Denis - a sentimental favourite

There will be a sentimental favourite among local trots followers for this year's Warragul Pacing Cup.

Pearcedale horsewoman Simone Walker, her partner Andrew and the Walker family are keen to secure a third Warragul Cup trophy for the mantlepiece with pacer Denis William.

The Walkers have been long time local participants in the sport, and have previously won the Warragul Pacing Cup with Doolan Jack and Hectorjayjay.

Denis William has won 11 races from just 35 starts. Simone confirmed last week that Denis William is on track for a start in the race, despite a disappointing race in a strong event at Melton recently.

Several of Victoria's leading stables are expected to target the Pacing and Trotting Cup.

Meanwhile, Gippsland horsewoman Kylee Paull and her award winning standardbred Whiskey Business will appear at the Easter Sunday trotting meeting at Warragul.

Kylee and her horse, affectionately known as Minty, will lead the field onto the track for both the feature pacing and trotting events.

Although Whiskey Business only won one racetrack event, he has adapted beautifully to life after racing. Kylee is an ambassador for retired standardbreds through Harness Racing Victoria's highly successful HERO program.

Whiskey Business is a regular competitor at shows and other state contests. The 13-year-old is an extremely adaptable horse, having won numerous events and championship ribbons in categories such as flag racing, barrel and bend events, while also competing with success at campdraft events.

In their first season of competition, Kylee and Whiskey Business won the 2020/2021 Sporting Horse Australia Rookie Award for Horse of the Year.

Whiskey Business has helped to break down a lot of stereotypes regarding the standardbred horse. heir durability, easy going nature and ability to adapt to life away from the training stable have helped to increasingly make them the horse of choice for those looking to give a retired racer a forever home.