Former Australian record speedster retired

FORMER speedster Keep On Rocking has been retired.

A handy performer in Australia, Keep On Rocking enjoyed a successful career in America while trained by ex-patriot Chris Scicluna.

The highlight of the gelding's time in the northern hemisphere came in March 2019 when Keep On Rocking stopped the clock in 1:48.2 at Dover Downs to become the fastest Australian-bred pacer.

In doing so Keep On Rocking slashed half a second from Anything For Love’s record.

Anything For Love, which also finished his career in the northern hemisphere, set his mark at Tabcorp Park Menangle on February 17, 2018.

At the time only four southern hemisphere pacers – all Kiwis – had gone quicker than Keep On Rocking.

My Field Marshal with his 1:46.9 Miracle Mile triumph, Have Faith In Me (1:47.5), Adore Me (1:47.7) and Nike Franco 1:48.

Soho Burning Love, Bechers Brook and Major Occasion equalled Keep On Rocking's mark at The Meadowlands in July 2020 before Major Dan lowered it to 1:47.6 at the same venue also in July 2020.

Better Eclipse matched the 1:47.6 to be the co-fastest Australian-bred pacer when he scored at Club Menangle on February 19, 2022.

Leonidis with his 1:48 triumph at Rosecroft Raceway on November 15, 2020 and Stars Align's 1:48 victory at The Meadowlands on April 24, 2021 have also surpassed Keep On Rocking mark.

"He was still going well at his old age, but got claimed earlier this year," Scicluna said. "He did a suspensory last month, so I bought him back and retired him.

"He will retire at Brenda and Jack Hahns' property in Maryland about 30 minutes away from where I live in Delaware and spend his twilight years being pampered."

Keep On Rocking's record stands at 48 wins - 33 in the USA - 28 seconds and 25 thirds for a bankroll of $589,930.