Elephant Rock wins at Pinjarra for father-son duo Jeff and Don Wegner Photo by Paceway Photos
Father and Son duo, Don and Jeff Wegner teamed up in race 4 at Pinjarra on Monday, with Elephant Rock breaking through for his first win at just his eighth start in the race, giving the 53-year-old his first win in the cart in over four years. The win was also Don’s first training win in over two years.
Having just a handful of starts in races, Elephant Rock was no stranger to trials, but it was discovered he had breathing troubles, requiring surgery, with Wegner explaining that they had just wanted to look after the horse.
Making his debut in the 1985, Wegner broke through for his first win on board ‘Im Chubby’ for his father at Katanning in the same year, with the horse going on to win many more.
“I loved the sport back then, there was a lot of tracks and choices,”
“I started off well, it was a little tougher then, we didn’t get driving fees, so I got a job and I eventually just decided to put more into working then driving.”
With a back injury and surgery in 2011 causing Wegner to have an extended period on the sidelines, he lost his A-Grade drivers licence, restricting him to country driving which Wegner explained was disappointing, but his passion for horses and the sport and kept his interest lingering, but sadly the thrill of driving has wilted over the years.
Born into the industry, Wegner has always helped his father Don over the years, going on to win 146 races in the cart, including 29 in metropolitan company. As well as training his own horses, Wegner confirmed he’s always tried to ‘keep his hands in the reins’ and stay involved in one way or another.
Wegner’s own horse Tiza Wish has been tipped out for a spell.
