20 July 2022 | Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
Luke Hooper is enjoying Tasmanian life.
Formerly from New South Wales, Hooper moved down to Tasmania just over 12 months ago to work for his brother Conor Crook and trainer Rohan Hillier, as well as expand his farrier business.
Hooper also regained his license to drive in races early on with his move and was on the winner’s list in Hobart on Sunday night when partnering the Heath Szczypka-trained Jackson Neptune to victory in the Great Northern Pace.
Hooper elected to go back from a wide draw on the Auckland Reactor gelding before gaining a three-wide cart up over the final lap.
“There was going to be too much speed to our inside and that’s what Heath thought, it would be best to go back and to get a trail into the race.
“I thought the favourite would take me into it, so I just had to bide my time and hope he came out before me,” explained Hooper.
Hooper was glad to drive a winner for Szczypka, who has been a supporter of his since he arrived in the state.
“When I first came down here I drove Reign Of Pain for Heath in a junior driver race and have always driven horses he has in with a claim since.
“He is an excellent bloke to drive,” explained the driver.
Hooper is impressed with the Tasmania lifestyle.
“I love it here, and it is the bloody best state in the country.
“I’m a farrier and there was not much work around home, so I came down here and picked up a bit of work, and the change of scenery was good. I’m shoeing horses from Devonport to Hobart,” the driver said.
Hooper has a strong association with trainer Paul Ashwood, who himself had a good night in Hobart, bookending the meeting with Westray and Ideal Pace, with both horses driven by Rohan Hillier.
The Todd Rattray-trained and driven Izaha made a winning return in the Discretionary, and the open class ranks will be bolstered this weekend when his stable mate Harjeet returns to the track in Hobart on Sunday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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