Star Of Universe does the unthinkable and wins at 174th start

THIRTEEN-year-old ironhorse Star Of Universe has done it again and remarkably triumphed at his 174th career start.

Star Of Universe has now won 19 races and placed another 43 times for almost $150,000 in earnings. Picture: Peter Lorimer

THEY sure don't make horses like they used to.

Thirteen-year-old ironhorse Star Of Universe is testament to that after his old legs carried him to yet another race victory at Gunnedah on Monday.

What made the unlikely triumph even more remarkable was the four-legged modern marvel was having his 174th career start.

Black Caviar wasn't even a twinkle in her father's eye when Star Of Universe had his first career start, way back in 2003.

While most horses his age are enjoying the quiet life in the paddock, Star Of Universe simply refuses to retire. He's now won 19 races, placed another 43 times for almost $150,000 in earnings.

Gulgong trainer James Thompson, the 70-year-old trainer who bred the chestnut gelding, said there was every chance his horse could reach 200 starts.

``Why would I stop him from doing what he loves?'' Thompson said.

James Thompson with provincial legend Star Of Universe. Picture: Peter Lorimer

``And while he can keep winning races like he did on Monday, I'm happy to keep him going.

``He's cranky, but he's also intelligent - he's got more brains than the bloke who trains him and the jockeys who ride him.''

Star Of Universe the oldest horse racing in NSW, and possibly Australia. Another horse, Mustard, retired as a 14-year-old in 2012.

Star Of Universe won at the juicy odds of $45 on Monday. He won the same race at the corresponding meeting 12 months earlier.

Under Australian racing rules, any horse aged 12 years or older must be vetted on race day. There are no rules that prevent a horse racing once they reach a certain age.

Racing NSW's chief vet Craig Suann said if a horse had not had a strenuous race career, and was well put together, there was no reason they couldn't continue to take the starting blocks.

Thompson was unsure when Star Of Universe would race next.

``When we got home on Monday night, I got him off the truck and he laid his head against me. He knew he had won,'' Thompson said.

Star Of Universe has now won 19 races and placed another 43 times for almost $150,000 in earnings. Picture: Peter Lorimer