He was the unlikely Pommie ‘one-Test wonder’ who suffered a verbal bouncer from English cricket legend Ian Botham - but Darren Pattinson may have the last laugh on Saturday night.
The former cricketer turned greyhound trainer, brother of Australian Baggy Green star James, is aiming to scoop the $75,000 top prize with Blazin’ Bomber (pictured) in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Classic (520m) decider at Wentworth Park.
Pattinson is best known for an unlikely international call-up for England in 2008 – a selection slated by Pommie greats Botham, Geoff Boycott and even his own captain Michael Vaughan.
The Victorian is now forging a promising career in greyhound training - and is loving every minute.
“It may sound silly, but I enjoy training more than cricket,” he said. “It’s my real passion.
“I don’t mind the early mornings and highs and lows. If you are passionate about something, you work harder.
“To reach a Group 1 final relatively early in my career is a big thrill. I can’t wait for Saturday night.”
Born in England but raised in Australia, Pattinson had one of the strangest routes to Test cricket of any international player ever.
After a handful of matches with Victoria and English county cricket side Nottinghamshire, Pattinson was a shock call-up for the Poms’ 2008 home test against South Africa.
The right-arm medium paceman’s selection was described at the time by Botham as “illogical, pathetic and diabolical”, a “big mistake” by Boycott – and “confused” by then-captain Vaughan.
Pattinson took 2-95 in South Africa’s first innings but the visitors ultimately crushed the Pommies by 10 wickets in what proved to be his only Test match appearance.
He obtained his public trainer’s licence in 2013 after retiring from cricket and is now forging a solid reputation in the sport.
“I do think about that Test match, but usually only when I’m asked,” Pattinson said. “Training was something I wanted to do before I finished cricket and it’s my real love now.
“I love looking after the greyhounds and getting them to a race. It’s so rewarding.
“I’m still learning, but I can’t see myself doing anything other than training now.”
Exciting newcomer Blazin’ Bomber already has 12 wins and four minor placings from 16 starts and almost $70,000 prize money to his name.
Click here to watch Blazin' Bomber's win in last Saturday night's semi-finals.
Pattinson is priming Blazin’ Bomber for next month’s Melbourne Cup and despite drawing the tricky box four believes his greyhound can win Saturday’s decider.
“He’s a terrific greyhound who seems to win from any box,” Pattinson said.
“He’s not the strongest beginner but if he’s with them at the first corner, he’s got a chance.”
Saturday’s race is at 9.50pm (ADST).
For Wentworth Park Saturday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Group 1 Ladbrokes Vic Peters Box Draw (Sportsbet Prices in brackets): 1. Explosive Madame ($41) 2. Black's A Marble ($21) 3. Kihael Kaluna ($2.70) 4. Blazin' Bomber ($6.50) 5. Black Bear Lee ($5) 6. Nangar Flame ($26) 7. Good Odds Ocker ($15) 8. Zambora Brockie ($2.50). 1R: Good Odds Angel ($6), 2R: No Donuts ($5).
Prices correct at the time of writing.
