Darren Pattinson with Zipping Josh after winning at Cranbourne on Wednesday.

FIRST UP SUCCESS FOR CRICKETER
TURNED GREYHOUND TRAINER

Cricketer Darren Pattinson has had first up success as a greyhound trainer with a win at Cranbourne in Wednesday night.

Pattinson, brother of Aussie pace bowler James, famously represented England in a single test match however in recent times he has been enjoying an increasing interest in greyhound racing.

Having obtained a greyhound trainers license, Pattinson has been learning his craft on a full time basis under the tutelage of champion trainer Darren McDonald in Devon Meadows.

“Darren McDonald is such a meticulous trainer and I’m learning so much from him.”

“I’m working with him six days a week and have been taking his dogs to the races for him…it has been great experience.”

After five starts with a previous trainer for a win and two placings, Zipping Josh won first up for Pattinson at Cranbourne by seven lengths in the cracking time of 30.32sec.

While Pattinson insists his training techniques involve just doing what McDonald tells him to, there’s little doubt his knowledge of playing sport at the elite level would also assist him in his training.

Pattinson has owned racing greyhounds for many years, and his recent efforts to become more intimately involved in the sport has prompted brother James to become a part owner in some young pups which are due to hit the racetrack in 2014.

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Pattinson (left) leads Zipping Josh to the boxes.               PHOTOS: JULIE WARD