William Kropp hopeful of maintaining unbeaten Rocky record

By Glenn Davis

Toowoomba trainer William Kropp will take the punt on the weather and head to Rockhampton in his attempt to maintain an unblemished record at Callaghan Park on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Kropp has been training for three years and has been successful with his only two starters at Rockhampton.

He heads back north with the same pair, I Promise You in the Open Handicap over 1100 metres, and Tequila Dancer in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 1050 metres.

Also, on board William's float will be his father, Matt Kropp’s runner, Delaney’s Girl who tackles the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1500 metres.

Rockhampton has been hit with bad weather for the past few days and the track is currently rated a Heavy 10.

The younger Kropp has six horses in training, including a few babies, and helps his father around their stables at their two bases in Dalby and Toowoomba.

“I always wanted to be a jockey but I was too heavy but I do some work for Dad riding about six to eight horses a morning for him,” William said.

William's biggest win of his short career was with I Promise You, who won a mid-week race at Eagle Farm in April, 2021.

I Promise You has won a further three times, including his Rockhampton win two starts back in the middle of December, before she finished seventh in a Benchmark race at the Sunshine Coast on January 1.

“It’s a tough field but she gets in with a light weight and she can handle a wet track,” William said of Thursday's assignment. 

“All three of our runners are chances but I like Tequila Dancer the best.”

Tequila Dancer beat only three home last start when she finished eighth against her own age behind the Lee Freedman-trainer Soothsayer at Eagle Farm on December 10.

“She was a bit flat that day so I gave her a break and freshened her up for this race,” William said.

“It’s a bit of a drop in class for her and I give her a good chance.

“I don’t think she will mind a wet track but I’d prefer if it was drier.

“It’s worth going for the QTIS prize money alone.”

Although William is a valuable worker alongside his father Matt, he has no intention of starting a joint training partnership just yet.

“It wouldn’t make much of a difference at the moment and I’m happy doing my own thing,” William said.

“Dad has put it to me about starting a training partnership but it’s not necessary at this stage.

“But, it might happen one day."