DROOPYS DRESDEN Gold Collar winner. Photo:© Steve Nash
“It could have been a graded race. It is important that it wasn’t and we have to thank the sponsors for that.”
The thoughts of trainer Phil Simmonds after the much travelled Droopys Dresden landed the 2018 Ladbrokes Gold Collar Final.
In a race marred by crowding throughout, Droopys Dresden (Mall Brandy-Droopys Start, Feb 15) soon found himself in second position, a length adrift of outsider Cloncunny Major.
But Simmonds’ 9-4 chance was ‘always on the premises’ and got up to win by a length in 33.93 for the 540 metres.
A reputed £20,000 purchase, Dresden made a stunning 28.47 winning debut at Wimbledon for David Mullins. The youngster switched, to Pat Buckley for two unsuccessful races, before winning his sole open for Seamus Cahill. He enjoyed a successful spell with Mark Wallis, at one stage winning five in a row and clocking 34.90 at Romford (575) before joining Simmonds earlier this year.
After an unimpressive start in the new kennel, Dresden hit form at Nottingham with a 28.30 (480) run and hasn’t looked back.
Simmonds said: “It took him a while to settle in. He also had a rash that we had to get sorted, so he wasn’t really himself. It also took a while for him to learn to run Nottingham but once he worked it out, he really progressed.
“The Gold Collar final was a bit messy, and the time isn’t reflected in the performance. I really wanted to be drawn on the inside of Droopys Who who held the key to the race. Dresden had to work hard to get past him. He eventually shook him off and found ourselves following Kevin Boon’s dog.
“At that level, Crayford is a difficult track to come from behind, and as our boy caught up with the leader, I just hoped he wouldn’t check. In fact, he held back a fraction like the classy animal he is, and waited or his opportunity to go past.
Simmonds’ observation that the £8,000 decider ‘could have been a graded race’ was not a reflection on the winning time – which was bettered five times on the night, including once by hurdler Razldazl Raidio – but because of the on-going media rights issues.
“It is our first Gold Collar winner and I must pay tribute to the sponsors for putting the event on. We all know that without the TV coverage, the average betting shop punter wouldn’t know whether it was an £8,000 final or a graded race.
“But if we are to keep top owners like Darrell Bear and John Proctor buying expensive dogs, we need these elite events. Without elite races, there is no future for this industry.
“After the race, there was some wonderful sportsmanship from the other kennels which was greatly appreciated. Apart from the owners, I would like to thank physio Ron Mills for doing his magic, and for my staff, particularly Nathan (Hunt – assistant) for all their hard work.
“Going forward, the next objective would have to be the Coral Champion Stakes back at Romford.”
