Ex-galloper making an impact in new field

FORMER Toowoomba galloper relishing new life after racing.

Owner Wayne Crompton with ex Toowoomba racehorse, Double Impact, now a budding showjumping star.

SHOWJUMPING: Toowoomba gelding Double Impact gave his all on the track in a successful racing career but he’s a long way from being a spent force yet.

As a matter of fact, when it comes to showjumping, he’s only getting started.

The nine-year-old is the latest thoroughbred to make a successful transition from the racetrack to show ring and after a flying start to his new career he’s already mixing it with some of Australia’s best retired thoroughbreds.

Double Impact’s race successes for trainer Jackie Crompton included the Fitton Hopeful Plate while he also finished second in the 2013 Listed Weetwood.

Owner Wayne Crompton said Double Impact was kept as a pet before his jumping prowess was discovered.

“All our horses go to Gemma Creighton to be prepared for rehoming and when she said this bloke showed some jumping ability things just went from there,” he said.

Double Impact is now in the care of Olympic equestrian Ron Easey who is preparing him for the Australian Jump Off final in Melbourne on November 4.

“He’s had a couple of minor wins but after winning the state Jump Off heat last week he’s now taking on other Australian Off Track horses that have raced in the last two years,” Easey said.

“He shows good ability and it’s a matter now of how far he can go. He’s a willing horse with a good brain and he’s very happy doing what he’s doing.”