Victorian
Greyhound Weekly Volume 1
Number 34
Friday 26 May 2017
Peter Eustace
Full Report Page 19
With Simone Fisher – 6:00am to 6:30am Saturdays -1-
From the Editor’s Desk Victorian Greyhound Weekly Edition 34 Friday 26 May 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. Letters to the editor are always welcome on any topic of your choice. editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au Coming up over the next week: Friday 26 May Healesville, Bendigo, Geelong and Traralgon. Saturday
27 May Bendigo and The Meadows.
Sunday
28 May Sandown (SAP), Healesville Sale and Benalla Coursing.
Monday
29 May Ballarat, Traralgon and Shepparton.
Tuesday
30 May Geelong, Warrnambool and Warragul.
Wednesday 31 May The Meadows (MEP), Bendigo Ballarat and Cranbourne. Thursday
1 June Warragul, Shepparton, Sandown and Warrnambool.
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Victorian Greyhound Weekly is edited and published by Roger J Clark, for Azpak Marketing PO Box 184, Grantville Vic, 3984. ABN 97 395 483 268 Email: editor@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/1781809112100364/
Contact Advertising Manager, Graham Lunney 0488 669 886 advertising@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au -2-
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Metropolitan Winners Breeding and trainers of last week’s metropolitan winners. Victoria, NSW, South Australia and West Australia Albion Park - Monday 15 May 1. Bella Cette (Velocette x Erin's Entity) M. Gardiner 2. Fab Fabio (Fabregas x Punch One Out) S. Lawrence 3. Paua To Launch (Kinloch Brae* x Paua To Terrify) G. Mackay 4. Jalapeno (Kiowa Mon Manny* x Brook Lee) T. Apap 5. Ranger Danger (Lochinvar Marlow x Bralyn Casey) G. Clegg 6. Fab Dooley (Fabregas x Befitting) D. Russell 7. Tooka Turn (Superman x Petite Rumble) L. Wylie 8. Ironbar Ricky (Cosmic Rumble x Prochure) R. Ogden 9. Natural Lad (Bogie Ace x Withcott Miracle) J. Hill 10. Ace (Cosmic Chief x Velocity Sheba) S. Scott
K. McLennan 9. Aeroplane Tommy (Turanza Bale x Ritza Night) M. Johnston 10. Questar (High Earner x Delaque) E. Campana 11. Jamaica The Fun (Kinloch Brae* x Alotta Fun) L. Isaac 12. Incognito Mac (Ricky's A Robber x Roxy Mac) K. McLennan
The Meadows (MEP) Wednesday 17 May 1. Jet Hawk (Black Magic Opal x Outlandish) G. Johnston 2. Diama Bale (David Bale x Ucme Typhoon) D. Fisher 3. Fabriola Allen (SH Avatar x Quiz Bale) A. Dailly 4. Iron Anda (Bekim Bale x Juliet Bale) R. Shiells 5. Bad Hombre (Collision x Cawbourne Bugsy) A.Azzopardi 6. Zippy Dath (Cosmic Rumble x Pandora Bale) G. Dailly 7. Supervisor (Barcia Bale x Rybenbrook Belle) P. Stefanos Angle Park - Monday 15 May 1. Waltharius (Barcia Bale x Contrary Mary) 8. Lorenzo Blue (Barcia Bale x Queen Bluebird) P. Hearnden A.Dailly 2. Hollow Point (Spring Gun x Transcedence) R. Selpp 9. Perceptive (Barcia Bale x Veetee Express) 3. Allen Jono (Jarvis Bale x Collin Bale) L. Rasmussen M. Mallia-Magri 4. Phoebe Allen (Magic Sprite x Dyna Willow) 10. Allen Sharpie (Fabregas x Erica Allen) H. Collins T.Rasmussen 11. Here's The Trump (Glen Gallon x Hybrid Theory) 5. Rhynstone Jetta (Kilty Lad x Pearl's Bonnie) M. Said M. Doyle 12. Destini Scorcher (Brett Lee x Greys Destiny*) 6. Instant Allen (Taylors Sky* x Barcia Bale) E. Rinaldi T. Rasmussen 7. Dyna Parlance (Djays Octane* x Fatoula Bale) Angle Park - Wednesday 17 May L. Rasmussen 1. Jeannie Shiraz (KC And All x Abby Shiraz) 8. Alpha Alexander (Barcia Bale x Queen Of Cyprus) Lauren Harris R.Mackellar 2. Crunchin Numbers (Elite State x Mighty Chaos) 9. Brick Lane (Bella Infrared* x Honky Tonk Girl) B. Rawlings Lauren Harris 3. Usain's Squeeze (Fabregas x What Kuda Been) 10. Mako (Barcia Bale x Glory Of Love) Lauren Harris N. Newlyn 11. Maz's Mitzi (Dashing Corsair x Ritza Miegel) 4. Whackin' Theo (Fabregas x What Kuda Been) K. Miegel N. Newlyn 5. Yoe (Djays Octane* x Kiowa Anel) R. Tugwell 6. Deputy Speaker (Elite State x Mighty Chaos) Cannington - Monday 15 May 1. Small Block Chev (Destini Fireball x Typhoon B. Rawlings Monelli) 7. Dawning Hope (Collision x Hope's Up) C. Butcher B. Maclean 8. Outdoorsy (Bolen x Gold Vee) N. Newlyn 2.Jessie Rocks (Big Daddy Cool x Bock Ruler) 9. Skinny Mel (Barcia Bale x Contrary Mary) K. Charles P. Hearnden 3. Freezone (Oaks Road x Secret Image) J. Thompson 10. La Rosquilla (Oaks Road x Four Walls) 4. Canya Ayden (Fernando Bale x Rinoa Bale) K. Blakemore S. Withers 11. Bekim Vapour (Bekim Bale x Swift Blaze) 5. Ya Get That (El Grand Senor x Facinator) G. Hall K. Douglas 6. Mr. Courageous (Where's Pedro x Classy Love) 12. Paddy McBain (Kinloch Brae* x Flame Mcbain) B. Cook V. Rox 7. Rock On Moe (Late Show Lee x Barrio Queen) B. Cook 8. Stolen Dreams (Rocky's A Robber x Roxy Mac) -4-
Metropolitan Winners Breeding and trainers of last week’s metropolitan winners Victoria, NSW, South Australia and West Australia. Albion Park - Wednesday 17 May 1. Gold Liner (Lochinvar Marlow x Electric Lee) K. Hoggan 2. Who It Is (Outa Crdeit x Classy Gypsy) S. Hunt 3. Kawati Son (Surfin' Kawati x Romantica) J. Martin 4. Treagle Triumph (Fabregas x Black Minx) P. Lavis 5. Magic Pass (Magic Sprite x Meg's Shadow) A.Stevens 6. Chulu Chululu (Rich Romani x Honalulu Lady) S. Giles 7. Two Parts Freak (Fabregas x Zadar Belle) J. Crawford 8. Bogie Lilly (Lonesome Cry* x Bogie Beltah) P. Lavis 9. Eling Feeling (Lochinvar Marlow x Ponzie Scheme) M. Boody 10. Lucky Wish (Cosmic Chief x Lucky Star) G. Friend 11. Luckman (Cosmic Chief x Lucky Star) G. Friend 12. Iron Monarch (Late Show Lee x Barrio Queen) K. Boan
E. Crudeli 7. Zudactyl Monelli (Bakim Bale x Luba Monelli) D. Hobby 8. Latifi Sam (Shakey Jakey x Tadmore Collette) J. Palkos 9. Betty Gundi (Oaks Road x Secret Image) C. Bennett 10. Smooth Ride (Turanza Bale x Athletica) T. Erenshaw 11. Lil Miss Rosie (Kinloch Brae* x Magic Satinka) G. Hall 12. Wayno (Barcia Bale x Millions For Us) J. Dailly
Albion Park - Thursday 18 May 1. Bineray Boy (Fabregas x Capella) R. Greensill 2. Run Kay Run (Glen Gallon x Lady Bellisimo 3. Pyro Bob (Fear Zafonic* x Terrific Style) R. Dempsey 4. Cyndie's Magic (Magic Sprite x Regal Silver) W. Elson 5. Jackson Benz (Cosmic Rumble x Cosmic Benz) G.Pettersen 6. Alota Amy (Cosmic Rumble x Maywen Or Ebay) K. Mackenroth 7. Rather Dapper (Dyna Lachlan x Pearl Za Zinger) J. McCarthy Wentworth Park - Wednesday 17 May 1. Strauss (Oaks Road x Naawy Naawy) R. Blakely 8. Magic Hornet (Barcia Bale x Bizarre Barbie) 2. Made To Shine (Kinloch Brae* x Cawbourne Shine) R. Burman F. Jeffcoat 9. Patronus (Spring Gun x Test The Truth) W. Nicholls 3.Status Seeker (Magic Sprite x Dynamic Frost) 10. Chanel Benz (Cosmic Rumble x Coco Benz) B. Barrington N. Uhrhane 4. Esky Lad (Glen Gallon x Avondale Duchess) C. Field 11. So Sabrina (Prince Diablo x Lady Diaz) S. Hunt 5. Fast Jett (El Grand Senor x Charlie Cheetah) C. Hensing Angle Park - Thursday 18 May 6. She's Grand (El Grand Senor x Maple Syrup) 1. Tear It Down (Magic Sprite x Jayla Rogue) R. O'Brien L. Rasmussen 7. Corrupt Millions (High Earner x Clay Model) J. Lord 2. Gemtree Chaos (Velocette x Gemtree) G. Rehmann 8. Red Calibre (Spring Gun x Ruby Jet) J. Callaughan 3. Mighty Barcia (Barcia Bale x Mighty Elite) S. Kerr 9.Red Sox Ethics (Bella Infrared* x Slasher's Ethics) 4. Allen Terminator (Taylors Sky* x Zambola Bale) D. Smith B. Rawlings 10. Miss Splendamiro (Barcia Bale x Splendourous) 5. Allen Oregon (Turanza Bale x Ucme Typhoon) J. Vanderburg. B. Rawlings 6. Dyna Keitaro (Superman x Marzeena Bale) L. Rasmussen Cannington - Wednesday 17 May 1. Grizzle Mania (Cape Hawke x Chasing Thieves) 7. Purpose Driven (Bekim Bale x Alana Blues) E. Crudeli C. Butcher 2. Rickshaw Millie (Cosmic Rumble x Rickshaw 8. On Fire (Bekim Bale x Alana Blues) C. Butcher Rosie) 9. Mako (Barcia Bale x Glory Of Love) Lauren Harris D. Coldstream 10. Assaulted Pepper (Cape Hawke x Rustic Reeta) 3. Skipper's Ticket (Dyna Nalin x Saving Bundles) J. Quinlivian C. Halse 11. Ready To Mingle (Jagger Swagger x Oh So Sweet) 4. Petunia Monelli (Bella Infrared* x Lara Monelli) R. Barkla D. Hobby ADVERTISE YOUR PUPS FOR SALE HERE 5. Sette Bello (Cosmic Rumble x Right On Ruby) From $20.00 J. Dailly advertising@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au 6. Allen Yobo (Djays Octane* x Brenna Bale) - 5-
Metropolitan Winners Breeding and trainers of last week’s metropolitan winners. Victoria, NSW, South Australia and West Australia Sandown - Thursday 18 May 1. Pepper Fire (Spiral Nikita* x West On Bluebird) C. Halse 2. Bruce Tycoon (Cosmic Rumble x New Year's Punch) R. Britton 3. Dundee Osprey (Fabregas x Dundee Rose) G. Scott-Smith 4. Flyrite (Barcia Bale x Phyllis Ellen) R. Britton 5. Fanta Bale (David Bale x Ucme Typhoon*) R. Britton 6. Bewildering (Black Magic Opal x Outlandish) S. Thompson 7. Burn One Down (Buck Fever x Fancy Jaffa) S. Thompson 8. Teddy Monelli (Mogambo x Jackie Bale) D. Hobby 9. Up Hill Jill (Premier Fantasy* x Where's Demonica) D. Geall 10. Black Mumbo (Stagger x My Path Princess) A.Karabitsos 11. Princess Pout (Fabregas x Yo Gabba Gabba) G. Clifton 12. Angel Dash (Walk Hard x Dirty Angel) J. Sharp. The Meadows - Saturday 20 May 1. Rockoon (Peter Rocket x Raya Riot) K. Hellmuth 2. Joffa's Old Girl (Bella Infrared* x Mepunga Lana) S. Fisher 3. Wanda Bale (Goodesy x Desalle Bale) S. Collins 4. Rippin Hayne (Magic Sprite x Chevy Princess) R. Britton 5. Vancouver Star (Dyna Tron x Lankan Flash) S. Galea 6. Blackpool Chuck (Cosmic Rumble x Izzy Marlow) L. Kenyon 7. Caladora (Spring Gun x Reimburst) I. Garland 8. Mystery Ride (Hot Grille x Space Power) C, Bahen 9. Still The One (Magic Sprite x Live On Reality) M. Mallia-Magri 10. Midwinter (Cosmic Rumble x Tania Two Shoes) A.Stewart 11. Wosbogavitch (Fabregas x Menado) G. Shingles 12. Made First (Magic Sprite x Thundering First) D. Fisher
E. Crudeli 7. Felton Bale (Bella Infrared* x Fyna Bale) E. Crudeli 8. France Soir (Magic Sprite x Magic Capers) P. Stuart 9. Equanimity (Barcia Bale x She's Historic) E. Crudeli 10. Aeroplane Tommy (Turanza Bale x Ritza Night) M. Johnston 11. That Dude (Lochinvar Marlow x Oxley Falcon) S. Appleton 12. Induction (Brett Lee x Starlight Delly) P. Stuart Wentworth Park - Saturday 20 May 1. Kyra Miss (Fabregas x Anticipation) M. Banback 2. Vintage Power (Where's Pedro x Vintage Blend) K. Chappelow 3.Aisle Tifi (Collision x Tifi) O. Langley 4. Spring Inferno (Barcia Bale x Spring Mitten) P. Bigeni 5. Cosmic Vintage (Cosmic Rumble x Frosty Vintage) D. Sultana 6. Asa Barboza (Blazin Wildfire x Cawbourne Lexus) J. Lord 7. Patch Adam (Black Magic Opal x Limited Edition) M. Rimmer 8. Rita's Boy (Collision x Ritza Rita) M. Gatt 9. Mystic Midnight (Fancy Dean x Keira's Charm) B. Sabotic) 10. Centavos (Collision x Cheeky Action) K. O’Sullivan Sandown (SAP) - Sunday 21 May 1. Deflection (Mogambo x Lucy Wires) R. Tartaglia 2. Instinct (Lochinvar Marlow x Pillow Torque) S. Dalton 3. Ollie Buck (Buck Fever x Vintage Burgundy) K. Gorman 4. Precious Destini (Destini Fireball x Cloak Of Gold) S. Higgins 5. Abergavenny (KC And All x Abby Shiraz) A. Langton 6. Destini Wildfire (Brett Lee x Greys Destiny) E. Rinaldi 7. Mix Off Harmony (Stagger x Hippy Chic) G. Selkrig 8. Dennis Gallon (Glen Gallon x Ta) D. Turnley 9. Dreamy Julian (Barcia Bale x Hot Dream) R. Cook 10. El Mirage (Collision x Miss Bel Air) G. Rounds 11. Shadale (Barcia Bale x Budgie Lass) R. Redenbach 12. Emio Bale (Dyna Nalin x Dyna Erica) J. Galea
Cannington Saturday 20 May 1. Ochre Keroma (Spring Gun x Maya Keroma) J. Jeffries 2. West On Maisie (Barcia Bale x Zelemar Fever) C. Halse 3. Moment To Rhumba (Mogambo x Sharon Monelli) S. Appleton 4. My Name's Emma (Bookkeeper x Isabrooke) T. Erenshaw 5. Cadice (Barcia Bale x Poco) J. Carmody 6. Sassy Ginger (Kinloch Brae* x Sassy Guess) -6-
Talking Breeding Victorian Litter Registrations Week Ending 5 May
Metropolitan Results Continued. Albion Park - Sunday 21 May 1. Daisy Dreams (Fabregas x Stay Warm) D. Fitzgerald 2. Warpig (Fabregas x Yellow Daisy) C. Williams 3. Mochachini Man (Shkey Jakey x Keneally) D. Fitzgerald 4. Montaigne (Oaks Road x Red Rum) J. Hutchinson 5. Alpha Hector (Barcia Bale x Queen Of Cyprus) K. Donaldson 6. Namrod (Fear Zafonic* x Blonde State) P. Cauchi 7. Celebrity Babe (Fabregas x Princess Tiarta) C. Chandler 8. Bogie Lilly (Lonesome Cry* x Bogie Beltah) P. Lavis 9. Tiny Tiara (Don't Knocka Him x Cashmere Queen) G. Monkman 10. Cazorla (Fabregas x Spiral Magic) J. Crawford 11. Wissuta Rules (Glen Gallon x Mini Pod) T. Wilson 12. Iconic Beach (Spring Gun x Blue Bird) S. Scott
Sire/Dam
Breeder
Barcia Bale x Silver Avenue
3
3 D. Burnett
Barcia Bale x Tatiana Rose Barcia Bale x Tulare Dust
0 3
4 S-L Chignell 2 V. Wisener
Cosmic Rumble x Tina Sparkle
3
5 C. Elliot
Dyna Double One x Full Of Attitude
3
2 V. Wisener
Keybow x Sienna Bale
3
5 D. Graham
Swift Fancy x Fantastic Nikita
3
3 G. Collins
Stagger x Deadly Prospect
4
5 P. Matthews
Totals (* Import or O/Seas based sire)
21 34 8 litters (Av 6.9)
THIS week’s review of litters from the Victorian Litter Registrations list for the week ending 5 May begins with three litters by leading national sire, Barcia Bale (March 2010 Go Wild Teddy x Princess Bale). Geelong breeder David Burnett has the first of the These results are all published on our facebook page three litters, which has three dogs and three bitches, the morning after each meeting. from the well bred bitch, Silver Avenue (April 2010 Vapour Whirl x Silver Shiraz), whose dam is by https://www.facebook.com/Victorian-GreyhoundBombastic Shiraz x Rachael Anne (Awesome Assassin Weekly-1781809112100364/ x Silver Anne). She is from a litter which included Boston Silver, Cozy Chipmunk, Silver Spider and Welden Flash, with their dam’s only other litter on file, whelped in June 2012, having six named, by High Earner. Silver Avenue raced 31 times, for eight wins and nine placings, winning three times over 515 metres at Sandown (29.83), twice over 365 metres at Nowra (21.00) and also over 457 metres at Goulburn (26.10) and 400 metres at Bulli (22.71) where she also won over 472 metres (26.62). She has two previous litters on file, the first of which has five named, Cyclone Rosie, Drysdale Doll, My Silver Chisel, Silver Squiggle and Thanks Cheryl, who were whelped in March 2014, by Magic Sprite. She has since whelped a litter two dog pups, by Bekim Bale, who were born in July 2015. VICTORIA Rosedale Racing Syndicate manager, Sharon LeeThree Barcia Bale litters Chignell has the second Barcia Bale litter, which has four bitch pups, from the very well bred bitch. Tatiana Rose (April 2008 Where’s Pedro x Ikari Token), whose dam is by Token Prince x Grigorieva (Awesome Assassin x Who’s Who), and worth recalling, Who’s Who is by Balligari* x Golden Fox. She is from a litter which included Diesel, Pulp Fiction, Stone Roses, Vincent Vega and Yellow Wood Mist. Their dam also has a litter of three named on file, whelped in December 2006, by Just The Best who were all winners. Continued page 8
Talking Breeding with Roger Clark
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Talking Breeding Victoria Bartrim Bale, Bombastic Shiraz, Dyna Lachlan, Hallucinate and Turanza Bale. Tina Sparkle raced 49 times for 14 wins and 13 placings, winning Three times over 430 metres at Barcia Bale x Tatiana Rose litter Tatiana Rose raced 64 times, for nine wins and 16 Bandigo (24.53), twice over 400 metres at Geelong placings, winning four times over 440 metres at Sale (22.21), where she also won over 460 metres (26.20), (25.26), three times over 298 metres at Traralgon twice over 410 metres at Horsham (23.49), twice over (17.02) and also over 311 metres at Cranbourne (17.88). 390 metres at Shepparton (22.29), and also over 400 She has ten named offspring on file from her first metres at Warragul (23.00), 440 metres at Sale (25.33) two litters, whelped in April 2013 by Kinloch Brae* and and 450 metres at Ballarat (25.42), where she also won December 2013 by Paddy’s Flame, with all but one over 390 metres (22.20). winning, and she only raced once. She has good winners on file from each of her two She also has a litter of three dogs and three bitches previous litters, whelped in May 2013 by Lochinvar on file, whelped in October 2015 by Cosmic Rumble. Marlow and February 2014 by Mogambo. Cranbourne breeder, Brett Margerison has the Also worth noting she also won the 2010 NCA third Barcia Bale litter, which has two dogs and seven Coursing Oaks. bitches, from the beautifully bred bitch, Tulare Dust (August 2012 Bekim Bale x Casey’s Angel), whose very good producing dam is by Spiral Nikita* x Leprechaun Yap (Hotshot x Leprechaun Miss). She is from a good litter of five named, which included All Strung Out, Angel’s Chorus, Anything Less and Yesterday’s Wine. Their dam has also produced a long list of good winners, from her other litters, by Brett Lee, Collide, Collision, Go Wild Teddy, High Earner, Smooth Fancy and Where’s Pedro. On the track, Tulare Dust raced 18 times, for two wins and six placings, winning twice over 520 metres at Cranbourne (30.18) and worth noting she was placed Tina Sparkle over 515 metres at Sandown and 525 metres at The Meadows. She has one previous litter on file, three dogs and On the Double seven bitches, whelped in March 2016, so she certainly HAZELWOOD breeder, Vicki Wisener, has a litter of has some beautifully bred youngsters on the ground. five pups on the list this week, by Dyna Double One With seven bitches in this litter, I would imagine (March 2013 Barcia Bale x Crystin Bale). it will attract plenty of interest from prospective buyers The three dogs and five bitches are from the well with future breeding in mind. bred bitch, Full Of Attitude (April 2013 Kinloch Brae* x Up Sized Down), whose dam is by Elite State x Size Sparkling Litter ‘Em Up (Shape Shifter x Queen Size). CYPRESS Lodge Syndicate manager, Craig Elliot has She is from a litter which included Hallpack our next litter for review, which has eight pups, by Turbo, Hey Pele and Yasmini, with their dam also Cosmic Rumble (April 2007 Spiral Nikita* x Spiritual producing winners from her only two other litters, by Rumble). Don’t Knocka Him and Tomac Bale. The three dogs and five bitches in the litter are Full Of Attitude raced 57 times for 14 wins and 13 from the beautifully bred, proven producer, Tina placings, winning seven times over 520 metres at Sparkle (December 2008 Meticulous x Wicked Witch), Albion Park (30.08), where she also won twice over 395 whose dam is by Larkhill Jo* x Witch Magic (Awesome metres (22.57) and also won three times over 431 Assassin x Star Witch) and worth noting, she is a half metres at Ipswich (24.87) and twice over 420 metres at sister to National Sprint Championship winner, now Lismore (24.43). successful sire, Fabregas (x Bombastic Shiraz). Certainly plenty to like about the breeding of this She is from a litter which included December litter and I am looking forward to seeing what the Prince, Flashover, Game Changer, Get Square, Havago offspring of the daughters of the international stud Menace and Melaleuca. success, Kinloch Brae, do on the track here. Wicked Witch has had great success as a dam, This litter also has an exceptionally strong dam with winners on file from all of her other litters, by line, through Elite State and Acacia Ablaze. Talking Breeding Victoria - continued
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Talking Breeding On the track, Fantastic Nikita raced 19 times for three wins and eight placings, winning twice over 450 metres at Warrnambool (25.27) and also over 515 metres at Sandown (29.71).
Talking Breeding Victoria - continued Live the Dream
Stagger litter OUR final litter for review from this week’s Victorian list, is a nice litter of nine pups, by the under-rated sire, Stagger (August 2009 Primo Uno x Instructed First). Registered by Navarre breeder, Paul Matthews, the four dogs and five bitches are from the very well bred, unraced bitch, Deadly Prospect (March 2013 Yahoo Omar* x Blu Evening), whose dam is by Black Enforcer x Eve (Brett Lee x Sound’s Like Fun). Keybow She is from a litter of eleven named, which included Ashanti Alinga, Banjo Babe, Banjo Blaze, CHASIN DREAMS Syndicate manager, David Graham Banjo Bullet, Blu Lightning Banjo, Deadly Future, has a nice litter of eight pups on the list this week by the Dundas Boy, Fawn Persuit, Innovate and It’s A Steal. Their dam also produced winner from both of her outstanding sprinter, Keybow (December 2011 Take The other litters on file, whelped in August 2012 by Bekim Kitty x Key Exit. Bale and May 2014 by Glen Gallon, with a total of 23 The three dogs and five bitches are from the named offspring on file from her three litters. beautifully bred bitch, Sienna Bale (October 2011 Go Deadly Prospect has four named osspring on file Wild Teddy x Zambola Bale), whose dam is by Collision from her first litter, Alezan, Game Spirit, Tomdor and x Maple Bale (Spiral Nikita* x Vista Bale). Valoroso, who were whelped in January 2015 by Banjo Sienna Bale is from a litter which included Boy, with all but the lightly Valoroso ( 5 starts), having Nathaniel Bale, Ollie Bale, Prue Bale, Quara Bale and won races. Redinka Bale, with their dam also producing some outstanding winners from her two other litters, by Taylors Sky* and Yahoo Omar*. Sienna Bale raced 51 times for nine wins and 13 Deadly Prospect placings, winning over 390 metres at Warrnambool (22.50), 388 metres (22.33) and 515 metres (30.11) at Angle Park, 319 metres (18.53) and 416 metres (24.22) at Strathalbyn and 400 metres at Gawler (22.95). She has one previous litter on file, with three dogs, whelped in June 2016 by Dyna Double One, bred by Kevin Gordon, at Mount Hutton.
Fancy this litter RESPECTED Wattle Flat breeder, Geoffrey Collins, has a nice litter of six pups on the list this week, by Swift Fancy (November 2007 Collision x Flash Fancy). The three dogs and three bitches are from the well bred bitch, Fantastic Nikita (January 2013 Spiral Nikita* x Light Fantastic, whose dam is by El Galo x Dark Marne (Solve The Puzzle x Twirly Girl). Fantastic Nikita is from a litter seven named, which included Fantastic Blaze, Fantastic Mick, Fantastic Pete, Fantastic Rose, Fantastic Sid and Fantastic Spiral, with their dam also having winners on file from her two other litters, whelped in September 2013 by Goodesy and April 2014 by Swift Fancy. Her Goodesy litter included the prolific winner, Fantastic Skye and her Swift Fancy litter of three named included Fantastic Bear and Fantastic Polar.
Greyhound Data provides information about greyhounds from all over the world with pedigree information drawn from the last four centuries. Online are 4,026,078 race results and 2,163,692 greyhound pedigrees.
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http://www.greyhound-data.com/
Talking Breeding South Australia Talking Breeding South Australia
Nine for Fernando Bale
South Australian Litter Registrations Week Ending 6 February Sire/Dam
Breeder Dog
Bitch
Fernando Bale x Rhonda Rocks
6
3 W. Wudarczyk
Hallucinate x Lotus Blossom
2
6 R. Fewings
Taylors Sky* x All You Can
1
0 R. Fewings
Shakey Jakey x Young Gunner
2
0 A, Meimetis
Totals (* Import or O/Seas based sire)
11
9
4 litters, (Ave 5.0)
FOUR litters registered in South Australia in the first week of February 2017. Well know identity and respected breeder Ray Fewings has two of the four litters. His first litter has two dogs and six bitches, by under-rated sire, Hallucinate April 2002 Brett Lee x Elusive Rebel) from the well bred bitch, Lotus Blossom (July 2012 Made To Size x Elite Oriental), whose dam is by Elite State x Oriental Angel (Knockabout Wok x Anniston). She is from a litter of four named, which included Made To Order, Tiny Wong Way and Wong Size Suzie, with their dam also producing winners from her five other litters, by Bombastic Shiraz (which included five Group performers, Aston Alle, Aston Galilee, Ima Geisha Girl, Shanghai Rose and Transcend Time), Collision, Outa Credit, Spring Gun and Where’s Pedro. On the track, Lotus Blossom raced 64 times for 14 wins and 21 placings, winning ten races over 431 metres at Ipswich (24.84), two over 520 metres at Albion Park (30.47), two over 447 metres at Port Augusta (25.63) and she also won over 400 metres at Gawler (22.98). Ray’s second litter, unfortunately has just the one dog pup, by Taylors Sky* (March 2009 Westmead Hawk x Rising Angel) from All You Can (March 2012 Hallucinate x Duel’s Me Mum (Reggemite x Duel). All You Can is from a handy litter which included Dahomey Mahginny, Give You Credit, Outa Tempo and You Say So, with their dam also producing winners from her four other litters, by Don’t Knocka Him, Elite And Classy (twice) and Lochinvar Marlow. On the track, All You Can raced 88 times, for eleven wins and 31 placings, with P.B times of 31.06 over 520 metres at Ipswich and 30.18 over 520 metres at Albion Park.
ALBERTON breeder, Bill Wudarczyk, has a nice litter of nine pups on the SA list this week, by champion sprinter Fernando Bale (March 2013 Kelsos Fusileer* x Chloe Allen). The six dogs and three bitches are from the very well bred bitch, Rhonda Rocks (July 2013 Kinloch Brae* x Punk Rock Lass), whose dam is by Vapour Whirl x Punk Portrait (Primo Uno x Punk Star). She is from an outstanding litter which included Angie Rocks, Charging In, Express Pace, Jaycee, Kinrock Starlet, Rock Lass and Rum Island. Their dam has also produced good winners from her other litters by Barcia Bale and Nolen. Rhonda Rocks raced only twice, with a 29.89 Maiden win over 515 metres at Angle Park, before finishing last, injured at her only other start. Certainly plenty to like about the pedigree of these beautifully bred youngsters, Bill and I’d suggest there will be plenty of interest from prospective buyers with future breeding in mind.
Two dog pups UNFORTUNATELY only two dog pups in the final litter from the S.A list. Registered by Allendale East breeder, David Peckham, the two pups are by Shakey Jakey (May 2012 Collision x Kiacatoo Pearl), from the well bred bitch Young Gunner (September 2010 Bombastic Shiraz x Oxley Magic), whose dam is by Just The Best x Magical Omen (Acacia Ablaze x Magical Lass). She is from a litter which included Desert Spark, Far Too Many, Gisborne Magic, Gisborne Shiraz, Oxley Dream, Oxley Major, West On Polly and West On Zeuss. Their dam also produced winners from her other litters, by Bit Chili, Collision, El Galo and Primo Uno. Young Gunner raced 115 times for ten wins and 47 placings, winning over 515 metres (30.10) and 595 metres (34.41) at Sandown, 460 metres (26.22) and 596 metres (34.83) at Geelong and 400 metres (23.33) and 512 metres (30.31) at Mt Gambier.
We still have no details on Whelpings and Stud Services in NSW for February. We will update you as soon as we have the information. - 10 -
At Stud
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Talking Breeding
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Stud News
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At Stud
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Victorian Stud Services 1
STUD SERVICES VICTORIA FEBRUARY 2017 STUD Service figures released by GRV for February show a total of 30 services registered for the month, from 18 individual sires. 5 3 2 1
Banjo Boy and Barcia Bale. Dyna Double One. Kinloch Brae* and Magic Sprite. Buck Fever, Collision, Dyna Lachlan, Elite State, Fear Zafonic*, KC And All*, Kiowa Mon Manny*, Kiowa Producer*, Lochinvar Marlow, My Bro Fabio, Ningbo Jack*, Spring Gun and Stagger.
Looking at the combined figures for the first two months of 2017 all sires with registered services are as follows: 9 Banjo Boy. 6 Barcia Bale. 5 Kinloch Brae* and Stagger. 3 Dyna Double One, Fernando Bale and My Bro Fabio. 2 Collision, El Grand Senor, Hooksy, KC And All* and Magic Sprite
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Black Magic Opal, Buck Fever, Chasin Mikado, Don’t Knocka Him, Dyna Lachlan, Elite State, Fabregas, Fear Zafonic*, Kelsos Fusileer*, Keybow, Kiowa Mon Manny*, Kiowa Producer*, Lochinvar Marlow, Neb, Ningbo Jack*, Nitro Burst, Peter Rocket, Premier Boloney, Pure Titanium, Smart Missile, Spring Gun, and Stagger.
Coursing 2017 Coursing Club 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. advance. Julie Stefanos, Secretary Phone/Fax: 5798 5257
National Coursing Association of Victoria Inc. Executive: Secretary: Ms Sue Delaney (Melton GRC) Phone: 03 9740 0444 Mobile: 0425 737 418 Emails: Secretary@ncavic.com.au Benalla Coursing Club Postal Address: 6 Mark Court, DIGGERS REST 3427 Enquiries to:President: Andrew Scott President: Mr Peter Craig (Lang Lang Coursing E: andyscott@hotmail.com M: 0400 077 617 Club) T: 0418 399 911 Vice President: Mr Geoff Villinger (VCC) T: 0417 524 Vice President: John Carr M: 0439 115 190 632 Treasurer: Ms Heather Villinger (Longwood Coursing Secretary/Treasurer: Murray Hehir Club) Contact details E: mhehir@optusnet.com.au Mob: 0417 Other Executive members are: 548 971 Bernie Ryan (Werribee CC); Tony Smith (Werribee Trialling: Contact Murray Hehir for all information on CC); Murray Hehir (Benalla PCC); John Clay (Lang trial times Lang CC), John Barsby (Werribee CC); John McFarlane Track Distance: Approx. 340 metres. (Melton GRC); Garry Robinson (Longwood CC); Facilities: The Grandstand gives a commanding view Carolyn Mills (Benalla PCC). over proceedings and the bar is open. Great food is Life Members of the National Coursing Assoc. of Vic. prepared and served by the ladies of the club in the Mr K Callaghan; Mr S Cleghorn; Mr P Craig; Mr G takeaway food bar. Parking is available inside or outside Fitzpatrick; Mr A Grimmond; Mr J Harris; Mr D the race course. Hinks; Mr J Maple; Mrs M Mills; Mr T Mills; Mr T Accomodation: There are many motels within driving Smith; Mr J Van Echteld; Mr G Villinger; Ms H distance to the track. Villinger. Mr P Lambert (dec.); Mrs W Pearl (dec.); Mr N Ryan (dec.) Mr R Adams (dec.) Lang Lang Coursing Club http://ncavictoria.com/2252/index.html Location: McDonalds Track, Lang Lang. South Australian News Directions: Travelling South East along South SA coursing dates until 30 June are listed below. Gippsland Hwy, (from Melb) turn left at Shell Service The remaining dates for July – September will follow Station, continue along McDonalds Track passing over once allocated. the Railway Crossing, then turn left and take the left We start off our season by running 4-dog stakes – which fork. appeases the track enthusiasts who do not wish to put their dogs in an 8-dog stake as they don’t believe they President: John Clay Mob: 0419 559 738 can run 3 times in the one day, even though it should be Vice President: Dylan Edgar remembered that its only 2 dogs that have 3 runs, and Secretary/Treasurer: Sue Jolly this is certainly not a problem in Victoria. Email: jollyranch@bigpond.com Sunday 11 June Committee Members: Norm Adderley, Steven Sunday 25 June Belsham, Steve Thomas, Michael Calstrom, Colin Email : jahurley@bigpond.com Goodman. Phone : 0417 878 511 Trialling: Lang Lang (Drag Lure). ** PLEASE NOTE (NOTE : No message bank) - No walk up trials !!!! Home (08) 8520 2347 (has message capability) Booked trials ONLY from 9.00 am till 10.00 am every Judy Hurley Sunday morning. Racing Manager/Secretary To book your trials please call 0468 587 533 between GOTBA of SA Coursing Club 10am–5pm every Friday. - 16 -
Coursing PLEASE NOTE THIS AN UPDATED COURSING CALENDAR FROM NCAV
www.victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au - proudly supporting Coursing
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Coursing Results South Australia NEW FACES – NEW WINNERS With another strongly supported meeting, the Club after negotiations with GRSA, has agreed to run 8-dog events as well as 4-dog events. Young greyhounds will always be protected and will be placed in 4-dog events. Others will be graded according to experience and wins on the circle . Owners and trainers are reminded that all times are hand timed and may vary according to the slipping distance – so don’t get too excited (or disappointed). Our thanks go to John LePoidevin who returned after a 10 year absence to drive the lure, a job well done. You are reminded that the track is not available on Saturday 27 May as the Adelaide Lure Coursing and Racing Club will be conducted the SA “fastest dog” – interesting to watch the other breeds. Our next race meeting is scheduled for 11 June and we trust that our timer is up and working again. I hope that you have all renewed your membership. Points are counted from when you renew. Our fields are displayed on the GRSA website and I would suggest that you take note of the location of the fields for future reference. Committee have discussed the 4-dog events and have resolved to continue with 4-dog fields. However, the Oaks, Derby and Waterloo Cup are 16 dog events – 8dog preludes will be run the meeting prior to these time honoured prestigious events to provide dogs with an extra course in preparation for 4 runs in these events. Dates to remember : Sunday 11 June and Sunday 25 June – balance of racing dates will be advised shortly. RESULTS: RACE 1 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE Kathleen Johnstone’s LUPE FIASCO (BK D, May ’14; Nitro Burst/Pipe Dreams) defeated T Wiseman & J Kada’s SHOULD BE WISE (F D, Jun ’14; Spring Gun/ Should be Blonde) in 16.00. Winner trained by Kathleen Johnstone. RACE 2 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE Damien Bates’ MEMORY ASSASSIN (BE D, Jan ’14; Collision/Marley’s Memory) defeated Tamica Dunn’s LIVELY PARKER (WH&FN B, Apr ’14; Thai Alert/ Ocean Foam) by 5 lengths in 15.40. Winner trained by Damien Bates.
Magic Sprite/Heaven Knows) had a bye with the withdrawal of Luke Carter’s YORKE EXPRESS (BK D, Jan ’14; Lochinvar Marlow/Isseymiyake) through injury. Winner trained by Michael Stewart. RACE 5 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE Sean Nathan’s RIP IT RALPH (BK D, Apr ’15; Lochinvar Marlow/Ticket to Mars) defeated Pamela Carraill’s DINAH PALMS (BK B, Mar ’15; Don’t Knocka Him/Special Premier) by 3 lengths in 15.25. Winner trained by Adam Manton. RACE 6 : GOTBA FREE FOR ALL STAKE Peter Kelly’s RALOO BARBARA (BE D, Oct ’14; Barcia Bale/Niamh Premier) defeated Rolland Parry’s DUNDEE COBRA (BK D, Dec ’13; Fabregas/Dundee Rose) by 5 lengths in 14.98. Winner trained by Robyn Harnas. RACE 7 : GOTBA JUVENILE STAKE The AAA Syndicate’s GOOD GONE BAD (BK D, May ’15; Barcia Bale/Jade The Weapon) had a bye with the withdrawal of Graham Lunney’s AKKATOR (BK&WH D, May ’15; djays octane/High on love). Winner trained by Wendy Sebastyan. RACE 8 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE Pamela Carraill’s DENZEL PALMS (BK D, Mar ’15; Don’t Knocka Him/Special Premier) defeated Tina Cattermole’s STELLA WHIP (BK B, Aug ’15; Premier Boloney/Whip Cool) by 4 lengths in 15.98. Winner trained by Leslie Carraill. RACE 9 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE The Kist Syndicate’s NITRO KIST (BK D, Apr ’14; Nitro Burst/Ebony Kist) defeated Jordean Syndicate’s MAXIMUM PIP (F B, Mar ’15; Djays Octane/Five Percent) by 2 lengths in 16.60. Winner trained by Kiah Hurley. RACE 10 : GOTBA STAKE Pamela Carraill’s DULCIE PALMS (BD B, Mar ’15; Don’t Knocka Him/Special Premier) defeated Duncan Stewart’s DINKY MAN (RED FN D, Mar ’15; Spring Gun/Irish Marina) by 1 length in 16.40. Winner trained by Leslie Carraill.
RACE 3 : GOTBA MAIDEN STAKE Wendy Sebastyan’s BELGARION (BK D, Feb ’14; Magic Sprite/Sometimes Speedy) defeated Doug Frith’s MR IGNITION (BD D, Sep ’14; Made to Size/ Remo Galilee) by a long neck in 15.17. Winner trained by Wendy Sebastyan.
RACE 11 : GOTBA STAKE The Kelly Gang CHOICE (BK B, Dec ’14; Spring Gun/Dream Choice) defeated Teresa Mann’s BETTY JARVIS (F B, Mar ’15; Jarvis Bale/Wrap Around Sue) by 2 lengths in 15.70. Winner trained by Vadim Roz. Judy Hurley RACE 4 : GOTBA NOVICE STAKE Racing Manager/Secretary Brandon Bormann’s CURLY MAGIC (BK D, Dec ’13; GOTBA of SA Coursing Club - 18 -
AGRA News
Sassy Ginger too good in the Group 2 WA Derby SASSY GINGER (Kinloch Brae- Sassy Guess) took out the Group 2 Britton’s Formal Wear WA Derby and continued the winning run of trainer Enzo Crudeli who had earlier in the year won his first Group 1 Sky Racing Perth Cup. Crudeli also won last year’s WA Derby with Shell Shocked. The red brindle dog owned by Jodie Jennings, shot to the lead from box five and raced clear to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Honcho Monelli ($12.80) and Ouchamp ($32.30) in 30.22. The race favourite and track record holder Quick Jagger was checked on the first corner when Vanderworp checked off heels in front of him. For Sassy Ginger though the win took his stake earnings past $120,000 after having been placed third earlier in the year behind kennel mate Equanimity in the Perth Cup final. The consistent high quality chaser also made the final of the Group 3 South Australian Derby where he finished third behind Warrnambool Cup winner Leo’s Gift. He raced in Victoria with Kelvyn Greenough from September 2016 until returning home for a tilt at the Perth Cup in January 2017. He won at Sandown Park recording a fast 29.55 and twice at Warragul over 460 metres in 26.04 and 400 metres in 22.61. After the placings in the Derby the field finished in the following order 4th Pyredos Monelli ($9.60), 5th Stratosphere ($34.10), 6th Quick Jagger ($2.90) 7th Vanderworp ($3.60) and Max Profit ($4.90). Sassy Ginger is raced by Jodee Jennings and is trained by Enzo Crudeli at Nambeelup in West Australia. He is a Red Brindle Dog whelped November 2014 by Kinloch Brae from Sassy Guess (Where’s Pedro x I’m Exceptional). Sassy Ginger has won 17 of his 37 starts and with the $40,000 first prize for the WA Derby it took his current stake earnings to $123,330.
Listed below is the WA Derby honour roll, this feature for age restricted dog pups was first conducted at Cannington in 1976. Since that time it has been a well sought after major event on the WA Calendar each year. Most notable winners would be Swift Glade (1983) a brilliant sprinter who campaigned successfully in the east under the guidance of Graeme Bate. Prince Of Tigers (1997) he brilliantly won the Group 1 National Sprint final in Adelaide in 1997 and had his career tragically cut short by injury. Reggemite (1998) arguably the best ever sprinter to come out of the west he won a Sandown Shoot Out in 1998 and was runner up in the Top Gun to the allconquering Rapid Journey, plus recent winner Victorian Sun Hero (2004) who also enjoyed a wonderful race career, reaching no less than 17 group race finals, for four wins and eight placings. He made five group one’s winning the Perth Cup and amassed $316,950 in prizemoney. Plus who will forget 2009 winner super star High Earner, he went to become the highest stake winner in history for a period. Previous Winners 1976 Rajundi, 1977 Mister Toewyte, 1978 Wind Warning, 1979 Dark Gramoi, 1980 Pop's Jester, 1981 Power Play, 1982 Mum's Jester, 1983 Swift Glade, 1984 Zelrob, 1985 Icy Fox, 1986 Janarlee Tiger, 1987 Black Review, 1988 Cheatin' Charmer, 1989 Tim's Chariot, 1990 Liz's Champ, 1991 New Temlock Two, 1992 Eljay, 1993 Nikemos, 1994 Michael's Tears, 1995 Steve's Pride, 1996 Frogmore Ferrari, 1997 Prince Of Tigers, 1998 Reggemite, 1999 Paddy's Fault, 2000 Blue Catona, 2001 Clear Havoc, 2002 Osti’s Warrior, 2003 Regal Bazz, 2004 Sun Hero, 2005 Magic Trance, 2006 Spitfire Jet, 2007 Mandagery Man, 2008 Octanol, 2009 High Earner, 2010 Pedrosa, 2011 Allen Elroy, 2012 Jordy Pordy, 2013 Boris Fields, 2014 Tiggeralong Amigo, 2015 Fun Boss and 2016 Shell Shocked.
Official Photo Finish of the WA Derby last Saturday night
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For more information please contact: Neil Brown AGRA Publicity Officer Tel: 03 97691234 Mob: 0423 129 950 nbrown@agra.com.au
BRED TO WIN Our weekly selection of greyhounds to follow, based on their breeding and recent performances. ARCHAEOLOGY Black dog (October 2015 Kinloch Brae* x Shelly Shelby), trained at Anakie by Jack Buckley for the Champagne Partners Syndicate. Impressive when racing for the first time, over 515 metres Sandown (SAP) on 21 May. Started from box five and was beaten 1.54 lengths when third in the race won by Deflection (30.57). That was a good start to his career on the track and I don’t think he will take long to register his first win. AMBER’S ROMANCE Brindle bitch (April 2015 Spring Gun x Molly Tee). Raced by the Spolly’s Dogs Syndicate and trained for them by Steven Spoljaric at Kilmany. Has now had six starts for two placings, both over 515 metres at Sandown (SAP). Third there from box six on 30 April, before two unplaced runs from boxes five and eight. Came from box six when third there on 21 May, beaten 6.04 lengths in the race won by Instinct (30.01) who won by 3.7 lengths. Hasn’t had a lot of luck with box draws to date but does seem to be improving with experience and he has had four starts in a row at Sandown. BLUEHAWK RALPH Black dog (March 2015 Messi x Carmyle). Raced by Dale Atkin and trained at Cranbourne South by Tricia Curtain. Only raced three time and improved when third, from Box 8 over 515 metres at Sandown (SAP) on 21 May, beaten 2.7 lengths in the race won by Ollie Buck (30.14). Prior to that was fifth over 460 metres at Sale on 31 January, then didn’t race again until 14 May when sixth from box five over 515 metres at Sandown (SAP. Sure to improve with more racing and looks a likely type. Sell your pups here
Email: advertising@victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au
Windy Millar*
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 - 20 -
Nostalgia 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 over the past 40 years, with the 2000 Victorian Metropolitan Sires List.
www.victoriangreyhoundweekly.com.au - 21 -
Special Feature STUBS FERAL by Robert Scott McKinnon The entire Chapter One.
Stubs Feral Robert Scott McKinnon Chapter One ***
With little fuss, I place my prepared comments on my music stand, give the title page a quick look: © Educational Lecture Skunk Ravine Dog Track 1960 Au Revoir Friday, April 1, 2016 Terrance Tyrone Twigy I lean on my cane with my left hand; I lick my right hand thumb; I turn to page one of Dad’s manuscript, a combination of his rough draft and my own recollections. Thankfully, there is no wind or my manuscript would be in the river. I have brought clothespins, just in case. Ms. Ferguson and her third grade class are ready. She stands, speaks: “Class, I would like to introduce to you Mr.
Terrance Tyrone Twigy, a semi-retired Skunk Ravine attorney. As you know, every year each Skunk Ravine Elementary class is allowed one field trip. In our case, we will come to this gazebo for approximately a dozen half hour sessions, beginning today. Mr. Twigy will speak, then entertain your questions. There will be quizzes, so listen closely. Mr. Twigy’s subject? The old dog track which closed in 1962. Mr. Twigy? It’s all yours.” “Thank you, Ms. Ferguson. It will, as always, be a pleasure to meet here with you kids every school day for two weeks. Ten straight days in this beautiful gazebo along the Missouri River, hopefully with ten beautiful spring days, such as today.” My papers rattle on my speaking stand. I check my clothespin. It is a little breezy from time to time, with unexpected Chinook winds gusting out of the west and down the river. Can’t be too careful. The gazebo, for the most part, is protected from river winds by giant elms, cottonwoods, various pines, some of them a hundred years old. However, wind is wind. I begin my old dog track history… with the 1960 Au Revoir. I read. Page 1: The 1960 greyhound dog track Au Revoir is standing room only: hundreds of fans in the grandstands, every seat taken, hundreds more, on benches, standing shoulder to shoulder on the promenade area between the track and the grandstands. I look up, adjust my glasses, glance over the rims at my audience, little third grade faces giving nervous looks one to the other, like, what the blazes did he just say? I move on. Rocky Mountain Grassy Meadows Greyhound Park is into its last day of its annual season, its twelfth season. It is important to remember, kids, this is the end of the summer, August, 1960. You guys are not born yet. Was that a spit-wad? “Hey!” I say. I pound my cane three times on the gazebo floor. “Pay attention!” Ms. Ferguson realizes immediately my concern. She marches over to Sebastian, pinches his ear, marches him north, sits him down on a concrete memorial stump. “Boys and girls,” she says, “listen up … because there will be a quiz!” I clear my throat, continue, half reading, half improvising:
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Continued Page 23
Stubs Feral Chapter 1 continued As I was saying, boys and girls, I am a lead-out boy at the track. I pick up a dog at the jinny pit, lead the dog on parade under the bright lights to the starting boxes. The race is run; I pick up the same dog at the curtain turn finish, hand the dog over to the dog’s kennel trainer or assistant trainer back at the jinny pit. There are fourteen races in an evening’s program. I work the track during the summer; I attend the University the rest of the year. The story I am going to tell you, it happened. I did not make it up. However, time has passed, and I am sure I will be rendering more than reporting, nevertheless … I repeat myself. It really happened. Remember the name. Stubs. Stubs Feral. Got it? Understanding, you-betcha-nods, all around. Stubs is a cat … born in the wild. Skunk Ravine’s veterinarian Doc Harvey Verbascum, who doubles as the Rocky Mountain Grassy Meadows Greyhound Park veterinarian, known by everybody as Doc, names him. Stubs. No tail. Feral. Born wild. Lives wild. Dies wild. Stubs Feral. Dad is the dog track jinny pit judge, and he hires me. I read from Dad’s manuscript, a diary he kept of his adventures, if you will, as jinny pit judge at the dog track. Here and there I have edited, sometimes adding a little as I remember it, sometimes subtracting as overkill. For the record, I worked the dog track for three summers as a lead-out. “Whose dad?” Zach asks. “My dad,” I say. “Marvin Montgomery Twigy.” Ms. Ferguson says, “Zach, raise your hand if you have something to say.” “What kind of name is Twigy?” Daisy asks. “It’s my name,” I say. “It’s a nickname,” Austin says. “It’s my name. My name is Twigy.” I notice that Eddie gets a spit wad on his neck. I am impressed by the aim. Ms. Ferguson has Sebastian by the ear and up he goes dancing on one foot, yelling oww oww oww, to a new seating arrangement on a concrete stump to my far right. He sits, scowls. Here we go, moving right along: Five days a week I lead dogs from the jinny pit, on parade, stand at attention in front of the tote, while
the Parade Marshal checks the muzzles and blankets, then on to the starting boxes, eight post positions, eight lead-outs, eight racing greyhounds, fourteen races. At the signal, we push the dogs into the starting boxes, two of us stay with the boxes, four race down the track to hide at the finish line, and two hide behind the curtain which we will pull at the rabbit trap, something of a safety feature on behalf of the dogs. The mechanical lure starts up, and here it comes around the far turn, the doors bang open, and eight dogs, perhaps the best athletes the world has ever known, in pursuit with bursts up to 45 mph. I pause, sip water from my water bottle. Hugo has a question. “Yes Hugo?” “Is there anything faster than a greyhound?” “Well, certainly the cheetah, and the ostrich. Not sure about a grizzly. And then there is the story of a race in Phoenix, an Olympian sprinter, a thoroughbred race horse, and a racing greyhound. Who do you think is the fastest?” Everybody shouts. At best, a mixed response. I say, “Man is the quickest, out ahead, then the dog and then the horse. But it does not take long for the dog to take the lead, and then the horse. For stamina, like hiking across a desert, the man keeps going, the horse and dog break down. So for a race like fifty miles, who’s the fastest? “The horse?” I count ten hands. “Dog?” I count eight hands. “Man?” Nobody. “The answer is man.” Everybody moans. I read from Dad’s manuscript: It’s the dog track Au Revoir. Eight dogs. Eight lead-outs. One Parade Marshall. Dad waits for the signal from the racing secretary’s tower … we wait, lined up, eight greyhounds, eight lead outs. The track is manicured. The lure is tested. The bright track lights are on. The standing room only crowd grows quiet. On the other end of my leash, the world famous Cowboy Wrangler in the green racing blanket, Post Position #4, gives his blanket a good shake, probably itches. I have the honor of lead-out boy; Dad has seen to it. I adjust a wrinkle in Wrangler’s blanket, pat him; he throws me a kiss, wags his tail. Continued Page 24
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Stubs Feral Chapter 1 continued My best friend, Brian Verbascum, nephew of the track veterinarian Doc Harvey Verbascum, leads Cowboy Wrangler’s brother, Cowboy Hazy, in the blue blanket, Post Position # 2. Brian attends Montana State University in Bozeman. He wants to be a veterinarian like his uncle Doc. I attend the University of Montana in Missoula. I intend to be an attorney like Dad. Brian and I are both seniors. If all goes well we will have our undergraduate degrees with one more year, at least that’s the plan, you never know, then Brian is off to vet school, and yours truly, I am off to law school. The signal, a wave by the racing secretary from the tower, above the grandstands, comes down. Dad waves back. The Parade Marshall opens the gate, and we lead-outs and dogs march out to The Stars and Stripes Forever, halt with precision on the photo finish line, and stand at attention. Last chance for the fans to place a wager. I glance over my shoulder at the odds on the tote board. #4 is 2-1, and so is #2. Cowboy Wrangler and Cowboy Hazy are the favorites. Fuzzy Martin, the Parade Marshall, goes down the line, checks blankets and muzzles. As he bends over Cowboy Wrangler, pretending to straighten the racing blanket which is already as straight as it gets, he says, “This bag of guts going to go around one more time?” I grin, nod. “Too bad you’re out here on the track, Fuzzy, and can’t invest something on this old bag of guts.” Not to worry, Twigy old boy. Not to worry. I have a buddy who on my behalf put a little something on this here Post Position Four dog. Is this not the famous Cowboy Wrangler? I grin. I Nod. Tis he, I say. The one and only. And I myself, Fuzzy, for your information, I also have a small amount invested in this very fine fellow, Number Four. I am honored to be his lead-out boy. He pats Wrangler on the side, says, Go get ‘em old boy. Wrangler’s tail wags. The old pro. I nod at Brian two dogs ahead of me. Brian winks. We are the lead-outs for two of the most famous dogs in the history of American dog racing. Ever. On Parade. The Au Revoir. Brian leads Cowboy Hazy. I lead Cowboy Wrangler. “What’d you say the Au Revoir is?” Daisy wants to know. “It’s French for good-bye,” Ms. Ferguson says. “Please continue, Mr. Twigy.”
Blanket and muzzle checks are over. The Stars and Stripes blasts away at full volume, and we march, single file, for the starting boxes. Cowboy Wrangler steps off the track onto the grass, lifts his leg, looks around like he owns the place, kicks dirt clods into the fans at the fence. The fans make quite a fuss, wave their racing programs at us; laugh; we step back on the track, catch up. I have a feeling of confidence in my investment. I always like to see my choice empty out on the grass before racing, an extremely good sign. We stand behind the starting boxes. The Stars and Stripes suddenly quits. A bell rings. The wagering windows slam shut. The dogs are unleashed, pushed into the starting box, and the back doors snap closed. The dogs whine, bark, claw as the mechanical rabbit rounds the far turn, bangs, squeaks, squawks and rattles; the P.A. blares out AND HERE COMES RUSTY, and the track lights go from bright to brighter, and just as the lure bursts into the straight-away, eight starting box doors crash open and the track’s finest eight dogs burst out in pursuit, and the crowd roars. After the dogs load, and before the rabbit starts up, two lead-outs race to the far curtain turn. Four more kneel at the finish line. Two remain at the starting boxes, of which I am one. I stand behind the starting boxes. Since all eight dogs are off clean as a whistle, I have nothing to do but watch the race. The dogs race shoulder to shoulder to the first turn … dead even. I lean forward. Nobody has the lead. Could be bad. Very bad. The crowd screams. A wreck? I scan the backstretch. Nobody races around the first turn. Eight dogs should be thundering past the tote board on the backstretch. Nobody is coming down the backstretch! I do not see the mechanical rabbit. No rabbit! No dogs! The rabbit has malfunctioned? It never went around the first turn! Is every dog in the race down? Is that possible? I am on the run for the first turn. Not one dog is standing. Nobody. Four or five dogs are trying to stand, knocked silly, trying to get their bearings. Doc and Dad are there. Cowboy Wrangler and Cowboy Hazy are out cold. Doc says, “Twigy (that’d be me), carry Cowboy Wrangler to the adoption kennel. Don’t return him back to his kennel. If anybody objects, send ‘em to me. Brian, same thing. Cowboy Hazy, to the adoption kennel. One of you go get the truck, here’s the key, come back, load the dogs, wait for Twigy and me, we’ll be right behind you.” I feel so bad. So sorry. I cry. So does Brian.
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Stubs Feral Chapter 1 continued Zach says, “Who’s Twigy?” “Zach,” Ms. Ferguson says. “Raise your hand.” Zach raises his hand. “Yes, Zach?” I say. “Who’s Twigy?” Zach asks. “Marvin Montgomery Twigy. My father. Twigy for short.” “Weird,” Hugo says. “I thought you were Twigy.” “I am Twigy. Twigy Junior. Sort of. My dad is Twigy. Twigy senior. Sort of.” “What’s your nickname?” Tillie Beth asks. “Thud.” “Thud?” “Thud.” A story for a later time. I return to my script, adjust a clothespin, read: We manage to lift the unconscious dogs into the trailer. A 75 pound dog that’s out cold is rough duty. When lifeless, a body is heavier, seems like. I drive. Back in the adoption kennel, Doc gives both dogs shots. I do not ask what. Uneducated guess: infection, trauma. The dogs are lucky to have Doc. He is one of the best dog and cat veterinarians in the world. Brian and I have no questions about that. Doc Harvey Verbascum is the very best. If these dogs have any chance at all, Doc will see to it. Doc, Dad, Brian and I return to the track, walk the first turn, back and forth, look for some evidence, rocks maybe, or a ditch, or something, anything besides a lure suddenly vanishing, to make all eight dogs go down, but we do not find anything out of the ordinary. For some unknown reason the lure electronically “thinks” this is the finish turn and takes the inside rail, like a model train, and somebody forgets to throw the switch and the train toots, full steam ahead, and off the siding and over it goes. The lure should have continued on one more time. Obviously, it did not. What a way to end the season. We are joined by Curly Franklin, the lure operator; he comes on, stammering: I did not know what to do … That makes us folks stand real straight, ears straight up, eyes wide open. “What … do you mean?” Doc says. “I stopped the lure,” Curley says. “What?” Dad says. “Why?” Doc says. There is a cat on the track. The cat heads straight for the oncoming dogs. The cat sees the dogs round the turn; it humps up and the hair on its neck and back go straight up, and it is obviously scared silly, hissing and screaming, then it makes a run for it. The dogs on the inside, running the rail, go for the cat; the dogs on
the outside, they turn in and go for the lure. Next thing I know we have a pile of injured dogs. I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. A lose-lose situation. Nobody says a word. Finally, Doc says, “So where’s the cat?” Good question, “Doc, Dad says: “Where’d the cat go, Curly?” We all have a look, east, north, west, south, like that, at each other, the infield. The last two races have been cancelled. The overflow crowd is moving on … a few stand rail-side wondering what happens next. Dad walks over to the curtain and checks behind it. Nothing there. “Please do not tell me,” Dad says. A big black cat?” Curley shrugs, says, “Coal black. A big one.” “Tail?” Curley shakes his head. Negative. “Nope. No tail.” Brian drives me home. Dad will be home shortly. “Where was this dog track?” Harriet asks. “West of town,” I say. “Out where the trailer park is now.” “Is this story an April Fool’s joke?” Noah yells. “It is April 1st,” Ms. Ferguson says. The class hangs on the moment. “Of course it is April 1st,” I say, “and no, my story is not an April Fool’s joke.” “So now what happens?” Tilly Beth asks. “Raise your hand,” Ms. Ferguson says. “I did raise my hand,” Tilly Beth says. “Bologna,” Zack says. I make a move for my sousaphone. Twenty mergansers on the river go airborne.
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To read more of Stubs Feral go to www.amazon.com.au/Stubs-Feral-Robert-ScottMcKinnon-ebook/dp/B06VXRQWF5
Special Feature All of the works of Robert McKinnon a.k.a Maddog McDermutt, including his latest book are available online at https://www.amazon.com/ Then reference Robert McKinnon Next week will have a special feature From Robert McKinnon. The entire first chapter of – Stubs Feral
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