The wait until late in the night was well and truly worthwhile for The Catching Pen Syndicate as their own Italian Plastic took out the closer at Sandown Park on Thursday.
The syndicate of 10 were jumping out of their skin track-side as Italian Plastic crossed the line. Syndicate manager Matthew Ramsden (pictured 2nd from left) came straight from work to watch the race and it was evident how much it meant to him and his team of owners.
“It’s not every day you get a city winner. It’s nice for the guys to taste success. It’s my first city winner too, it’s pretty special,” said Ramsden.
“This is the second greyhound we’ve ever owned. A couple of us owned Sir Lansley who raced about 10 years ago – eight of these guys are first time owners.
“I’d been thinking about getting back involved for a long time, it was the opportunity of being able to do it with friends that drove me.”
The syndicate purchased Italian Plastic at a young age from Carly Feltham and Kane Palmer. Ramsden was keen on a pup out of Cosmic Rumble and had his wish granted.
“He was reared with Karen Leek, she’s played a big part in getting him to where he is tonight. He broke in really well but broke a metacarpal not long after, he was off for about three months and put in cotton wool. At that stage we weren’t sure if we were going to get to race him or not.”
Italian Plastic, or Darcy as he’s known at home, has now won eight of his 16 starts with a further seven placings under his belt. Ramsden gave a lot of credit to trainer Harry Manolitis.
“He (Italian Plastic) loves chasing, I made it fun for him but Harry made it important. We’re lucky to have Harry as his trainer.
“With the dogs he trains, he treats them all like they’re his own.”
Earlier in the night Lady Avenger, a greyhound who was initially purchased to keep another company, took out her first city win. Click here for full story
Dyna Chancer produced another a highlight from the night’s racing, catapulting to the top of the Racecallers (595m) Speed Star standings. Click here for the wrap
