STALWART pacer Albert Jones notched his first win in over three years when he stormed down the outside to win the opening race on the card at Devonport on Sunday night.
The old stager, prepared by Heath Szczypka, settled last but young driver Todd Rattray timed his run to perfection.
Albert Jones was the widest runner on the home turn but the veteran packed too many guns for his rivals over the final 150 metres to get up and score comfortably from King Albert and Alla Breve.
Albert Jones began his career in the care of trainer Leigh Dornauf who prepared the gelding for prominent Tasmanian owner Doug McKillop and Launceston-based veterinarian Dr. Steve King who bred the horse.
Szczypka acquired Albert Jones early this year and while this was his first win, the gelding had notched 12 minor placings from 20 attempts for his new trainer.
Albert Jones was considered a handy juvenile winning at his second start as an early three-year-old and in his second preparation notched seven wins from his eight starts and he won the Raider Stakes at four.
“Albert Jones has definitely paid his way and I reckon he’s still got a few more wins left in him,” Szczypka said.
“He’s is obviously past his absolute best and he has his share of issues but as he showed in this run he still has the will to win,” he said.
Albert Jones is owned and raced by Peter McGann, prominent thoroughbred breeder David Cochrane, Leigh Dornauf, Joel Wallace and Steve King.
The gelding’s career record stands at 86 stars for 15 wins and 25 minor placings for $107,400 in stakes.