Fast becoming a family destination

SOUTH Australia is fast becoming the ‘go to’ destination for the greater Mifsud clan.

Gaita – now a Pullicino – started the ball rolling when she relocated several years ago where she has established herself as one of the state’s leading drivers.

Gaita is the daughter of the late, respected horseman Leli Mifsud, who set the foundation for the family’s involvement in harness racing after moving to Australia during the 1950s.

Mifsud’s legacy continues through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, with almost a dozen licence holders, who race under various surnames such as Pullicino, Burnett and Weidenbach.

One Weidenbach – Billy – was triumphant at Globe Derby earlier this week thanks to Need Me Some Sugar.

A latecomer to the training ranks, Weidenbach obtained his licence this season after moving to South Australia to live with his partner Ella Brechin.

“I have been in horses all my life and always owned a few, but figured it’s about time I started training them,” Weidenbach said. “I’d settled into South Australia so I thought I will give it a go myself.

“Now I’ve got seven in work, which is enough to keep me busy.

“In fact, it keeps me so busy I have to thank Wayne Gowley for all his help. I’m stabled at his place and he is just terrific.”

Driven by Weidenbach’s cousin – Gaita’s son Tony – Need Me Some Sugar led throughout from barrier five to complete a two metre win from Sheza Carona.

Run Amuck was 17-and-a-half metres away third.

Also owned by Weidenbach, Need Me Some Sugar rated 1:57.1 over 1800 metres.

“I felt she should’ve won the week before, but she had no luck, so I was pretty confident this time around,” Weidenbach said. “She is a nice mare, which can win a few more.

“I’ve got her in again on Saturday night. She’s drawn five, but with her speed, I reckon she can cross to the front.”

HOOFNOTE: Weidenbach’s mother Rosie (nee Mifsud) and father Paul crossed the border from Victoria to win several races at Globe Derby and Port Pirie last season.

In fact, Rosie completed a Weidenbach ‘running double’ at Globe Derby by winning with Rolling Remona less than an hour after Billy.

Billy’s uncle Austin  Mifsud has also enjoyed successful raids at Globe Derby throughout the  years.