by Duane Ranger (at Dolphin Park)
Australia’s best driver has combined with Australia’s best pacer to win the latest Group One feature at Dicelands Raceway.
Competing for the first time at Redcliffe’s ‘Dolphin Park’, Troy Spencer, has this week driven Fenrir to appropriately win his late mother’s race – the inaugural Janette ‘Nettie’ Spencer Memorial Pace.
Janette only passed away on September 17, aged 81, and to be fair her son made it ‘a one horse-race’ when they went down the back straight the last time.
Driving his champion 4-year-old Fenrir, Troy Spencer drew three, and then made his move at the 600m. They then had 10 lengths to spare on the home turn, before leaving their opposition to it.
Fenrir, a striking black entire has now raced six times at Dicelands for three wins and two seconds. His form-line now reads P21211.
Both Fenrir and Spencer also won the Group One Wendy Spencer Birthday Pace last start on September 1, and the Listed Redcliffe Free-For-All on January 18.
As for Spencer, he’s now had 12 drives at Dicelands Raceway for four wins, two seconds, and a fourth. His other Group One victory came via Fenrir’s full-brother, Cassiopeia, who nailed the 2021 Group One Wendy Spencer Birthday on September 11, last year.
Spencer, a former greyhound trainer and lifetime racing fan, said this win was the best, easiest, and most sentimental of them all.
Then and now… ‘Nettie Spencer’ pictured in her younger days and more recently.
“Mum only passed away in September and it’ still pretty raw. When my cousin (Wendy) suggested Dicelands hold a race in her honour I was chuffed. He’s a good horse and he did Mum proud,” Redcliffe-based Spencer said.
“It was probably the easiest win I’ve had too. I’m sure she was watching,” the 60-year-old.” added.
He said his mother Janette, who was born in West End in Brisbane, was a huge greyhound fan, and assisted him at his Brisbane kennels whenever she could. Mrs Spencer also liked the trots and used to go to Redcliffe Paceway.
Fenrir won the 1609m mobile by a whopping 15 lengths. The early pace-maker and race favourite, Wild Willy (Maci Cottrell) was second, while 2-year-old first starter Toby Parker (Doug Ranger), was third.
It was quite fitting that ‘Lifetime Dicelands Club Member’, Doug Ranger attended the first ever Dolphin Park meeting.
The first race of the day, was named in honour of his late wife of 54 years – the second annual ‘Anne Ranger Memorial Pace’.
Doug Ranger not only had his 29-race starter Nidenud, (Dunedin spelt backwards) place in the 1,609m metre mobile, but he also presented the winner with the coveted Anne Ranger Trophy.
That winner was… Troy Spencer’s cousin Gail Spencer, who drove favourite, Musk, from barrier two to win a tight finish from Nidenud and Just Run (Peter Lovely).
Gail Spencer proved that physical and mental disabilities are NO barrier when it comes to driving and stabling standardbreds at Dicelands Raceway.
“I’m rapt with the win. I love this game and I love horses so much. Give me the money,” Gail joked as she was presented with her trophy at the prize-giving ceremony.
It wasn’t the first time that Gail (also known as Agent 61) has raced at Dicelands.
In fact, the 61-year-old Gold Coaster has had seven starts, and Sunday’s (December 11) two-length victory was her best. She also drove Costa Quid into fourth in the ‘Nettie’ Spencer Memorial.
Special thanks to Wendy Spencer for hosting and catering the meeting at Dolphin Park. Also big ups to Sally Elliotte for her first two drives at Dicelands behind Boldhino (fell) and Galenus (7th).
BUT…please note Sally your appointment with the Dicelands Stipendiary Stewards is this Friday in downtown Brisbane at 2pm. You can bring a representative with you. Subject: Boldhino falling at the 800m and creating havoc in behind.
The next meeting will be on the Gold Coast early in the new year. Special thanks to the Gold Coast drivers who made their way to Redcliffe for what was an eventful and fun day out.
A minute’s silence was held for both Anne and ‘Nettie’ prior to both Group One events.
Nominations are already being called for Races 118 and 119. Private message Club President Duane Ranger for more.
