Victorian
Greyhound Weekly Volume 1
Number 23
Friday March 10, 2017
Fanta Bale’s fantastic Australian Cup triumph
1958 Rookie Rebel 1989 Ginger
2001 Brett Lee
Australian Cup Review—Page 13
-1-
From the Editor’s Desk Victorian Greyhound Weekly Edition 23 Friday March 10 Remember, you can subscribe to Victorian Greyhound Weekly absolutely FREE OF CHARGE. Simply register your email address with us and you will be sent an e-copy by email every Friday morning. editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au Coming up over the next week: Friday March 10
Healesville, Traralgon, Bendigo and Geelong.
Saturday March 11
Traralgon and The Meadows.
Sunday March 12
Sandown (SAP, Warragul and Sale.
Monday March 13
Ballarat, Traralgon and Shepparton.
Tuesday March 14
Ballarat, Geelong, and Warragul.
Wednesday Mar 15
The Meadows (MEP), Bendigo, Ballarat and Cranbourne. Thursday March 16 Warragul, Shepparton, Sandown and Warrnambool.
Jan Wilson inducted into Victorian Honour Roll for Women Former Greyhound Racing Victoria Chairman, the late Mrs Jan Wilson OAM, was this week inducted into the 2017 Victorian Honour Roll for Women for her advocacy to improve animal welfare practices across the State. After she retired from politics in 1999, Mrs. Wilson was appointed Chairman of Greyhound Racing Victoria, and for a decade she was Chairman of the sport’s national body, Greyhounds Australasia. Such was her impact that she was elected President of the World Greyhound Racing Federation for three years. In 2009, Mrs Wilson was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia Medal for services to the racing industry and to animal welfare. Her contributions during her career and beyond retirement benefited many, including elderly and migrant residents of the City of Dandenong. Each year, the Victorian Honour Roll for women celebrates exceptional women in Victoria who have made significant and lasting contributions to their local community, the nation or the world. 2017 inductees will join more than 600 remarkable women named in the Honour Roll since it commenced in 2001.
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Victorian Greyhound Weekly is edited and published by Roger J Clark, for Azpak Marketing PO Box 184, Grantville Vic, 3984. Email: editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au Facebook: ttps://www.facebook.com/search/1781809112100364/ local_search?surface=sist
BARCIA BALE
FABREGAS Black dog October 2010 36.5kg Bombastic Shiraz x Wicked Witch
Black dog March 2010 35kg Go Wild Teddy x Princess Bale
Career Statistics: 14 starts - 13 wins Prizemoney $136,075
STUD FEE
Career Statistics: 13 starts - 12 wins Prizemoney: $131,055
$3,300 inc. GST FROZEN ONLY
STUD FEE
$3,300 inc. GST FROZEN ONLY
Winner 2012 Group 1 National Sprint Championship
Winner 2012 Group 1 Maturity Classic Track Records: Maitland 450m - 24.90 Bulli 400m - 22.20 (in his maiden)
He was a superstar on the track and he is now A superstar sire Leading AGRA Sire of the year for 2016
Superstar who won 13 of 14 starts
Fabregas……….. Built for speed!
FERNANDO BALE
KIOWA PRODUCER* Dark brindle dog 31.5kg April 2011 Dragon Fire x Kay V Sweet Kay
White & brindle dog 29.7kg March 2013 Kelsos Fusileer* x Chloe Allen
Career Statistics: 44 starts - 35 wins 5 placings Prizemoney $1,299,370
STUD FEE
$4,400 inc. GST FROZEN ONLY
Winner of 8 Group 1 events Including G1 Golden Easter Egg, G1 National Sprint Championship, G1 Maturity Classic, G1 Topgun, G1 Adelaide Cup, G1 Peter Mosman Classic, as well as the G2 Bendigo Cup, G2 Traralgon Cup and the G3 Bill Collins Memorial. Track Records: Bendigo 425m 23.99 Traralgon 525m 29.80
STUD FEE
$1950 inc. GST Career Statistics: 94 starts - 50 wins, 19 placings FROZEN ONLY Member of the 2013 All-American team Winner of the 2013 Hollywood World Classic, 2013 Southland Derby and 2013 Chris Callas Memorial Stake. Perfect outcross for Australian bitches Kiowa Producer is undoubtedly one of the best bred American imports to ever stand at stud in Australia. What’s more, Kiowa Producer has the racetrack record to back up that claim, when you consider his overall record of 94 starts for 50 wins (Yes, 50 wins!) 15 seconds and four thirds.
Also Standing: Bekim Bale ($2750), Dyna Tron ($1650), Dyna Lachlan ($2200), Meticulous ($1500), Path To Power ($1500) and Velocette ($2200). Refund (less 10% nil pups) Credit Card facilities available (2% surcharge applies) Contact Paul & Michelle Westerveld 0412 887 226 Email: meticulouslodge@bigpond.com
www.meticulouslodge.com -3-
Breeding and trainers of last week’s metropolitan winners. Victoria, NSW and South Australia Angle Park - Monday February 27 1. Farmin (Djays Octane* x Kiowa Angel) Lauren Harris 2. Long Gully Josh (KC And All* x Long Gully Libby) P. Hearndon 3. Shore's Girl (Fabregas x On Shore) T. Rasmussen 4. Communication (Nolen x Gold Vee) N. Newlyn 5. Dorsal (Nolen x Gold Vee) Lauren Harris 6. Show Me Dollars (Dyna Tron x Midnight Dollars) Kathleen Johnstone 7. Dyna Edgar (Blue Lorian x Hannie Bale) T. Rasmussen 8. Marley Bale (Turanza Bale x Dyna Gala) B. Rawlings 9. Sappy Bale (Razldazl George* x Bitten) W. Matcott 10. Rosie Allen (Turanza Bale x Pindari Bale) W. Matcott 11. Cyril Beast (Elite State x Mighty Chaos) B. Rawlings Angle Park - Tuesday February 28 1. Hakanui (Kelsos Fuslieer* x Daddy's Muffin T. Rasmussen 2. Yarramundi Cara (Cosmic Rumble x Yarramundi Star) V. Roz 3. Kunar Luna (Trendy Leigh x Ginette Bale) K. Murnane 4. Betta Watch That (Where's Pedro xx Cool In Blue) D. Hockley 5. Enola Gay (Collision x Miss Bel Air) 6. Hayride Heeney (Glen Gallon x Hayride Rosie) D. Perry 7. Another Bust Trip (Swift Fancy x Taylor's Reunion) E. Matcott 8. Cairnlea Ollie (Premier Fantasy x Cairnlea Ellie) P. Jovanovic 9. Cigar Club (Spiral Nikita x Katie Merry) K. Bewley 10. Ritza Star (Oaks Road x Jodie Eli) M. Payne 11. Dyna Leona (Djays Octane* x Fotoula Bale) W. Matcott 12. Opal Bale (Dyna Lachlan x Ashby Bale) W. Matcott
8. Walkaway Bonnie (Dyna Lachlan x Walkaway Jackie) L. Hannaford) 9. Walkaway Annie (Dyna Lachlan x Walkaway Jackie) L. Hannaford 10. Myrniong Blaster (Seek And Destroy x Eastern Culture) M. Azzopardi The Meadows (MEP) - Wednesday March 1 1. Neve Allen (Turanza Bale x Roxio Bale) A. Dailly 2. Dyna Jackie (Surf Lorian x Crystin Bale) A. Dailly 3. Dyna Kungpow (Surf Lorian x Crystin Bale) A.Dailly 4. Lucky Love (Bit Chili x Classy Bling) C. Treherne 5. Fimple Allen (Bella Infrared* x Langi Bale) A.Dailly 6. Flying Eamonn (Collision x Oshkosh Fayola*) A.Dailly 7. Zippy Dath (Cosmic Rumble x Pandora Bale) A.Dailly 8. Riley Bale (Turanza Bale x Dyna Velvet) A.Dailly 9. Allen Gable (Bella Infrared* x Langi Bale) A.Dailly 10. Tearaway Doc (Black Magic Opal x Minni Mooksta) R. Mahoney 11. Victor Dora (Cosmic Rumble x Pandora Bale) A.Dailly 12. Who Told Simon (Magic Sprite x Who Tod Helen) M. Lloyd Angle Park - Thursday March 2 1. Wota Chill (Bit Chili x Why Wot Where) R. Pearce 2. Aston Apollo (Barcia Bale x Aston Elle) T. Murray 3. Lady Bale (Turanza Bale x Princess Bale) K. Bewley 4. Gangster Miss (Fabregas x Great Gunns) T. Rasmussen 5. Tommy's Tune (Premier Fantasy x Up And Away) L. Rasmussen 6. Dream A Little (Banjo Boy x Zardae) J. Jones 7. What's Up Herbie (Nitro Burst x Bernie Mac) T. Murray 8. Molly Be Nimble (Nitro Burst x Hope's Up) C. Butcher 9. McLaren Missile (Cosmic Chief x Stevie McLaren) T. Foster 10. Long Gully Johnny (Djays Octane x Long Gully Libby) P. Hearnden
Wentworth Park - Wednesday March 1 1. Joker Jake (Magic Sprite x Daydream) R. Bell 2. Savanaka Two (Barcia Bale x Corleone) J. Callaughan 3. Justa Grant (Collision x Fire And Fancy) D. Grant 4. Nana Road (Oaks Road x Nana Cook) M. Bell 5. Boomwah (Kinloch Brae* x Clay Model) S. Goodger 6. Mach Tux (Lochinvar Marlow x Oxley Falcon) B. King 7. Old Bailey (Cosmic Rumble x Mrs Beecham) J. Lord -4-
Heavy Duty Webbing Lead with safety clip Colours, Black, Light Yellow, Red, Yellow, Pink, Blue, Green: Price: $13.50 Ring Graham Moscow:
0412 243 655 www.greyhoundgear.com.au
Breeding and trainers of last week’s metropolitan winners. Victoria, NSW and South Australia continued Sandown - Thursday March 2 1. Surefire (Barcia Bale x Veetee Express) J. Magri 2. Dr. Compulsion (Elite Blue Size x Somewhere Girl) J. McMahon 3. Villa Jemma (Djays Octane* x Pah Leeze) K. Pitt 4. Bucky Barnes (Premier Fantasy* x Glamorous Keisha) P. Bartolo 5. Mick's Angel (Kilty Lad x Seabrook Lass) A. Meyer 6. Riveting (Swift Fancy x Ronray Disco) K. Leek 7. Extreme Magic (Black Magic Opal x Outlandish) J. Thompson 8. Gaucho (El Grand Senor x Oh Em Gee) B. Ennis 9. Allen Dynamo (Razldazl George x Quiz Bale) D. Trewin 10. Quartz Vein (Djays Octane* x Pah Leeze) D. Trewin 11. Sacramento Sal (Kinloch Brae* x Purely Tomic) J. Sharp 12. Traveller's Joy (Barcia Bale x Ema's Princess) R. Britton Wentworth Park Saturday March 4 1. Cosmic Bonus (Cosmic Rumble x Dark And Stormy) E. Harris 2. Rohan Hill (Brett Lee x Cawbourne Whip) J. Lord 3. Good Odds Bricky (Magic Sprite x Punk Angel) F. Hurst 4. Starza Light (Barcia Bale z Zsa Zsa) D. Swain 5. Tap Out Axe (Magic Sprite x Indigo Gem) R. Metselaar 6. Nangar Thunder (Swift Fancy x Armatree Elle) D. Irwin 7. Canya Bounce (Brett Lee x Motown Girl) M. Burton 8. Go Good Riddance (Collision x Isadoll) L. Azzopardi 9. Flighty Ehyptian (Knocka Norris x Little Ehyptian) D. Garratt10. Miss Abbeyvale (Barcia Bale x Midnight Lace) K. Drynan)
R. Britton 9. Aqua Cheetah (Cosmic Rumble x Dalta Bale) J. Thompson 10. Dyna Irminus (Barcia Bale x Erica Allen) A.Dailly 11. Reckoning (Swift Fancy x Ronray Disco) J. Thompson 12. Big Flood (Banjo Boy x Easy Baby) J. Thompson Congratulations to Robert Britton and his team on the great win by Fanta Bale (August 2014 David Bale x Ucme Typhoon) in last night's Australian Cup final at the Meadows, and Jason Thompson and his for their six winners, including three legs of the Quadrella, and it looked for a fair way they were going to snare the big one as well.
Sandown (SAP) Sunday March 5 1. Kreuzenstein (KC And All* x Abbey Shiraz) A.Langton 29.73 2. Rockalot (KC And All* x Abby Shiraz) J. Britton 30.08 3. Mepunga Blaze (Barcia Bale x Mepunga Nicky) J. Britton 29.29 4. Karvardi (Barcia Bale x Pearl Napoleon) B. Bravo 29.88 5. Miss Lava (Djays Octane* x Born On Lava) R. Britton 34.43 6. Aston Dee Bee (Barcia Aable x Aston Elle) The Meadows - Saturday March 4 1. Barcia Bale x Scarlett Girl) S. Ralph J. Thompson 29.19 2. Penny Monelli (Magic Sprite x Fantasy Monelli) 7. Henry (Nolen x Set To Talk ) J. McIntyre) 29.44 D. Hobby 8. Exs And Ohs (SH Avatar* x Love To Rock) 3. Oronsay (Walk Hard x Dirty Angel) J. Sharp B. Ennis 34.21 4. Jaimandy Hatty ((Barcia Bale x Jaimandy Emily) 9. Dashing Moments (Dashing Corsair x Mon Cherie) P. Donohue L. Delbridge 29.67 5. Invictus Rapid (Cosmic Rumble x Miss Fiesty) 10. Jimmy Newob (Cosmic Rumble x Nosey Rozy) J. Thompson B. Fullarton 29.44 6. Trip To Eden (Solve The Puzzle x Key To Eden) 11. Elusive Pearl(Mogambo x Pearl Napoleon) J.Thompson T. Salpigtidis 29.70 7. Buck Forty (Buck Fever x Fancy Jaffa) J. Thompson 12. Dr. Sherlock (Enry Walt x Dr. Flojoe) W. 8. Fanta Bale (David Bale x Ucme Typhoon*) McMahon) 29.76 -5-
Talking Breeding Pale Mist). Blue Mayhem is from a litter of six named, which included Big Bad Tom, Elite Phoenix, Ninja Zorro, Tina Two and White Spyro. Their dam also produced winners from her three other litters, by Bekim Bale, Cape Hawke and Outa Credit. On the track she raced 73 times, for 12 wins and 19 placings, winning over 515 metres at Sandown (30.10), 525 metres at The Meadows (30.44), 440 metres (26.03) and 530 metres (30.84) at Canberra, twice over 525 metres at Wagga (30.39) and also over 450 metres at Warrnambool (25.68), 425 metres at Bendigo (23.91), 520 metres at Sale (29.59), 460 metres at Geelong (26.08), 395 metres at Traralgon (23.03) and 450 metres at Shepparton (25.75). She has one previous litter on file, one dog and two bitches, by Surf Lorian, whelped in March 2016.
Talking Breeding with Roger Clark
VICTORIA Victorian Litter Registrations Week Ending February 15 Sire/Dam
Breeder
Barcia Bale x Blue Mayhem
3
8 S. Davis
Bella Infrared* x Aston Elle
2
0 R. Borda
Buck Fever x Za’ma Beauty
1
6 J. Arthur
Dyna Double One x Tatty Fields
3
4 D. Puleio
Fabregas x Lolly Bale
4
5 B. Pell
Fabregas x Maddison Dee
5
3 M. Chilcott
Fabregas x Mayhem
2
5 G. Rohan
Fabregas x Veetee Express
1
2 V. Tullio
Fernando Bale x Aston Elite
2
0 R. Borda
High Earner x Mendes
0
2 J. McCann
Kinloch Brae* x Goodnight Skye
3
4 M. Watson
Kinloch Brae* x Jubilation
6
2 G. Zogoulas
Kinloch Brae* x Until Tuesday
2
5 G. Rounds
Kiowa Mon Manny* x Kayla’s Penny
4
3 D. Murnane
Oaks Road x Stealthy Blonde
3
3 L. Moore
Paw Licking x Hayley’s Gem
5
3 B. King
Paw Licking x Precious Prize
2
1 B. King
Spring Gun x Pawsative
5
3 N. Hebart
Surf Lorian x Cadence Bale
3
3 A. Debattista
Swift Fancy x Purdi
3
2 B. Hooke
Got the Fever LANCASTER breeder, James Arthur, has a nice litter of seven pups on the list this week by the under-rated sire Buck Fever (December 2009 Brett Lee x Kiacatoo Pearl). The one dog and six bitches, are from the well bred, versatile sprinter/stayer, Za’ma Beauty (August 2011 Surf Lorian x Our Solution), whose dam is by Solve The Puzzle x Tepid Miss (Token Prince x Reheat). She is from her dam’s first Surf Lorian litter, which included Grand Solution, Great Solution, Snappy Sticka and Sticka Stars, with their dam also producing winners from her second Surf Lorian litter, whelped in November 2012, and a previous litter, whelped in January 2009, by Bombastic Shiraz. Za’ma Beauty raced 29 times for eight wins and seven placings, winning three times over 515 metres at The Gardens (29.79), where she also won over 600 metres (35.38) and won twice over 600 metres at Gosford (35.15) with wins over 520 metres (30.32) and 720 metres (42.37) at Wentworth Park.
Four Fabregas litters
* Import or O/Seas based Totals
59 64 20 litters, Ave (6.1)
THIS week’s review of litters selected from the Victorian Litter Registrations list for the week ending February 15, begins with a nice litter of eleven pups by leading Victorian metropolitan sire, Barcia Bale (March 2010 Go Wild Teddy x Princess Bale) Registered by Murrabit breeder, Sonia Davis, the three dogs and eight bitches are from the well bred bitch, Blue Mayhem (May 2012 Disintegrate x Hanify’s Elite), whose dam is by Elite State x Miss Hanify (Allegro Jet x -6-
Talking Breeding On the track, she raced 87 times for 18 wins and 29 placings, winning four times over 725 metres at The Meadows (42.68), where she also won over 600 metres (34.73), three times over 715 metres at Sandown Four Fabregas litters FOUR litters on the Victorian list this week by the 2012 (42.06), where she also won over 595 metres (34.42), National Sprint Championship winner, Fabregas with single wins over 390 metres at Shepparton (22.53), (October 2010 Bombastic Shiraz x Wicked Witch), with 680 metres at Geelong (39.21), 680 metres at Warragul something different to like about all four litters. (39.74), 650 metres at Warrnambool (37.52), 660 metres Beverley Pell registered the first of the four litters at Bendigo (38.12), 715 metres at Cannington (41.93), for the Bev and Daniel Syndicate, which has four dogs 461 metres at Hobart (26.65) and 515 metres at and five bitches, from the beautifully bred bitch, Lolly Launceston (30.23), where she also won over 600 Bale (June 2011 Lansley Bale x Kazar Bale), whose metres (35/37). dam is by Go Wild Teddy x Siandra Bale (Shining She was a finalist in the Group 1 Superstayers, Chariot x Luana Bale) and worth recalling, Luana Bale Group 2 AWM Distance Championship and the Group 3 is by Grove Whisper* x Red Fire Bale (World Acclaim Chairman’s Cup. x Marcia Bale). She has five named offspring on file from her first She is from a litter which included Hilda Bale, two litters, Kinloch Dee, whelped in July 2012 by Jack Bale and Key Bale, with their dam also having Kinloch Brae*, then Dee Blue Star, Dee Don Diego, produced some very good winners from her other litters, Taylor Made Dee and Thomas Dee, whelped in October by Bekim Bale, Hallucinate, Larking About*, Over Flo 2014 by Collision. and Valencia Citrate. Lolly Bale raced 99 times for 16 wins and 32 Mayhem litter for Garry placings, winning five times over 515 metres at Angle NEXT we have a nice litter of two dogs and five Park (29.67), three times over 525 metres at The bitches, registered by Cranbourne West breeder, Garry Meadows (30.14), twice over 520 metres at Cranbourne Rohan, from the beautifully bred, lightly raced bitch, (30.59) and also over 515 metres at Sandown (29.83) Mayhem and 460 metres at Geelong (26.20). (June 2010 Where’s Pedro x Casey’s Angel), whose dam is by Spiral Nikita* x Leprechaun Yap (Hotshot x Eight for Maddison Leprechaun Miss). She is from a litter which included At This Moment, Jodie Valentino, Never Too Many, Paris Maddison Dee Valentino, Third String and West On Pedro. Their dam also produced good winners from her other seven litters, by Bekim Bale, Brett Lee, Collide, Collision, Go Wild Teddy, High Earner and Smooth Fancy. Mayhem only raced eight times, for two wins, over 400 metres at Warragul (22.98) and 450 metres at Shepparton (25.99). She has two named offspring, Express Chain and Mr. Bad Example, from her first litter, whelped in November 2014, by Fabregas, then she whelped a litter of six dogs and one bitch, by Heston Bale, whelped in November 2015. Talking Breeding Victoria Continued….
HEATHCOTE breeder, Michael Chilcott has the second Fabregas litter, five dogs and three bitches, from the beautifully bred, very good staying bitch, Maddison Dee (March 2010 El Galo x Oh Behave), whose dam is by Big Ginger Boy x Hunter Tylo (Hotshot x Malagro Sal). She is from a litter which included Please Behave, Chazwick and Mason Dee, with their dam also producing winners from her five other litters, by Big Daddy Cool, Premier Fantasy*, Token Prince, and Fabregas in action Where’s Pedro (twice). -7-
Talking Breeding Their dam only has one other litter on file, whelped in April 2015 by Peter Rocket, which produced Miss Lanquid, Rapanui Rebel, Ramanui Request, Rapanui Reveller, Rapanui Revival and Shreddin’, with all but Fourth Fabregas litter one having raced and won already. PEARCEDALE breeder, Vince Tullio has the final Invictus Kennels Syndicate Manager, George Fabregas litter, which has one dog and two bitches from Zogoulas, registered the second Kinloch Brae litter, the proven producer, 2014 Mt Gambier Cup winner, which has six dogs and two bitches, from the very well Veetee Express (March 2011 Black Enforcer x Keep bred bitch, Jubilation (January 2013 Collision x Cool), whose dam is by Big Daddy Cool x Mels Easy Velocity Cloud), whose dam is by Bombastic Shiraz x (Ashigga x Broad Band). Subjective Lee (Brett Lee x Pretty Wagtail). She is from a handy litter which included She is from a handy litter, which included Greysynd Chill, Greysynd Cool, Greysynd Jet, Keep Captivating, Trigger, Velocity Alice and Velocity Shirl, One, Stay Warm and Total Confusion. with their dam also producing winners from all three Their dam also produced winners from her four other litters, by Bit Chili, El Galo, El Grand Senor and other litters, by Bekim Bale, Mogambo and Path To Power. Premier Fantasy*. Jubilation raced 11 times for three wins, over 520 On the track she raced 52 times for the good metres at Cranbourne (30.46) and 400 metres at record of 21 wins and eleven placings, which included wins over 515 metres at Sandown (29.85), 525 metres at Geelong (22.57), where she also won over 460 metres (26.35). The Meadows (30.15) and her Mt Gambier Cup win, Devon Meadows breeder, Glenn Rounds, has the 512 metres (29.80). final Kinloch Brae litter. She has six named offspring from her first litter, The two dogs and five bitches are from the Adherent, Effectual, Inventive, Perceptive, Precipitate beautifully bred bitch, Until Tuesday (April 2014 Brett and Surefire, who were whelped in March 2015, by Lee x Until Then), whose dam is by Collision x Casey’s Barcia Bale. She also has an August 2014 litter, two bitches by Angel (Spiral Nikita* x Leprechaun Yap). She is from her dam’s only litter, of four named, Fabregas, then a November 2015 litter of four dogs and which included Tuzedo Black, Until Dawn and What’s four bitches, by Cosmic Rumble. To Like, who all won races. She was lightly raced on the track, with only five Three Kinloch* litters starts which resulted in a win, over 460 metres at Warragul (26.27) with two placings, both over 460 metres at Geelong, beaten 0.7 and 1.6 lengths. Talking Breeding Victoria Continued….
NEW SOUTH WALES There are still no reviews of litters from NSW this week. GRNSW had not released details of litters registered or stud services at the time of completing this week’s edition. Kinloch Brae* THREE litters on the Victorian list this week by international stud success, Kinloch Brae* (August 2005 Craigie Mo Town x Greys Free Style). PAKENHAM breeder, Michael Watson has the first of the three litters, which has three dogs and four bitches, from the well bred bitch, Goodnight Skye (April 2013 Stagger x Rockin’ Along), whose dam is by Mogambo x Bayview Ability (Excite Ability x Just Jessica). She is from an outstanding litter which included Annunaki, Ava’s Shadow, Blue Away, Dalgetty, Dance Craze, Secretary Bird and Two Tone). -8-
ADVERTISE YOUR PUPS FOR SALE HERE From $20.00 advertising@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au
Victorian Metropolitan Sires List 3 wins Surf Lorian, Bekim Bale, Big Daddy Cool, Farmor Las Vegas, Don’t Knocka Him, Dyna Lachlan, Buck Fever and El Grand Senor. 2 wins Farley Turbo*, Dyna Nalin, Kelsos Fusileer*, Peter Rocket, High Earner, Kiowa Mon Manny*, Kilty Lad, Taylors Sky*, Razldazl George*, Shakey Jakey and Where’s Pedro.
Talking Breeding Continued Victorian Metropolitan Sires List Victorian Metropolitan Sires List January-February 2017 No.
Jan
Indiv.
1sts
Feb
SAP/MEP
1
1
Barcia Bale
47
64
28
35
2
3
Fabregas
20
26
16
17
3
2
Cosmic Rumble
17
21
5
11
4
4
Magic Sprite
11
19
11
8
5
7
Collision
12
15
8
8
6
5
Djays Octane*
11
14
6
5
7
12
Kinloch Brae*
11
13
9
9
8
8
Spring Gun
8
12
5
6
9
19
Oaks Road
6
9
6
5
10
13
SH Avatar*
7
9
5
4
11
11
David Bale
6
9
5
4
12
10
Turanza Bale
5
9
4
3
13 14
6 **
Velocette Dyna Tron
6 7
8 7
7
5 5
15
14
Banjo Boy
4
7
3
2
16
18
Nitro Burst
6
6
3
4
17
9
KC And All*
4
6
-
3
18
20
Bella Infrared*
3
6
3
3
19
**
Swift Fancy
5
6
3
2
20
**
Nolen
4
6
3
2
200
272
130
141
Sire
*Import/Overseas Sire
Totals
Next week we will have the Victorian Stud Service figures for December and also for the full year 2016.
We will also have the NSW Metropolitan Sires list for the first two months of this year.
INVITATION Invitation to all Owners, Trainers, Studmasters and Breeders. If you have a story to tell about the part you play in greyhound racing, let us know, bred a litter, have a special greyhound, whatever, we’d love to hear from you. editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au
** New in Top 20
OUTSTANDING sire Barcia Bale (March 2010 Go Wild Teddy x Princess Bale) already looks to have set up another Victorian Metropolitan Sires Premiership, after just two months racing this year. His 28 February wins, after 36 in January now sees him with a lead of 38 wins over his nearest rival, Fabregas who has 26 wins for the two months, followed by Cosmic Rumble with 21 wins, Magic Sprite with 19 wins and Collision with 15 wins completing the top five. Looking at the top five after deducting midweek and Sunday provincial stake meetings, the top five are, Barcia Bale with 29 wins, Magic Sprite with 11 wins, Cosmic Rumble with 10 wins and Fabregas and Djays Octane* with 9 wins each. Just outside the top 20 at the end of February, also with six wins, is Lochinvar Marlow ( 4-6-1-1). Then follows: 5 wins Walk Hard and Black Magic Opal. 4 wins Cosmic Chief, Premier Fantasy*, Dyna Steal, Mogambo, Talk’s Cheap and Razldazl Jayfkay*. -9
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- 10 -
3 Noaki Street Pearcedale 3912 Call, SMS or Email Vince 0421569259 vince@vtgroup.com.au
INTRODUCING
SMART MISSILE AT STUD SMART MISSILE
Nitro Burst
Bombastic Shiraz
Hotburst
Black Dog July 2013 36.5kgs
Premier Fantasy*
Oh Cee Ya Oh Behave
Ginger Dark Horison Malawi’s Prince Bombastic Blonde Blonde Bombshell Acacia Ablaze Hotshot Mary La Maze Denver Outburst Nicole Cruise Vintage Prince Premier County Wise Plan Murlene Slippy Nifty Niamh Pauls Turn Ginger Big Ginger Boy Dark Horizon Hotshot
Black Shiraz
Hunter Tylo
Malagro Sal
26 starts 12 wins 5 placings Stake earnings $64,107
A superstar in the making who’s career ended prematurely by injury Winner of the hand picked Speed Star Series at Sandown which he won in a blistering 29.01, after he had broken the track record at The Gardens 29.19 “Incredibly fast dog that could run unbelievably fast times and was only getting better before injury cut short his career” - Jason McKay SMART MISSILE WOULD HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE QUICKEST WE HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME!
We are offering frozen semen at $1,100 (Money back minus 10% or return service if NIL pups) Call, SMS, or Email - Vince 0421-569 259 vince@vtgroup.com.au - 10 -
- 12 -
Australian Cup Review
Fanta Bale’s fantastic Australian Cup triumph By GRV Website
(All pics—Clint Anderson) Underrated but ultra-consistent Fanta Bale claimed her third Group 1 trophy at The Meadows – and her first as a sprinter – with a surprise victory in the Sky Racing Australian Cup Final on Saturday night. Trained by Robert Britton for Australia’s most successful breeder Paul Wheeler, Fanta Bale had won two 600m features at The Meadows, the Hume Cup last October and Rookie Rebel invitational on the opening night of the Australian Cup Carnival. After winning the Rookie Rebel Britton opted to revert to sprinting for the Australian Cup rather than testing the daughter of 2012 Topgun hero David Bale and US-bred dam Ucme Typhoon as a stayer and his decision proved to be a $250,000 masterstroke. “It’s fate that she won tonight. I actually had her entered for a 700 metre race a little while back, but I had to scratch her because she was a little bit sore,” Britton said. “She ended up missing five weeks of racing, but had she raced that day I probably would have kept her over the longer distances and never even contemplated putting her in the Australian Cup.” Fanta Bale ($8.30) won her Australian Cup heat in 29.98sec from box one and she started at $8.30 from box eight in the decider, with the move to the outside alley a concern for Britton. Silver Chief and Temlee hero Lightning Frank was the $2.40 favourite from box three but he missed the start as Fanta Bale showed great speed to lead Aston Bolero on the first turn. Aston Bolero gained the ascendancy shortly after but Fanta Bale railed to the lead turning for home and dashed clear, defeating the strong-finishing youngster Eminent Reality ($3.80) by 2 ¾ lengths in 30.01sec, with Aeroplane Bob ($24.90) running third. “This is an absolute thrill. Thinking about the race all
week I couldn’t see how she could get across to the rail from box eight,” Britton said. “But she has proved me wrong several times in her career and she has done so again tonight. “I was watching the race from just in front of the boxes and she began brilliantly. I was actually shocked that she beat Aston Bolero out. “Then he (Aston Bolero) pushed under her but somehow they both managed to stay in front.” It was Britton’s third Australian Cup, with the master Lara mentor having won the race with Isa Brown in 2002 and Tasman Queen in 2008. Fanta Bale doubled her earnings, passing the $500,000 mark, and she’s now won 20 of her 29 starts, her consistency underlined by the fact she hasn’t missed a place in her last 18 outings, winning 13 times, since finishing sixth in the Group 3 SA Oaks last September. “She reminds me a lot of Isa Brown in that she’s a one pacer but a good box dog who was dropping back in distance for this race,” Britton said. “I’m still keen to try her as a stayer, and I’ll have a good think over the next few days about what I’ll do with her next.” After the placed runners then followed: Aston Bolero ($7.40), Matt Machine ($20.10), Monaro Monelli ($31.30), Blazin’ Bomber ($8.40) and Lightning Frank ($2.40). Fanta Bale is a Black bitch whelped August 2014 by David Bale from Ucme Typhoon (Dodgem By Design x USS Mysterious). Fanta Bale is raced by Paul Wheeler and trained by Robert Britton. She has raced 28 times for 20 wins and six placings. After adding the $250,000 first prize for the Australian Cup her stake earnings stand at $516,915. 22nd on the all-time stakes winning list. The Australian Cup was first run in 1958 at North Melbourne the M.G.R.A.’s first home then moved with the club to Olympic Park becoming the famous race it is today when promoted with flair and style by the late Ken Carr the club astute manager for many years. When Olympic closed the club flagship event was conducted at Sandown while the club established its new home at the Meadows. It has been conducted at the new complex since it opened in 1999. The full history of all Australian Cup winners was published last week in Victorian Greyhound Weekly, which is still available on the website, as are all previous editions. Having all previous editions available is proving to be a valuable resource for serious students of breeding, with all Metropolitan winners, in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney, their breeding and trainers, published each week.
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Australian Cup night review
Eden’s Trip to Super Stayers Paradise By GRV Website
“They are total opposites in some ways. Burn One Down is a really big dog, whereas Trip To Eden is quite small. “All going well we will most likely enter the two of them in the Traralgon Distance Cup later this month and then the Association Cup at Wentworth Park.” A son of former Group-winning stayer Key To Eden, Trip To Eden has inherited his mother’s distance capabilities, boasting three wins and three seconds in elite company since stepping up to ‘700’ in late 2016. “The owner Steve Connor has had some handy greyhounds over the years with us including Suave Fella, who was his first Group 1 winner, and Hanify’s Impact, who ran second in the Melbourne Cup,” Seona said. It was the second-time leading WA trainer Dave Hobby has had to settle for second prize in a Meadows’ 725m major, with Magpie Bob edged out by NSW’s Smart Valentino in the 2013 National Distance Grand Final. Earlier in Saturday night’s bumper meeting the Sharp family from Lara celebrated their greatest success to date when Oronsay held on for a thrilling all-the-way victory in the Group 3 GRV Vic Bred Maiden Final. Oronsay ($7.90), a daughter of former classy sprinter Walk Hard, trained by Jessica Sharp, staved off a late challenge from the well-supported Brueghelino ($2.70) to claim the $25,000 to-the-winner feature in 30.13sec, with litter sister Angel Dash, trained by Jessica’s husband Jason, running third. After the placed runners in the Super Stayers the rest of the field finished in then following order: Dundee Calypso ($29.50), It’s A Fling ($15.60), Azurite ($51.30), Obi Kenobi ($32.60) and Burn One Down ($1.70). Trip To Eden is a Black dog whelped April 2014 by Solve The Puzzle from Key To Eden (Suave Fella x Wild Chant). Trip To Eden is raced by Steve Connor and trained by Jason Thompson he has raced 38 times for 15 wins and 13 placings. His stake earnings stand at $220,762. The renamed Group 1 feature the Macro Meats Super Stayers, was in recent years, been known as the Australian Super Stayers and the Gleeson & Tonta Trophy. First run at Olympic Park in 1978 the staying feature had stood the test time. This year the race was sponsored for the third time by Macro Meats who have become involved with a number of high profile events at both metropolitan tracks in Victoria.
Strength in numbers paid off for Jason Thompson when Trip To Eden (pictured) upstaged superstar kennelmate Burn One Down in the Australian Super Stayers Final, the first leg of a Group 1 double header at The Meadows last Saturday night. After brilliant victories in the Group 1 Zoom Top and Super Stayers heat in the first two weeks of the Australian Cup Carnival Burn One Down was all-the rage in the $100,000 to-the-winner Super Stayers, starting at $1.70 from box six. Thompson’s ‘second stringer’ Trip To Eden ($4.80) was chasing a change of fortune in his third consecutive Group 1 assignment after finishing runnerup in both the Galaxy and Zoom Top, where he was beaten nine lengths by Burn One Down. The winner of nine of his ten starts over 725m at The Meadows, Burn One Down began well but was shuffled back to second last with one lap to go as Western Australian Teddy Monelli led the way. With Burn One Down at the tail of the field, Jason Thompson’s focus shifted to Trip To Eden when he moved threateningly into third in the back straight. Trip To Eden burst between Teddy Monelli ($6.40) and Alera Bale ($11.60) in the home straight, defeating Teddy Monelli by 1 ½ lengths in 42.31sec, while Burn One Down failed to beat a runner home. “Trip To Eden had been knocking on the door of a big race win, and I had a real feeling he was going to win tonight,” Jason Thompson’s wife Seona said. “We won’t know until Burn One Down cools down whether he is injured or not. The Superstayers final and the Group 1 Australian Cup “We don’t normally train stayers, so when Burn capped off an amazing three weeks of racing at The One Down and Trip To Eden ran the Quinella in the Meadows. In excess of over $1,000,000 in prizemoney Zoom Top it was a huge thrill as it meant we had the was won in another outstanding carnival. best two stayers in Australia. - 14-
Coursing
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Coursing Club News
toy tow bar, 100kph
Coursing enthusiasts in Victoria and South Australia are now looking forward to the 2017 Coursing Season with great anticipation. South Australian News SA coursing dates until 30 June are listed below. The remaining dates for July – September will follow once allocated. We start off our season by running 4-dog stakes – which appeases the track enthusiasts who do not wish to put their dogs in an 8-dog stake as they don’t believe they can run 3 times in the one day, even though it should be remembered that its only 2 dogs that have 3 runs, and this is certainly not a problem in Victoria. Sunday 16 April Sunday 30 April Sunday 21 May Sunday 11 June Sunday 25 June Email : jahurley@bigpond.com Phone : 0417 878 511 (NOTE : No message bank)
Home (08) 8520 2347 (has message capability) Judy Hurley Racing Manager/Secretary GOTBA of SA Coursing Club ____________________________________________ Victorian News Longwood Coursing Club Trials every Sunday morning from 8.30 - 10am last ticket sold and Tuesdays by appointment with Gary Robinson 0439 981 270 We will have the full 2017 Coursing calendar as soon as it has been confirmed. The first meeting of the 2017 season is scheduled to be a Catch on to Coursing meeting at Longwood on Sunday April 2.
Graham Moscow 0412 243 655 This car is not a small cheapie, the car is TRAX 4WD Truck, however Graham Moscow from Greyhound Gear calls it car. The car must be safe and big enough so pups can't drag off to the dam. Theory is to course pups three to six months in a pack, a maximum of four to five times. Elite State lodge have coursed five litters this year and found this method works 100% Pups that chased in pack were all easy break ins. Wheeler kennels purchased a car and Brendan Wheeler said he was very happy with it. Longwood trainer Michael Barry has just ordered a car and Greyhound Gear are currently modifying it for him. Graham has a video of pups chasing the car, which he will email the link to, if you contact him. I have had a look at the video and it won’t take long to convince you what a fantastic product this is, and just how keenly the pups chase after it. Looks certain to be a valuable tool for breeders to educate their young pups with, and from the look of it, it will make the breakers job much easier when the pups go to him, or if you are breaking your own pups in. Why not give Graham a call and have a chat with him about this amazing product. He can then answer any of your question, discuss pricing options, delivery time etc. Graham Moscow 0412 243 655 *Also have a look at their website for your greyhound muzzles, coats, collars & leads needs
Victorian Greyhound Weekly supporting Coursing - 15-
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If you have a Nostalgia contribution email to editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au
This week we continue our look back at Victoria’s leading metropolitan sires and their best winning offspring over the past 40 years, with the 1988 Victorian Metropolitan Sires List.
www.victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au 17
BRED TO WIN
Windy Millar*
Our weekly selection of greyhounds to follow, based on their breeding and recent performances. BLISS STREET (Brindle dog, July 2014 Dyna Tron x Harbour Gift). Raced and trained by Gerry Orr from Newborough. Had no luck at first race start when third from box two over 515 metres at Sandown (SAP), March 5. Beaten ten lengths in the race won by Kreuzenstein (29.73) after striking trouble and is sure to improve on that run. VAN ANN (Black bitch, May 2015 Cosmic Rumble x Come On Luann). Trained at Maryborough by Joe Borg, for Wallace Heras. Another first start who finished third over 515 metres at Sandown (SAP) on March 5. Came from box two when beaten 2.2 lengths in the race won by Rockalot (30.08) and is sure ti improve with experience. CHASIN’ CRACKERS (Black dog, August 2015 Fabregas x Lady Arko). Owned by David Carroll and trained at Devon Meadows by Glenn Rounds. Came from box eight over 515 metres at Sandown on March 5, at first race start. Finished second, beaten 6.1 lengths in the race won by Mepunga Blaze in the unbelievable time of 29.29, so he actually ran 29.75 which is not bad time for a Sunday meeting and still get beaten Won’t have to improve much to have a great chance next time he steps out and if he’s anywhere near as good as his dam he’ll be very handy.
Sell your pups here
August 2006 Honcho Classic (Head Honcho x Sure Lass) x Any Time Soon (Staplers Jo x Toss Spirit) 52 Starts 14 wins 23 placings Won 2009 Group 1 Belfred Stakes, and 2008 Group 3 Kasco Stakes, with placings at Group level. Outstanding winning percentage as a sire. $700 Frozen, Bendigo or Sandown Contact Richard 0400 578 533
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Email: advertising@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au
Email: atkinsequipment@bigpond.com - 18 -
Looking Back “Maddog” down under. The Land of Van Diemen By Maddog McDermutt and Little Elsie Reprinted from American Greyhound Review, March 2007.
with his story. I had to say no. Then, it dawned on me he was mangling the pronunciation. Or we were. He was talking about Meagher, a Port Arthur prisoner, who escaped to America where he became an officer in the Union Army in the Civil War, came up the Missouri River to Montana Territory, became an unpopular governor, mysteriously vanished in the Missouri below Fort Benton. The bus driver and I went at it on pronunciation, and I had to mention that we had a country named after this man, Meagher County, and the entire population of Montana could not possibility be pronouncing this man’s name incorrectly, a million people could not possibly be that thick, and I fear that future tourists to Port Arthur are in for it, particularly anybody from Montana. For pity’s sake. Back to the dogs. Hilton pulled into a driveway, we piled out, ready for a tour of a Tasmanian dog farm, and we were greeted by Hilton’s wife Karen, and Greyhound trainer, daughter Nicole.
Well, we survived our first full day on the island of Tasmania, in spite of the fact some kind of stomach flu had tried to do us in. I spent the second day of our vacation, down for the count. I would wake up, watch 10 minutes of television, which broadcast good coverage on our American elections, then conk out again. However, by late afternoon, I was staging a comeback, and we were picked up by Hilton Howard, after his work shift, for a ride out to the Howard residence. Daughter Nicole, whom we met earlier at the Hobart track, was a Tasmanian dog trainer. We learned that Hilton worked for a company called Juicy Isle as a sales representative. Juicy Isle makes juice, chocolates, lollies, coffee and chips. Hilton supplies to all the shops in and around Hobart. The Howards live in Richmond, 20 kilometers down the road. Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. The name Australia, incidentally, is derived from the Latin Australis, meaning of the South. Tasmania is an island, separated from the Australian mainland, about 200 kilometers south of Melbourne across Bass Strait, named after a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman. In the early 1800’s, English convicts were given a choice: serve their sentences at hard labor in Australia or rot in England’s jails. As the story goes, over 150,000 convicts chose Australia. The most troublesome, some 75,000, were sent to the Tasman Peninsula prison known as Port Arthur. Interesting, because Port Arthur and its policies were the beginnings of prison rehabilitation. Which has led to our present way of thinking about incarcerations in America. The bridge across the Coal River, by the way, the most photographed bridge in Australia, is also the oldest bride in Australia. Little Elsie took a picture. St. John’s Church, behind the bridge, is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia. One more little narrative, then I’ll quit this tour stuff and get to the dogs. The next day we take a bus to Port Arthur. The bus driver was going on about somebody, I wasn’t Nicole Howard clear, and he turned to me and asked if I was familiar - 19 -
Special Feature “Maddog” down under. The Land of Van Diemen
continued
The next personality we met was a pink with gray wings Galah, a member of the cockatoo family. “Her name is Millam,” Karen said, “and she does talk, but she’s very limited in what she says. Male birds are easier to teach to speak.” “In American you can spend a pretty penny for a bird like that,” I said. Hilton said, “They don’t cost anything here. There are wild ones flying around. In some places they’re considered pests.” “Any Tasmanian Devils running around the neighborhood?” I asked. “We don’t see many devils,” Nicole said. “They are nocturnal, and they are subject to a disease which is proving fatal to them.” “But they are out there,” I said, pressing the question. Everybody nodded. Indeed they were. Can’t be too careful, you know. We stepped inside. On the kitchen counter, pans of dog food stood at the ready.
We had a chat. Nicole showed us a picture of a dog in a red racing blanket, #8. “Who’s that?” I asked. “Brett Lee,” Nicole said. (Nicole holding photo P 19) “I thought Brent Lee was in the United States,” I said. “The dog broke a record at Derby Lane.” “That’s Trent Lee. The Australian dog Brett Lee is the father of Trent Lee. Trent Lee’s mother is the American dog San Tan Gem.” “Well then for pity’s sake who is Brent Lee?” I muttered. “A cousin twice removed to Bruce Lee,” Little Elsie muttered in my ear. “So why do you have a picture of you and Brett Lee?” I asked. “I know the trainer,” Nicole said. “Brett Lee is based in New South Wales. Brett Lee came to Tasmania for the Hobart Thousand and ran second that year. He is one of the most influential dogs on the Australian stud scene at
the moment. You would have heard of him over there.” I noticed a number of pictures of racing Greyhounds on the walls. I said, “I noticed at Hobart a photographer was on hand to take pictures of the winners of each and every race.” Nicole said, “There is a photographer at each race meeting: Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport. We can purchase photos. We can also buy videos of races if we want.” I thought about it. “Our owners live all over the place, for instance the dog could be whelped in Kansas, raised in Oklahoma, but races in Florida, but the owners have access to videos of races on the web,” I said. “I’m not sure if all our tracks participate in that. I don’t think any of our tracks take still photos of all winners as mementos to owners and trainers, just stakes races, derbies and the like.” I counted nine pans of dog food. Looks a lot like what we used to feed at the track. “What’s in there?” I asked. Nicole said, “We feed whatever meat is available. Beef, horse, chicken. I normally buy in bulk of 50 kg to 100 kg is a commercial dog food. Pro Plan.” Same dry food we feed Jones back home. “What else is in there?” I asked. Nicole said, “I don’t feed many vitamins, but I do add electrolytes. I feed veggies and that amounts to what is available but mainly silver beet and carrots.” I echoed, “Silver Beet?” Little Elsie shrugged. She didn’t know either. “That’s what you call Spinach,” Nicole said. I couldn’t help myself. I had to ask. “Ever slip the dogs a road-kill, kangaroo maybe?” Little Elsie gave me a dirty look. Well so what! You can’t forget stories like the Tragedy at Bean Lake. When Billy the Hillbilly and I, and our wives, went at twelve big frozen cows with chain saws and a grinder. Everybody in the dog business has had some kind of off -the-wall experience relating to dog food. It often gives one an unusual slant on life. Ranging from warped to stunned to gross to debatable downright ingenious.” “I do feed kangaroo,” Nicole said, “generally shot at night by farmers. I just cut it up and feed it. Different parts of Australia feed different types of meat. I suppose kangaroo is more readily available in the north and also a cost factor. I feed kangaroo maybe a couple of times a month.” Little Elsie was glowering. She knew what was coming. I said, “Well, the cost factor might have to do with size, too. I read where Kangaroos on the mainland are a lot bigger.” Continued Page 21
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Special Feature “Maddog” down under The Land of Van Diemen
continued
I knew that Little Elsie knew I was recalling the events of The Tragedy at Bean Lake. It wasn’t my fault the ballet was performing when the twelve cows were dropped off in our front yard, and Little Elsie had tickets. “So now you know all about kangaroos,” Little Elsie said, and I felt there was something of an edge to it. I said, having carried out some really heavy research back home, “I’ll have you know, Little Elsie, a big male Kangaroo can hop along on its hind legs using its tail for steering and balancing at speeds up to 40 mph. A male kangaroo is a BOOMER. A female kangaroo is a FLYER. A baby kangaroo is a JOEY. Kangaroos live in groups called MOBS.” “Kangaroos are marsupials,” she said. As if that covered everything. I think our bout with the flu was just about over. We were getting back to normal. Nicole showed us a picture entitled Treble. “Treble?” I echoed Nicole said, “A treble means three winners on that track on the same day. They are different dogs. I have only had this happen once to me in 12 years of racing.” We moved on outside to meet a litter of pups. We were greeted by a dog I was almost certain was not a Greyhound.
“This is Belle,” Nicole said. “She is a Staffordshire Terrier cross.” Interesting. I gave ol’ Belle a pat. Most of the dog farms we have visited over the years have a dog another vintage. You’d think a dog farm would be the last place you’d find another kind of dog as a pet. Tasmania was proving to be no different in this matter. Belle, obviously, thought she ran the place. A magnificent black rooster appeared as if from nowhere and stuttered his stuff from one end of the back yard to the other. “What’s that bloke’s name?” I asked.
Nicole said, “Our roosters don’t get named. They don’t last long enough. The dog get them if they are silly enough to get in their runs.” One thing I noticed at Hobart was that the predominant color of Tasmanian Greyhounds seemed to be black. Nicole said, “These pups are No ShowMidnight Spark. Midnight Spark has an American influence. Allan Clark and I bought Midnight Spark because of the outcross.” I would later look up Midnight Spark on Greyhound Data on the computer. Midnight Spark’s father was Southern Champ, from Ireland, whose mother was Wise Flyer, from Ireland, whose parents were the Americans’ HB’s Commander and wise Memory.” “So how’d you get started in the dog business?” I asked. Nicole said, “I became involved in dogs when my uncle had a litter of pups when I was young. I guess I was bitten by the bug. I started with one, and there are fifteen at the house, plus others at Allan Clark’s of which I have a share.” I learned that Al Clark and Hilton became friends, some years back, catching dogs together at the tracks. They became pals (mates) and one thing led to another. Now, Nicole and Al Clark are partners in several dogs. Karen, said, “Nicole is interested in anything with four legs that runs fast. All she thinks about is dogs. I gave up on gardening because the dogs took over everything.” “Been there, done that, eh Little Elsie?” “We moved out here because we could only have a few dogs at our previous location,” Hilton said. “This year it has been really good,” Nicole said. “We have had 90 winners.” I didn’t see any big exercise years around, or any sprint paths, this racing kennel seemed to be attached to the house and garage, and the runs weren’t very big in the back yard, shared by a clutch of chickens. “How do you exercise the dogs?” I asked. Nicole said, “Depends on the dog. Some need it, some don’t. There is a 370 meter track about 10 minutes from my house. I take them for a run there. If they need it. The ground here and around the house is way too hard and causes injuries.” I asked, “Can you remember your first Greyhound?” “Mum’s brother is the one who originally had Greyhounds. He took a break from them, but over the last couple of years has got back to them. I think he now has about 10 or so. My first Greyhound was trained by my uncle and won six races.
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Special Feature “Maddog” down under The Land of Van Diemen
polished off in the elevator if Little Elsie hadn’t taken it away from me, with a brief speech. “You’re not going to eat the whole thing.” Tomorrow, a good night’s sleep, and we would be off to see the nesting grounds of 10,000 indigenous black swans at Cole’s Bay and stay the night at famous Freycinet, and celebrate Little Elsie’s birthday, before moving on to our second Tasmanian Greyhound Track: Launceston.
continued
Nicole’s winning treble, Devonport, October 2006 On my 16th birthday he bought me a pup, and when I turned 18 I got my trainer’s license. The dog went on to win two races before losing a toe which ended her racing career.” “But not yours,” I said. “Do you do anything else besides dogs?” Nicole said, “I work as a bartender at The Richmond Hotel. It’s about five minutes from here. You passed it on the way here. I mainly work on weekends and take the days off that the dogs are racing. I have been a bartender all my life and have been at the Richmond Hotel for over six years. I actually have an advanced Diploma of Hospitality.” I had to wonder about a dog racing three different tracks, and the potential confusion, and so I commented on that.’ Nicole said, “The dogs love changing tracks as it keeps them interested in chasing that elusive bunny. Some dogs don’t like all tracks so, you, the trainer, have to learn what suits each individual dog.” Time to move along. We would see Nicole at Launceston Monday and Devonport Tuesday. Hilton and Karen drove us back into Hobart and dropped us off at the hotel. Hilton gave us a big chocolate bar. I mean big, which I would have
Next week - Launceston
All of the works of Robert McKinnon a.k.a Maddog McDermutt including his latest book
are available online at
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https://www.amazon.com/ Then reference Robert McKinnon
AGRA Stud Rankings
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