Distrustful Award delivered a thrilling victory for local fans, defeating a strong field of Victorian challengers in Wednesday’s $250,000 Launceston Cup.

The former mainlander overcame a slow start to come from last place and storm home, defeating heavily-backed favourite Promises Kept, who was priced at $1.65. The win marked one of the biggest achievements of trainer Peter Luttrell’s career in the 2400-metre Group 3 event.

“When he bombed the start again, I thought if he runs a place it will be a top run, but I can’t honestly believe he’s won,” Luttrell said. “He’s the best horse I’ve had, so I’ll enjoy it.”

Distrustful Award joined Luttrell’s stable last year from WA trainers Grant and Alana Williams, after beginning his career with Paul Preusker in Victoria. The Launceston Cup victory, his fourth career win in 20 starts, boosted his prizemoney to $249,650.

The Shamus Award five-year-old, who started at $21, finished half a length ahead of Promises Kept, who had tracked the leaders and was presented by jockey Mark Zahra but couldn’t hold off Distrustful Award’s late charge. Third place went to Kaliuwaa Falls, another Tasmanian runner, who finished a long neck behind.

Tasmania’s leading jockey, Anthony Darmanin, steered Distrustful Award to victory and praised the horse’s performance despite the poor start. “I knew he’d finish off and he sure did,” Darmanin said.

The win marked back-to-back Black Type victories for Darmanin, who had earlier guided local filly Geegees Mistruth to a dominant victory in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m).

The day’s events also included the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes, which was claimed by the Barry Campbell-trained Durazzo. However, there was a sad conclusion when local star The Inevitable was euthanised after suffering a catastrophic injury in the 1600m race.