FANGIO RACING CLUB A GREAT INITIATIVE

Ian Fortune

The renowned Townview Kennels will launch a new syndicate in the coming year, taking inspiration from the long-term success of the Champagne Club, known for their ’Bubbly’ prefix.

Of course, the Townview Kennels have sold greyhounds to and trained for the Champagne Club in recent years so it’s no surprise to see them take some inspiration from the syndicate.

The Fangio Racing Club is named after the legendary Formula One driver Juan Fangio, who captured five driver’s titles in the 1950’s. It seems somewhat fitting that the syndicate will be named after a man nicknamed ‘el Maestro’ as Brendan Matthews has been known for many years as the Newry Master.

Speaking to the Racing Post last week Damian Matthews, son of the Hall of Fame handler, said: “The club will be based on delivering great interest for relatively little money through a fixed initial cost with no further exposure.”

Niall Conlon, a grandson of Brendan and nephew of Damian, is managing the club. He too spoke to the Racing Post saying, “Ideally, we’d like newcomers to have the chance to get the feel of greyhound racing, the fantastic way it can bring people together and be part of the community – as it certainly is here at Townview Kennels.

“We plan an open day here in early March. Our first syndicate will revolve around Side Deal, a January 2024 pup (Grangeview Ten/ Blossoms Pet) who has won a stake at Dundalk and whose target is the Kirby [Memorial] at Limerick – an event in which we have a great record.”

There will be 20 shares at £500 apiece. This will be operated on a lease basis through the entirety of Side Deal’s racing career. There will be no other bills and the prizemoney which he accumulates will be separated evenly between the owners and trainer - half and half.

It’s an easy and cost-effective way to get involved in a talented greyhound and anyone interested can contact Conlon directly on 0044 7491 970422. Incidentally, the first member of the syndicate is young Tubs McNally, the champion pony rider.

If you want to read any more details on the Fangio Racing Club, the excellent Townview Kennels website has all the information you will need. Just click the link: https://www.townviewkennels.com/fanjio-racing-club