Catch A Wave is set to make a triumphant return to the West, aiming for glory in the Group 1 TABtouch Nullarbor on Friday, April 25 at Gloucester Park. The Andy Gath-trained star will represent the loud and proud RAM Racing Syndicate for 2025.
RAM Racing has enjoyed Western Trilogy success twice, with Overpass claiming both editions of the Quokka. They are set to once again fill Gloucester Park with cowboy hats in 2025.
Catch A Wave was unstoppable in 2024 when he raided WA shores, taking home not only the $1.25 million Nullarbor but also claiming the $300,000 Retravision Fremantle Cup a week later, with Kate Gath in the sulky.
“He’s in better form. He’s more consistent. He was a little bit hot and cold last time, but we find all his signs this time have been pretty high level,” Gath said. “He’s the type of horse that the better the field, the better chance he is because he’s just sitting off the pace, a bit of a sniper.”
Catch A Wave's connections, the Matthews Family, have a slot in New Zealand’s The Race, but Gath’s preference was always to head to Perth. After some quick thinking and phone calls to WA, he was put in touch with RAM Racing Syndicate, who were excited to have last year’s winner on board.
Gath is under no illusion that the Nullarbor will be even tougher to win in 2025. “The Nullarbor is getting stronger every year and looks to be a sensational race this year as part of the Western Trilogy, which is a fantastic week in Perth. Racing WA’s Cameron Brown has done a great job in attracting a super field again, and we are excited to get back to Perth.”
Cameron Byers has been working hard for RAM Racing Syndicate to secure their Nullarbor runner. After being in conversation with many trainers over horses, they landed on Catch A Wave, who they initially thought was out of contention with talks that last year’s winner was almost certainly heading to New Zealand.
“Catch A Wave all happened very quickly. I spoke with Andy the Monday after the Miracle Mile,” Byers said. “They were pretty keen to come, and we were pretty keen to take him. He’s at the right point of his preparation.”
RAM Racing Syndicate had tried for Don Hugo, Republican Party, and Tact Mcleod, unaware that Catch A Wave was right under their noses the entire time. “He was never on the table. To the best of everyone’s knowledge, Catch A Wave was going to New Zealand.”
The RAM Racing Syndicate had been unlucky with the slot. After all but securing local talent Lavra Joe to once again represent them, his campaign was cut short when he was struck down with a suspensory injury in recent weeks.
Catch A Wave leaves Sydney on April 14, 11 days ahead of the Group 1 TABtouch The Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 25.