MV On Track 2018

ON TRACK MAGAZINE 43 “Although I’m not much of a punter it feels like more than the two of us own the horse sometimes with the cheer after his wins,” McIntosh explains. Through the lucrative VOBIS Gold scheme, Widgee Turf has banked over $126,000 in bonuses. This bonus loot will be paying for the duo’s fuel bill later this year as they plan their Victorian road trip – Widgee Turf inspired of course. “It will probably take us five days to get there but we’re starting by going to Mansfield to catch-up with Billy Egan’s parents and grandparents… Billy has been such a big part of his career and we’ve been privileged to form friendships with his family too,” said McIntosh. 28-year-old Egan has been a big part indeed. He has ridden Widgee Turf in 13 of his 20 starts and been aboard eight of his nine wins. But the Egan family aren’t the only ones who will be paid a visit by the McIntosh’s this summer. “Widgee Turf was bred in Wangaratta by Barb Ivill and she still has his mother, Greyhound, who is 22-years-old so we’ll make sure to stop in their too,” McIntosh said. Another place his owners would love to be in 2018 is back at The Valley on the last Saturday in October for Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day. “We’ve been down three times before for the Cox Plate and we wouldn’t miss it for the world if Widgee Turf was running,” McIntosh enthused. And while there is no certainty as to when Widgee Turf’s winning run will come to an end this spring, two things are sure to be certain. The McIntosh’s will keep making the pilgrimage south and there will be a lovely green paddock in Widgee for the town’s flagship star upon his retirement, which is safe to say is some time down the windy road.