The training and driving combination of Conor Crook and Jordan Chibnall continued their feature race success in Tasmania this summer when Magnetic Terror claimed the Listed Hardings Group Devonport Cup (2698m) in Launceston on Saturday night.
The race was marred by several drivers being dislodged from their sulkies 150m after the start. Jimmy The Irishman (Rohan Hillier), The Shallows (Brodie Davis), and Mickey Oh (Matthew Howlett) lost their drivers. Miss Papenhuyzen was also inconvenienced and subsequently retired from the race. Two horses were captured by the course clerks, while the driver held the reins of another. All horses and drivers escaped injury.
Magnetic Terror ($6) galloped away and then missed the incident soon after the start to settle four-back on the pylons in the early stages.
Chibnall weaved through the pack, leaving the back straight to find clear racing room near the 300m.
The pacer flew home down the outside to pick up Star Major ($5.50 fav) by a head with Just Tiger ($18) 2.5m away third, in a mile rate of 2:00.1s.
“We are really happy,” said Crook post-race.
“He is obviously not the best stand horse, and it wasn’t the best conditions to win a race with the early carnage, but he was really good.
“Watching, we were on the back of Just Tiger, and I was hoping he was going to be put into the race, and if he did that, we would be going to get into the race, and that’s what happened,” the trainer said.
Crook has stepped back from driving in recent times, with his partner Jordan Chibnall taking over the driving side of the stable.
“I really like the training side of it, and she really likes driving and does a good job of it, and the horses run for her, and it’s becoming a good combination,” Crook said.
It was Crook’s second Devonport Cup win. He drove Lip Reader to victory in 2022, when the race was held for the final time at the Devonport Showgrounds, but for Chibnall it was her first success in the race.
“I love this horse so much. He is in the zone at the moment, and I couldn’t believe his late sprint at the end of 2698m.
“I was thinking the whole race are they pulling up (given the obstructions on the track), I wasn’t sure what was going on. I actually saw the fall and was worried about those involved,” said Chibnall.
