and showed good speed. There is quality about this dog, you know his record speaks for itself, making all three group finals over here.

"He does like a big track and only travelling 20-minutes down the road is a big plus too."

See Despacito's record breaking run here

The son of Black Magic Opal and El Brooklyn lowered the track record of former New Zealander Above All, setting the standard when claiming the Hobart Thousand back in 2014.

Despacito has won 17 races from 51 starts with now five victories in Tassie with $122, 570 in prizemoney.

Medhurst finished up the night with a treble, courtesy of Who's Bourque and Branwell Lee, both returning to the track having been off the scene for quite some time with injury. 

The Hall of Fame trainer says both chasers will improve off the runs heading into their next assignments.