Hector Fawley Roars Home To Win Sandgroper

HECTOR Fawley has won the west with a booming performance to annex the $600,000 The Sandgroper (520m) at Cannington on Thursday night.

The powerhouse Victorian unleashed his trademark withering finish to run down gallant local Sunset Frazer to score by an ever extending 4 ¼ lengths in 29.42s while Morton finished third a further 1 ½ lengths away.

Raced and trained by Lisa and Ian Cockerell, Hector Fawley, a son of Bernardo and Rolanda Hooch, was representing Ladbrokes in the $300,000-to-the-winner event which kickstarted three frenetic days of racing for the Western Trilogy Tri-Code Racing Series.

The victory also handed Ladbrokes back-to-back ‘slot race' victories following Schillaci's against all odds The Phoenix triumph in December.

Following the race, Ian Cockerell, who trains in partnership with wife Lisa, was full of praise for their grand galloper's herculean performance against such a stellar field.

It's fair to say that connections were a little bit excited after Hector Fawley's win in The Sandgroper! pic.twitter.com/slJLT8ARE9

— Ladbrokes.com.au (@ladbrokescomau) April 18, 2024

"We came here tonight thinking with luck in running he could win and he's done the job – just couldn't be prouder," Ian Cockerell said.

"It was a big ask to travel across the country and tackle such a great field but he's taken it all in his stride and shown just what a courageous dog he is.

"Ladbrokes have been a great partner on this journey and to win is just a huge thrill for all of us.

"Just couldn't be prouder."

Hector Fawley's The Sandgroper success was the Hume Cup hero's 21st race win from 55 starts with his stake earnings now surpassing $700,000.

All the rage heading into the blockbuster event was Victorian star Big Energy which had drawn box one for his assault on the race in what was the gifted sprinter's WA homecoming.

But after a moderate getaway and rampaging local Sunset Frazier sizzling to the front, favourite backers were quickly put out of play, with the son of Aussie Infrared shuffled back out of play before finishing fourth.

Sunset Frazier's gallant second placed finish gave the local contingent plenty to cheer about and hands trainer Dave Hobby a first and second in the race following Crumble Monelli's inaugural victory last year.

The Western Trilogy now turns to Gloucester Park on Friday night for The Nullarbor before Ascot stages the $5 million The Quokka on Saturday.

PHOTO CREDIT MICHAEL MCINALLY