Millionaire retired as younger brother scores

HANDY pacer Offyarocka Crocker made a successful debut in his 'spiritual home' last Saturday night.

Although foaled in New South Wales, Offyarocka Crocker was bred and is owned by former Harness Racing SA Chairman and financial whiz, Gary Crocker.

Beginning his career in NSW, the well-bred gelding has spent stints in Victoria and Queensland, having won in each state.

Recently transferred to South Australian horsewoman Samantha Hill, Offyarocka Crocker proved too good at Globe Derby in what promises to be the first of many wins as a 'local'.

"I've always had a reasonable opinion of him, he just hasn't quite fulfilled it yet," Crocker said. "He's won nine races and run more than 20 placings, so he's paying his way, but he is shy of expectations.

"He's here in South Australia now with Sam and Wayne and I've got no doubt they'll get him going quite nicely.

"The opposition won't be as tough for him here, and he's still down in grade, so I can't see any reason why he can't put a few wins together."

With Wayne in the cart, Offyarocka Crocker was never fully tested on his way to an 11-and-a-half metre win from Trailblazer, with Martys Party 13 metres away third.

By broodmare gem Aratusa Lass, Offyarocka Crocker is a brother to Group One winner, Major Crocker, which was retired as a sprightly 14-year-old last week.

Despite his 'greybeard' status, Major Crocker won 13 races this season, including a 1:50.3 success last July.

The first SA-bred pacer to earn more than $1million, the son of Art Major won 73 races - 43 in North America - with his best time of 1:49.2 registered at Pocono Downs in 2019.

Major Crocker almost matched that last year when he won at  Hoosier Park in 1:49.3 as a 13-year-old.