Seniors hit the track
22 residents from Villa Maria Catholic Homes (VMCH) Shanagolden Village in Pakenham cheered on winners at Senior’s Race Day last week.
Denis Quinn loves to put on a quinella here and there.
The Pakenham Racing Club event was held at the newly relocated, world-class course, Racing.com Park near Tynong (VIC).
Irish-born Denis Quinn says he’s “always loved horses” and studying the form guide each day keeps his “old brain ticking”.
The 87-year-old has been a passionate horseman all his life.
“Dad was a dairy farmer and we had the horses do all the work. We’d ride them, break them in… they were a big part of our life,” he says.
Denis left Ireland when he was 19 and spent a few years in England before migrating to Australia as a ‘Ten Pound Pom’.
Denis and his wife Therese – who had eight children together – later raced greyhounds before moving into thoroughbred breeding and training.
“We had a few successes including winning the Grand National Steeplechase at Flemington some years ago,” he says.
While Denis admits he’s “not a big punter” he does love to put on a quinella (type of bet where punters must select first and second in any order – ed) here and there.
“I watch all the races on TV and like to look at the form. I especially love it around Spring Racing time. I’ve been to most Melbourne Cups but not for a long time, it’s too crowded for me now,” he adds.
Fellow Shanagolden resident Eric Hanegraaf, who also studies the form each day, says he has fond memories of attending the picnic races with his wife Pat and their children each New Year’s Day at the former Pakenham Race Course.
“I’m not a big punter either but when you’re at the track you’ve gotta have a few bets,” he says.
Von Gargan says she thoroughly enjoyed Senior's Race Day and had fond memories of attending Oaks Day at the old Pakenham racecourse.
“I didn't get the chance to come to the grand opening (of the new track) back in February but my husband did. The racecourse is going to be beautiful. Look around. You can see the great work they have done,” Ms Gargan says.
Shanagolden Liaison Officer Fiona Sparrow said residents organised many community outings together.
“Residents at Shanagolden Village are an amazing group of people. The community spirit that exists there is second to none. It is a collaborative environment and many of the residents like to help people in the aged care residence just next door,” according to Ms Sparrow.
