Kropp excited for training debut

THE 19-year-old trainer will make his debut today at Bunya Park, Dalby.

ON DEBUT: William Kropp (pictured strapping Droplet for father Matt), will make his training debut today at Dalby. Photo: Glen McCullough

RACING: William Kropp was always destined for a life at the track, and now a dream will become a reality.

The son of veteran Toowoomba trainer Matt, the 19-year-old will saddle up his first runner as a trainer at Bunya Park today.

Having been around the track for years, Kropp said he wasn’t carrying any nerves coming into his first meeting at the helm.

He said there was a sense of excitement about getting First Slip to the races, a three-year-old filly having her first start.

“I’m not too worried. I’ve had a lot of experience going to the races with mum (Kate) and dad with the owner’s horses,” he said.

“It will be different seeing my name there (as trainer). My brother and I bred the filly, and that’s what I’m most excited about.

“Tycoon Ruler has been a good sire that has had plenty of success, and Dubstep is a family broodmare.”

As for her chances in the QTIS Maiden Plate (1100m), Kropp believes that she will get her chance to be competitive with apprentice Kate Patch to ride.

“She looks and feels as good as I can get her,” he said.

“She has drawn awkwardly but hopefully we can keep her out of trouble and see if she can put in a good finish.

“We wanted as much relief as possible because she’s only a little filly. Kate’s ridden her and likes her.”

Securing a trainer’s license has been on the cards for Kropp,

“I was always going to get it as soon as I turned 18,” he said.

“I ended up getting it a few months ago, and First Slip has come up enough to be racing now.

“It’s a tricky time, but this is her home track and I’ve been waiting for something to pop up here.

“Since I was little I’ve always been at the races. As soon as I could start riding them I have been.

“I spent plenty of time at the races with dad, and have been so involved with mum and dad for that long.”

Matt, who himself has a number of runners engaged at the meeting, said it would be a proud father moment.

“It will be a pretty proud moment,” he said.

“We’re happy to see him enjoying it. It’s a tough game but he’s got a lot of love for the horses, the same as his mother.

“It’s a natural progression from pony club and showjumping and into the racing side of things.”

The eight-race card at Dalby begins at 12.38pm to be shown across the screens of Sky Racing.

Originally published as