Dream win for prominent owners

HAVING won numerous features during their long history in harness racing, prominent couple Pan and Russell Hockham are the proud owners of a piece of silverware which has evaded their grasp.

After chasing their local club’s flagship event for more than two decades, the Hockhams have added the Cranbourne Cup to their trophy cabinet thanks to Shadow Sax’s victory just moments ago.

“We’ve had a couple of runners in the Cup, but hadn’t been lucky enough to win it,” Pam said. “The closest we came was Sheffield Mark finishing second and that was 20 years ago.

“So to have Shadow Sax win tonight is something pretty special.”

Driven by premier reinsman Chris Alford, Shadow Sax began quickly to lead from barrier four as San Carlo worked on his outside.

Fending off the challenge turning for home, the son of Shadow Play completed a four-metre win from Clancys Fobwatch, with Mustang Bart three-and-a-half metres away third.

“Once he got to the front I was pretty excited and nervous,” Pam said. “At the top of the straight when he kicked clear, I knew he was home and was just so thrilled.”

Rating 1:56.1 over 2555 metres, Shadow Sax slashed four-tenths of a second off Terrorway’s track record set on December 8, 2012.

To be given a couple of easy days, the Emma Stewart-trained five-year-old will be set for another country cup later in the month.

“I think Emma will let him have a day or two off now…he’s earned it,” Hockham said. “There is another Cup in a fortnight, which he will probably go to next.

“He’s had 10 starts this season for eight wins and a third and this is his fourth Cup in that time, so he’s doing a wonderful job.”