Back-to-back Geelong Winter Cup winner Wind Whistler (pictured in a heat of the Group One Sandown Cup in 2016) will have to watch the running of his prized 596-metre feature event from the couch this year after retiring from racing six months ago.
Trained and now retired with Anakie trainer Angela Langton, Wind Whistler who is casually known as Apachie caused a boil over in last years Winter Cup when he defeated short priced favourite Buck Forty.
Sitting in last position as the field turned into the first corner, Apachie worked his way through a big name field including; Buck Forty, Lithgow Panther, Bruce Tycoon and Caco Potion to storm home to win by 0.34 lengths in a time of 34.158sec and take home the $10,000 first prize.
WATCH: Apachie win the 2016 Geelong Winter Cup from box seven.
In 2015, the punters had more confidence in him with the TAB paying out $8.50 for his Winter Cup win.
This time from box four in another talented field, Apachie worked his way up from last position on the rails to win by 0.95 lengths in a time of 34.244sec.
Apachie retired one run short of 120, but claimed 20 victories and 50 minor placings.
With the 2017 Geelong Winter Cup set to run on Friday, August 25, and the heats this coming Friday (August 18) nominations for the $14,500 event close on Tuesday, August 15 at 10am.
But this year there is a twist, a $1,000 bonus will be awarded to the winning owner or trainer if they are a Beckley Center Member.
