News & Media

21 July 2009 The Mighty Rocky Back in Business

It's all set for round four for Roebourne crowd favourite Rocky Kwila who has fast become a legend at the track, particularly on cup day. The mighty gelding powered home at his last appearance on Ladies Day for a decisive three length victory and the whispers in the crowd could be heard, "Rocky's back!". The ring is now drawn for Rocky to put in another fight for the XXXX Gold Roebourne Cup.

The legend is now building and anyone you talk to around the Nor-West Jockey Club about cup day invariably mentions the name Rocky. There was a degree of apprehension about his ability to again be competitive after he managed to finish dead last in his first three starts this year, but as the champion rose to the challenge to win at his last start, the talk about this year's cup is again all about Rocky.

Like his name sake, Rocky Balboa, he is trained by the very best. Under the guidance of Roebourne Racecourse specialist Peter Dellar, Rocky has come into this round all guns blazing. Peter, who's been a great advocate and spokeperson for the club certainly rates Rocky's chances in this year's cup.

Peter's admiration for the horse is evident by how highly he speaks of him and one can only wonder if Peter goes as far as to play "Eye of the Tiger" to the eight year old gelding to gee him up for a race.

Rocky's first appearance in a Roebourne Cup in 2006 saw him come away with a third placing behind Why The Long Face and Scrap Metal. Then in 2007, Rocky established himself as a force to be reckoned with a huge five and a half length victory.

Last year Rocky again secured victory fairly comfortably, setting the scene for him to challenge for an amazing three Roebourne Cup victories in a row. One can only imagine how loud the chants for the local legend will be if he manages to cross the line again victorious, thus securing himself as a legend at the Roebourne Racecourse.