MARONG trainer Trevor Patching is fast earning a reputation as a drought breaker.
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Not once, but twice this month he has notched victories at Lord's Raceway with pacers to have gone four or more years without a race win.
Less than two weeks after achieving the feat with his seven-year-old gelding Busters Grin, Patching was able to do it again on Monday night with his seven-year-old mare Pippa One Two.
In keeping with the theme, both horses were able to prevail on the same program, giving the hobby trainer a drought-breaking double.
It was his first as a trainer in 12 years.
The previous double was achieved with one horse Claude Greengrass being driven by Patching, and the other Buddy Bunter driven by his daughter Kristen.
This time around the driving honours went to Alex Ashwood, with the double forming part of total win haul of four for the meetings.
Despite having only her second start since June 2016, Patching headed to Lord's Raceway on Monday optimistic of his chances with Pippa One Two.
He had confidently predicted after the mare had finished third in her comeback race earlier in the month behind her stablemate Busters Grin that a win would not be far away.
"You have to be right sometimes if you keep trying," Patching said with a laugh.
"It was very satisfying, even better that she pulled up well. Her leg looks fine, so we're doubly happy.
"She bowed a tendon (in 2016) and broke down pretty badly. We basically put her in the paddock for a couple of years before we brought her back in.
"She had to fight hard, it was satisfying to see that she could do a fair bit of work and still get the cash."
The mare actually started her race career in late 2015 and had seven unplaced starts before succumbing to the injury that would sideline her until earlier this month.
She had to fight hard, it was satisfying to see that she could do a fair bit of work and still get the cash.
- Trevor Patching
Patching was able to top off a joyous night with a second win in three starts for Busters Grin.
An excellent recent form line for the gelding, who missed nearly 19 months of racing due to injury in 2017-18, and went without a win on his return until earlier this month, now reads two wins and three seconds from his last five starts.
"He's really learning how to race, it was a bit doubtful there for a while as to whether he was putting his heart and soul into it, but he's having a crack now," he said.
"He really wanted to win (Monday) night.
"He really stuck his head out and had a crack, which was really pleasing."
Having trained three winners in the past two weeks, it's little wonder Patching continues to sing the praises of the new, albeit temporary, regional racing model.
Like many smaller trainers, he would have no hesitation supporting the retention of the format in some shape or form - potentially for every second or third meeting in a given region - once restrictions due to the coronavirus are eased.
"I think it has rejuvenated country racing," Patching said.
"When you see the amount of hobby trainers that are getting a winners and getting keen again
"Now we are all getting a bite at the cherry, I've never seen so many people around.
"It sort of happened by mistake. Everyone has been wondering what they can do to fix the problem of declining (horse) numbers and people dropping out, and by accident this coronavirus has done it, albeit it (the virus) is such a sad horrible thing to happen."
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