Cannan Celebrates Tassie Group 1 Glory

In many ways, it couldn't have been a more fitting result to Thursday night's Group 1 Hobart Thousand Final than Leeroy Rogue's stylish victory for trainer Debbie Cannan and owner/breeders Jeff and Jane Crawford.

Without question Tassie's predominant sprinter over the past 12 months, winning a swag of races at the Elwick circuit, the son of Big Daddy Cool and Fantasy Royale was sent to the boxes at a whopping $18.00 fixed odds before bringing up his 26^th local victory in the $75,000 to-the-winner final.

Trainer Debbie Cannan celebrated another milestone when Leeroy Rogue surged to the front soon after the start, before leaving his opposition in his wake, charging into the top turn with a winning break.

Once out in front there was an almighty cheer from the crowd as the "King of Elwick" charged away in the straight, scoring by 3 ¾ lengths from the gallant Peco Can, with Despacito flying home late to grab third.

It was Leeroy Rogue's 43rd career victory with 16 minors from 70 starts with stakes of $149,450.

"He's such a unique chaser – I couldn't be any prouder of the dog," said Debbie of Leeroy Rogue.

"Leeroy Rogue gives a 150 % each time he goes around and he deserves to have group 1 status next to his name.

"Running second last week in the heats gave some people doubt whether he'd be able to produce in the final but he was coming off the race the week before that with scratches down his back legs.

"I just worked on him and continued his normal routine and I knew going into the final he was at the best I could ever get him – he looked an absolute picture."

Leeroy Rogue's career on the Apple Isle began in November last year, opening his Tassie account in winning fashion and since that has put together 19 wins from 24 starts at Elwick.

"Full credit goes to Jeff and Jane for giving me the opportunity to train this dog and to send him all the way down to Tassie. We all share a pretty unique connection as the Crawfords bred Varcoe who won the Launceston Cup for me in 2014 which was pretty special," Debbie praised.

"This dog's track sense is second to none, Leeroy has a huge cult following not only locally but around Australia and even people on Sky Channel can't get enough of him."

Mangalore-based Cannan has experienced some big achievements throughout her 11 years as a trainer, crediting master conditioner Ted Medhurst as a big influence in picking up the collar and lead.

Debbie's first Group 1 victory came in the form of the late St. Pierre who produced a unique double, landing the Australian Cup at The Meadows as well as the Devonport Cup in 2011.