Harness racing royalty is headed to Brisbane.
And they’re coming for the Queensland summer carnival which starts on November 30 at Albion Park with the opening round of the Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship heats.
The Gr.2 $40,770 Final is scheduled for December 15.
Inter Dominion winning trainer/driver Darren Hancock is heading north with trio of talented performers spearheaded by feature race winning squaregaiter, Monaro Mia.
Hancock scored a memorable victory with Jofess back in 2004 at Gloucester Park in Perth among a stack of other features during his glittering career.
Monaro Mia, a winner of the Gr.3 Northern Trotting Oaks at Alexandra Park, Auckland last season has recently joined Hancock and has shaped nicely in her two local Sydney starts.
The Imperial Count mare has been a runner-up in both starts at TABCORP Park, Menangle to date and Hancock believes the Sunshine State feature fits in nicely.
“We’re heading up but the main purpose is Monaro Mia and the trotting feature, that’s the purpose of the trip and we’re looking forward to it. I have Monaro Mia and Empire Bay for the trotting series while Majestic Kiwi is also making the trip up.” Hancock said.
Majestic Kiwi ranks as a full brother to On Thunder Road, a winner of 35 races and over $425,000 for Hancock in recent years.
Hancock will be based at Redcliffe but the team will be under the watchful eye of his son Corey and famous uncle, Brian.
B.P Hancock needs no introduction; his deeds within the industry are legendary following his three Inter Dominion victories with champion pacer Our Sir Vancelot during the late 1990’s.
The winner of a record six Inter Dominions - five as a trainer and five as a driver - Hancock believes he has achieved everything he ever aspired to.
Hancock trained and drove Weona Warrior (1994) while achieving the three-peat with Our Sir Vancelot (1997/98/99).
He also trained Thorate (1990) while taking the drive behind Koala King (1980).
During his time, Hancock made many trips north of the border when campaigning the likes of Quantum Lobell, Tallowood Pursuit, Courage Under Fire, Thorate, and Weona Warrior among many others.
Known as Mr Inter Dominion, Hancock retired from race driving in 2003.
And Brian and Darren Hancock have achieved feature race success in Brisbane previously when they combined with former North American pacer Sweet Fame in the Gr.1 $125,000 Trans-Tasman at Albion Park back in 2006.
“We’re in good hands with Uncle Brian in charge up there, if they go good it’s because of my foundation work and if things go pear-shaped, it will be on him.
“It will be a great experience for my son Corey and spending quality time with Brian, hopefully he gains plenty of knowledge.
“All horses are in good form and should acquit themselves well, I’m really happy with Monaro Mia and the way she’s performing. This series fits her schedule perfectly and should be a good target going forward, she’s a quality performer with a good record.”
Monaro Mia starts tomorrow (Tuesday) at Menangle.
Brian will take on the role of ‘executive foreman’ during the Brisbane campaign.
Feature events are scheduled for December 1, 8 and 15 at Albion Park.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | November 19