The Championships Day 2: Jack Pakis living Group 1 dream with wise purchase Light Infantry Man

Lifelong racing enthusiast Jack Pakis waited a long time to find the horse of his dreams, and Light Infantry Man has taken him on an incredible ride.

Lifelong racing enthusiast and former trainer Jack Pakis, a one-time amusement machine supplier and Sydney Airport shuttle bus service operator, has realised a dream with Light Infantry Man.

In four starts since Gold Coast resident Pakis snapped up a five per cent share in Light Infantry Man the Ciaron Maher-trained weight-for-age star won two Group 1s and placed in the All-Star Mile.

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Pakis cannot get to Randwick quick enough on Saturday to watch Light Infantry Man in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

The 60-year-old property manager and investor, who trained in the late 1990s, paid $50,000 plus GST for the Light Infantry Man share sold last November on Inglis Digital.

Light Infantry Man, one of 41 entries in a Halo Racing unreserved reduction sale, offered on behalf of the late Colin McKenna, has earned more than $120,000 in prizemoney for Pakis the past four starts.

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“It’s really a dream for me, I’ve been in it (racing) for so long,” Pakis said.

“I always used to buy them either outright or with a friend, so I put a hell of a lot into it, not just time but a lot of money and went around in circles a bit there, a few times up, a lot of downs.

“Won some races here and there, had some fun, but nothing like this.

“This is the first time I’ve bought a small share … less bills, the bills really hurt me (in the past), so five per cent and put myself in the best company and (hope) to get a good return.”

Pakis also paid $27,500 plus GST for five per cent in Interpretation, third in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) since, out of the same online auction.

Jack Pakis (right) bought a five per cent share in Light Infantry Man last November, and the horse has won two Group 1s since. Picture: Taron Clarke

Pakis was underbidder to Maher for a five per cent interest in Caulfield Cup winner Duke De Sessa, set to contest the Group 1 Sydney Cup on Saturday in Sydney.

Pakis was trackside in Perth last December when Light Infantry Man saluted in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot as a $12 shot.

“Very joyous that day … we saw the horse before the race, saw the horse in the tie ups,” Pakis said.

“I backed him, I got the cheese, I was very happy … a great trip over, made a couple bucks there, had a bit of luck. It was one of those dream holidays, put it that way. Probably my best day ever.”

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Pakis has raced city and stakes winners before, nothing at the highest level, but primarily shopped on the provincial circuit in Queensland and NSW.

“I had one that won four in a row at Ballina,” Pakis laughed.

“Nothing like this fellow. Right time, right place and I’m very fortunate I got him, it’s a dream now.”

Light Infantry Man (FR) ridden by Ethan Brown wins the TAB Australian Cup at Flemington Racecourse on March 29, 2025 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Light Infantry Man ran a “humdinger” in the All-Star Mile, “a Bradbury third” as fancied Another Wil struck interference at a crucial stage, and followed up with a big Australian Cup win.

“Gee I was kicking myself half way down the straight (I wasn’t trackside), I was riding him harder than (jockey) Ethan (Brown) I think,” Pakis said.

“It is a dream ride. He’s a dream horse. He’s a beautiful animal.

“I spent some time in the box with him in Perth (after Northerly win) … I gave him a scratch here and there, just massaged little points and he’s very receptive.

“You touch him and he just comes over and rubs his head on your shoulder. He’s a beautiful animal.

“Loves his carrots. I’m really rapt. It’s like walking on air. The horse is doing it.

“I’ve been lucky, had a lot of bad luck in my life, now a bit of good luck at the back end, especially financially, and I’m in a happy place right now, I can’t wait for this horse to run.

“If the horse could run first three it would be a dream, if he could win it you’ll be able to hear me from Randwick to Flemington.”

Originally published as The Championships Day 2: Jack Pakis living Group 1 dream with wise purchase Light Infantry Man