WINGS OF DESIRE 25th February 2016 by Julie Maughan

Wings of Desire had his own “surprise party” in taking out the opening event – the TAB Rewards Pace - but the gelding forgot to send an invite to his trainer Paul York.

York was literally the last to learn of the win as the Australia Post Manager (New England Operations) was away at a work meeting in Shoal Bay – with his phone turned off!

What a surprise when York looked at the results later that day.

“After I turned the phone on I heard all the messages come through and when I looked at the results I saw he (Wings of Desire) had won. I went “shivers he has won” chuckled York.

“We thought he might go close to the win”

Paul York was a regular around the racing scene in the north until he decided to take time out for his young family.

“I have made a return after about 11 years away” said York who now shares the sport with his wife Chevvah and sons Orlando and Crosby.

“It was my brother Graham who convinced me to make a return and it has been positive especially with the news of the new track going ahead”

Paul York only made his return when he qualified Wings of Desire last August and it has been full steam ahead with the Stonebridge Regal USA – Left The Fakes five year old having his third race start.

Punters received a handy $29 for the win.

“We have been patient with him” added York of the big brown/black gelding “but he showed us promise when he qualified”

For York, who is stabled at the Tamworth Showground he shares part of the win with his fellow “lodgers”

“I am in a section with Ken Natty, Sarah Rushbrook and Sam Ison and we all work so we are always helping each other out”

Step forward Sam Ison who took the reins behind Wings of Desire while York was at work in Shoal Bay.

“Young Sam drove the horse for me a couple of times at the trials but we all try and help each other out and it certainly turned to gold the other day”

Commencing from the seven barrier Sam Ison drove to instruction - follow the leader.

“I told him (Sam) to try and get the sit behind the leader and look for luck. He did everything right – couldn’t fault the drive. I also told him to go out and enjoy the race”

“It was a terrific drive by Sam”

Sam Ison for his efforts received The Pub sponsored Drive of the Day.

With Zippa Model (Stacey Weidemann) going straight to the lead Ison was poised on the leaders back and drove for the win when the field rounded the final turn racing three wide.

Wings of Desire had a 1.3 metre win over Derringer (Kylie Barnes) and Zippa Model 3.6 metres away third.

Julie Maughan