Veterans break long drought

A PAIR of veterans broke a long drought from the winners' circle earlier this week.

Sending his trotter across the border, 84-year-old trainer Geoff Senior was victorious in Mount Gambier to register his first success since March 2023.

On that occasion Senior was triumphant with Icicle, which scored in Melton when driven by Jackie Barker.

The Melton win also doubled as Icicle's previous moment in the spotlight.

"It's been a long time between drinks," Senior said. "It was great to see him get another win.

"He did have a bone chip in his leg not long after his previous win, which I had to take out, and it put him out of business for 12 months.

"He has taken a while to come back to where I would like him, but I think he has come back trotting better than ever.

"He had a couple of bad runs and was a bit rocky, but I think I wasn't putting enough work into him.

"Like me, he's gotten a bit old and will never be as good as his former self, but he's still going well enough."

Driven by Barker once again, Icicle overcame a 50-metre backmark to score by 20 metres from Moonshine Penny.

Majestic Connies was 20 metres away third as the winner rated 2:04.2 over 2190 metres.

"Barry Beasley, who is a great bloke and help, drives him in fast work for me and after working him on Saturday said we'll give them 50 metres start and beat them by 50," Senior said. "We only won by 20 though!

"He is the nicest horse I have ever had and I'll keep him going for another couple of years."