FLEET EXPRESS might not be the best pacer to race in Tasmania but few could rival the 10-year-old for consistency.
When he arrived in Tasmania as an untried three-year-old his owners, like most, were hoping he would pay his way.
In Launceston last Sunday night Fleet Express notched his 38th win to take his career earnings to $342,488 but the statistic that sets him apart from arguably all before him that have reached the 100-start milestone or beyond is that he has never failed to earn a cheque from 124 outings in Tasmania.
While he has missed a return from several runs in Victoria, his record in his home state is impeccable.
The gelding is owned in partnership by Shane Hildebrand, Tandy Gill, Glenn Butterworth and Phil Jones who have been taken on a ride that any owner would want to take.
Fleet Express was prepared by Brighton-based mentor Eric Jacobson from his first start until the gelding was recently transferred to the care of Christian Salter.
While Salter would be unlikely to improve Fleet Express, the change of scenery and a slightly different training regime appears to have given the old stager a new lease on life.
Fleet Express dashed home his last quarter (400m) on Sunday night in 27 seconds coming from near last 600 metres out.
He was privately clocked at running his last quarter in 26.
While Fleet Express is unlikely to be competitive in races such as the Tasmania Cup in December or the Easter Cup in March next year, he will continue to make his presence felt in free-for-alls while the top open class pacers are preparing for their return.
Fleet Express has won 37 in Tasmania and one in Victoria but he also has amassed 56 minor placings with his Tasmanian stake earnings a massive $327,138.
Ricky Duggan has partnered Fleet Express 111 times from his 124 Tassie starts, including his latest win for a new trainer.