But the Craisbrook trainer-driver was able to leave Lord's Raceway on Wednesday night a happy man after the five-year-old trotter notched up her fifth career win at start number 63.

It was Di Li's second victory at Bendigo in two months. She previously won the Vale Colin Redwood Trot on April 3, but had been unable to add to that tally in her next five runs, despite a pair of placings.

Shipway, who was in the sulky as Di Li eased past a tiring Regal Assassin in the final stages of the race, was delighted the mare had shown plenty of pluck in running down the race leader.

"Everything went her way, she had the run of the race," he said.

"She's an average horse, but if she gets the right circumstances, she can get her way.

"We were always driving for luck, but our mare did run on and she did lift when she got told to her."

Di Li, whose five victories have been complemented by 17 minor placings, has paid an average dividend of $23.78 at her wins.

"She had a few injuries as a baby, but she's battled on and done a good job," Shipway said.

"She's out of our own stallion (Louey Louey Louey), who we bred and owned.

"She'll probably be back at Bendigo when there's another race for her, not the next meeting, but the meeting after.

"She will probably struggle going up to the next grade, but you have got to have a crack. The only way to find out is to try."

With coronavirus restrictions slowly easing in Victoria, Shipway was looking forward to the possible return to racing at nearby Maryborough in July.

"I'll have to drive around the block a few times because I've gotten used to travelling," he said.

"The horses won't know what's hit them when they just have to go up the road."

READ MORE:

Exciter starting to live up to his name | VIDEO

Di Li delight for Brett Shipway

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.