SA Trots - Fairy Tale finish in the Trotters Derby

YOU hope for a fairy tale, but they don't always happen, so I'm rapt it did this time.

That's how trainer Tyrone Abela summed up his successful interstate raid during the weekend.

Abela made the trip to Globe Derby for Saturday night's South Australia Trotters' Derby with a pair of geldings, including one named after his late father, Joe.

Racing as Distant Sun, the three-year-old is affectionately-known as Joey around the stable.

To Abela's delight, Distant Sun captured the Blue Riband, while his stablemate, El Bravo, was an eye-catching fourth in his debut.

"As I've said, Dad always wanted a runner in the Trotters' Derby in Adelaide for some reason, so to have one named after him in the race was great in itself," Abela said. "To have him win though is another story all together.

"You hope for a fairy tale, but they don't always happen, so I'm rapt it did this time.

"Having his name on the honour roll, taking home the trophy and being able to dedicate the win to my father is something that will last a lifetime."

Driven by Gaita Pullicino, Distant Sun led throughout from barrier four to complete a three-and-a-half metre win from Can Adele Succeed.

Bishop George was two metres away third in 2:03 over 2230 metres.

"I was a little concerned before the race as he didn't handle the trip over as well as I would've liked and he was quite anxious and nervous," Abela said.

"Then on corner I was worried it had all taken its toll on him as he appeared to be struggling, but he picked himself up and got the job done.

"That was his last run for the season and he's already in a paddock."

• PAUL COURTS