Fennell claims historic victory

THE move to Mount Gambier has been a positive one and the rivalry between stablemates Go Jack Crocker and Spook Crocker has catapulted Spook Crocker and his trainer Steven Fennell to the Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club Gold Cup.

The two horses have been duking it out over recent times and basically splitting the wins with Saturday night’s victory by Spook Crocker a history making first Gold Cup for trainer Steven Fennell.

With Mark Phillips taking the reins, Spook Crocker securing a comfortable seven metre victory from Cee Cee Lou and My Purple Patch, who took the minor placings.

Spook Crocker was pushed through from the second row to find the lead as early pacemaker and was never in danger, shaving a second from Royal Speech’s track record set in April 2022.

Co-owner Gary Crocker was thrilled with the win for the provincially undefeated Spook Crocker.

“What a terrific run, drive and training effort,” said Crocker, who bred and co-owns the gelding with Phil Woods. “Like Jack, he’s loving life with Steven and couldn’t be going better.

“As happy as Phil and I are as the owners, we’re rapt for Steven as it’s his first Cup win and he’s been trying to get one for a decade.”

PHOTO BY FRANK MONGER