This family’s thriving across the border

YET again South Australia continues to be a mecca for well-known trainer Rosie Weidenbach.

In fact, SA has become a nucleus for several members of Weidenbach’s family.

Based in Victoria, Weidenbach has won 10 races this season – seven of those in South Australia!

Weidenbach’s husband, Paul, has also won three SA races as a trainer and two as an owner in recent weeks.

Moving to SA several years ago, Weidenbach’s sister, Gaita Pullicino, has established herself as one of the state’s leading drivers, sitting fifth on this season’s premiership.

Gaita’s husband Frank and son Tony also enjoy their share of glory as locals.

As for Weidenbach’s latest triumph, it was registered at Globe Derby this afternoon when The Vicars Girl outstayed her rivals.

Breaking a 13-month drought from the winners’ circle last week, the daughter of Father Patrick boasts consecutive wins.

“She went terrific again,” Weidenbach said. “I had been disappointed with her while she’s been racing close to home, so I decided to try South Australia and she is loving it over there.

“I qualified her from the stand here first with South Australia in mind and she took to it luck a duck to water.

“She’s now had two starts from the stand and won both, so maybe it is the way to go with her for a while.”

Working overtime in the ‘death seat’, The Vicars Girl muscled her way to a two-and-a-half metre win from Majestic Summer.

Our Spitfire was 14 metres away third in 2:05.9 over 2230 metres.

The Vicars Girl won her previous start by 28 metres after finding the lead.

“I’ve always felt she had the makings of a nice mare, she just wasn’t putting it all together,” Weidenbach said. “For example, usually when she is under pressure, she throws in the towel and gallops, but that wasn’t the case today.

“As she has shown during her past couple of runs, that seems to be changing and she can cop a bit of work.

“Hopefully she has turned the corner and can keep this form going for a while.”