Veteran trainer Jimmy Redenbach claimed a winning double at Sandown Park when Whatever I Say and Riccarton Rick registered impressive wins on Saturday night.

While it was his first Sandown double since December 2017 and his first at metro level since June 2012, Redenbach has not been a stranger to the winners list at Sandown Park in recent years. The wins were his seventh and eighth at Sandown in 2021, boosting his strike rate to 32% over the past 12 months at Sandown Park, and to 35% across Victoria.

“It’s been a fabulous night. I only train three dogs and two have won on the same night at Sandown,” said Redenbach.

Redenbach’s current strike rate hasn’t come out of the blue, it’s something he’s been renowned for over many years. A high level of success with a small racing team.

“It’s just a lot of time you’ve got to put into them. I love them, I’ve had them for what feels like 100 years and I enjoy being around them. They are beautiful animals.”

After Riccarton Rick, or ‘Sparky’ as he’s known, won the night’s main race Redenbach whispered in his ear “I’m so proud”. It was his first win since a heat of the Launching Pad in March but has put together many admirable performances since.

“He deserves it, he’s been trying so hard. He always gives 110% and again tonight to come from behind and win.”

When seeing Redenbach at a trial session or race meeting you can’t help but notice the connection he has with his greyhounds.

“He’s like a cartoon character (Riccarton Rick), he’s like Pluto. You’ve got to rub his belly in the mornings. He loves me to death. He’s always trying to stick his head between my legs and just wants pats.

“All of the dogs I have are my pets, that’s why I think they go well for me.”

Riccarton Rick and Whatever I Say are owned by father-son combination Anthony and Adam Helleren who always get to the track to cheer on their own when they’re able to.

“They’re lovely people. They don’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t be doing with the dogs. They’re the type of people you want to train for.”

Click here for last night’s results