Geegees Blackflash returns with a jubilant jockey Lee Smith and trainer John Luttrell after winning the Group 3 Tasmanian Derby

BRIGHTON trainer John Luttrell almost gave the game away 18 months ago and had it not been for loyal owners Paul and Elizabeth Geard convincing him to stick it out he could have been a bystander at today's Cadbury Tasmanian Derby meeting.

The powerful Gai Waterhouse stable would have wished he had given it away because it was Luttrell's gallant three-year-old Gee Gees Blackflash that powered past Waterhouse's contender Kinnersley to win the $200,000 Group 3 event over 2200 metres at Tattersall's Park.

Gee Gees Blackflash went into the race as a $19 outsider despite have been beaten in the last stride by Victorian Excuse My French in the two major lead-up races to the Derby.

But the gelded son of Clangalang, out of the Grand Lodge mare La Quita, relished the 2200 metres and after being given the gun run of the race misfield by Victorian rider Lee Smith Gee Gees Blackflash chased down the odds-on favourite Kinnersley ($1.90) in the home straight to win running away.

"This is a turning point in my training career - that's for sure," Luttrell said.

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