The Catching Pen's producer Kat Ernst has heaped praise on Goulburn trainer Michael Hardman after Springview Angus and Ultimate Coat gave her partner Joe McFadyen his first winning double as a trainer at Wentworth Park on Wednesday night.
Springview Angus, having his first start for McFadyen, led from the first turn to win a 520m maiden race in 30.54 while Ultimate Coat opened his Wenty account with an all-the-way win in a 520m fifth grade in a smart 30.03.
"I got to know Michael Hardman when I was doing some stories for The Catching Pen and happened to ask him if he had any worthwhile dogs for sale,'' Ernst said.
"While he said he had none available he promised to let me know if any of his greyhounds ever needed a change of scenery in a different kennel.
"He later recommended to their owners that Springview Angus and Ultimate Coat be given to Joe to train and I'm so excited to think Michael's kind gesture has resulted in us winning our first double in the city.''
Michael Hardman said: "I have 120 dogs on my property and have just brought 16 youngsters into the race kennels so I can't hang on to them all.
"Going to people like Kat and Joe has made everyone happy, because the dogs' owners are able to continue to see them racing where they are able to win.''
Aqua Jaguar gave Wagga owners Tia and Ian Robertson a welcome return to the winning list at Wentworth Park when he led throughout for trainer Michael Clayton on Wednesday night.
The Robertsons raced the 2017 group 1 Dapto Megastar winner Aqua Cheetah, who was trained in Victoria by Jason Thompson but was prepared for his NSW campaign by the Hunter Valley's Jason Mackay.
"Tia and I also have a dog called Aqua Tiger with Michael and he is racing at Goulburn on Friday,'' Ian Robertson said.
"Aqua Tiger is probably more talented that Aqua Jaguar but while he has had four starts for two wins and two seconds, his box manners tend to let him down.
"We weren't surprised Aqua Jaguar won on Wednesday because he had box two and he crashes left when he jumps before he goes straight so he badly needs an inside alley to show his best form.
"Michael Clayton trained Aqua Maisie, who won at Wenty last year for Tia and I, and we have always been impressed by Michael's strike rate.
"Tia and I used to train some greyhounds but we are both so busy with our work and family commitments we are happy to let Michael do the training for us.
"Prizemoney at the dogs now is fantastic because not long ago one would get $300 for winning a small race at Wagga, and now the same races are worth $1500.
"My brother and I owned three harness horses but we have just sold them so we can buy more greyhounds.''
