Wingman’s winning form

By Justin Robertson
BEER was flowing all evening for 10 Pakenham mates as their five-year-old horse, The Wingman, won the last race at Moonee Valley on Friday night, which was headlined by the Group 2 Australia Stakes.
It’s been a big week for the Pakenham Football Club group, as the Irish Sire also won at Caulfield last Wednesday.
Stan Young, one of the owners, said the horse was in terrific form.
“It was a big night at Moonee Valley, we took a bus load down and had a great time,” he said.
“It’s all very exciting though, we all have a good time when it wins.”
For the syndicate, the lightly raced horse has been value for money.
From 20 starts, he’s won six, finished second five times and claimed a fourth.
All from a horse bought at the Easter sales in Sydney for $100,000. So far, it is holding its own with prize money returns of $120,000.
As a group, Young said they’ve been part of the furniture at Purvies for more than 30 years.
After dabbling with horses in the picnic races, Young said the punting group spoke with trainer Tony Vasil at the Pakenham Cup and wanted to spend a “few bob” and have a go.
“This is how it’s turned out,” Young said.
“We are having a great time with him.”
With the Pakenham Cup only a month away, Young said they are confident it will run and hopefully make a big day of it with a “locals” win.
“Without seeing the field, I’d say it will be really competitive in the Pakenham Cup. It all depends on its weight really,” he said.
“We’d love to win that cup, being born and bred in Pakenham, it’s been a while since a local won it, so hopefully it will win and my oath, we’ll be celebrating it if it does.”
This Friday, the Pakenham Racing Club will host its Members Race Day with drinks in its committee room starting from 3pm onwards.