The gelding has about 80 local owners, who race the six year-old in memory of David ‘Wheels’ Whelan, who lost his battle with cancer in October 2020.
Wheels Of Courage will line up in the Taskers Deniliquin Class 3 Handicap over 1600m, a fortuitous occurrence as David Whelan’s wife, Tracey, is part of the Tasker family.
And while it is a big ask for the galloper to record his third win after a long injury lay-off, if the racing gods are watching it is not beyond him.
Wheels Of Courage on Saturday will have his second race start since a bowed tendon kept him off the track for 18 months.
While this is short of his best distance, he should enjoy the big Deniliquin track and step up to 1600m.
Just his presence tomorrow will be a significant boost for Deniliquin Racing Club, which is anticipating a big crowd for the meeting that features the 2024 White Lion Hotel Motel Deniliquin Cup.
Wheels Of Courage was originally trained by Gordon Richards and Damien Moyle in Adelaide, before being transferred to the Wangaratta stables of Scott McIntosh.
In his early years he won races at Morphettville and Balaclava, and along with six placings this took earnings for the gelded son of Kiss and Make Up to more than $70,000.
Part owner Greg Danckert, who along with former local Peter McIntyre initiated efforts to purchase a horse in recognition of their great mate David, explained that moving the horse to north-eastern Victoria would give the many local owners a chance to see him race.
“Unfortunately, after the move to Wangaratta he bowed a tendon and has been off the scene. But Scott (McIntosh), as well as our owners, have been very patient.
“We’re looking forward to a good performance on Saturday.
“For many owners, it will be the first time they have seen Wheels Of Courage in the flesh.”
Among these will be Josh and Blair Whelan, David’s sons, who are coming back to Deni for the weekend to watch the horse that means so much to many people.
Those having their first look at Wheels Of Courage are expected to be impressed.
“He’s a big horse … big, barrel-chested. But he has a great nature and is very quiet,” Danckert said.
The ownership group would dearly love Wheels Of Courage to storm home and win the race, however they are sure to be satisfied if he shows the courage that ‘Wheels’ was renowned for during his cancer battle.
And just like ‘Wheels’, they’ll enjoy a social day out at the Deni races and be hoping to back a winner or three.
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