DURING his playing days the late Arthur Beetson was renowned for both his work ethic and his longevity with more than a decade representing Australia in rugby league - qualities a namesake is now embodying.
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On Wednesday night at the Bathurst Paceway the Peter Trevor-Jones, Bathurst trained Beetson made it win number 45 in his 214th career start.
Not only did the now 12-year-old who had his first start in 2010 come from more than 20 metres off the pace with a lap to travel to take the spoils, but he clocked the quickest winning mile rate of the meeting - a 1:54.6.
From a wide barrier six draw, driver Tom Pay opted out of the early speed battle with the $23 chance. Ahead of them Art Series ($4.80) blazed to the lead and strung the field out with a blistering 26.1 seconds opening quarter.
Pay waited to the 400m mark to make his move, guiding Beetson two and three wide as he still had some 25m to make up on the front runner. The pace was still on, with the third quarter covered in 28.5.
But Trevor-Jones' iron horse responded. As he has done so many times in his career, Beetson kept coming.
Inside the final 20m he stuck his head in front, going on to nudge out the Mat Rue trained and driven Authoritative ($2.60) by a neck. Third placed Maximus Red ($19) was a further 6.6m back.
It was the third win for the Art Major x Erin Jean gelding this season - he has eight minor placings too - and has him in reach of the $450,000 career stakes mark.