Welcome back it’s been far too long I hope somebody out there has missed me , today I introduce the 4th dog of global influence one that captured the hearts of not just greyhound people in Great Britain but many sport lovers the ripple effects touched Australia as well, this greyhound became the most revered since Mick the Miller over 50 years prior!
Ballyregan Bob: this is he’s story born in 1983 dark brindle bred by Robert Cunningham purchased at 12 months for 1250 pound by the Kevern family and trained by one of the greats George “gentleman” Curtis who was born in 1923 .
The dog was beaten at hove on debut and astonishingly for first few which makes he’s record even more remarkable, many English could write about him and he’s statistics forever and know more then us here in Australia but with the aid of my trusty scrapbook I will finally share this piece after 4 decades courtesy of Mr Geoff Parnaby an Australian who along with me recognised Bob’s greatness.
He broke the unthinkable record American Joe Dump’s record of consecutive wins 31 ,32 in a row now a world record which will never be matched .
Total starts 49 for 43 wins remember he’s 1st few were duds then the penny dropped , of the 49 only 5 were graded 44 were open races he won from 475mtres to 740mtres running over 700 only 3 times .
He broke 16 track records winning 11 major events , Bob started favourite every time and he was odds on 45 times from 49 starts.
He was odds on even for pre post derby market but never ran ,at Wimbledon on derby night he broke the 660 mtre record and ran faster over derby distance then the derby winner .
He was greyhound of the year 2 years in succession 85 and 86 feat never achieved before .
Leading bookmaker John Power put up 25k for a match race inviting any dog in world 🌍 to take him on ,a field of 4 was assembled at Wembley stadium including the legendary Scurlogue champ .
Crowd of 26000 watched Bob win by 11 3/4 lengths and break track record along with Scurlogue’s heart , it didn’t matter what track what distance he won on 11 tracks and beat the best they had , basically he was invincible he’s average winning margin over 43 races was 7 lengths, he retired after the 32 consecutive win in 1986 and is freely recognised as the greatest greyhound of all time thank-you Geoff I concur!
Off the track like many great dogs he was placid loved people even strangers had a big food appetite played with balls and toys and slept long hours ,George “ gentleman” Curtis called he’s wonder dog a gentleman as well , he’s races were broadcast live interrupting the news , not only was he on back page of the paper he was on the front as well when he broke the record !
He boomed the industry in the mid 80’s and they still remember the two with races named in their honour , a bronze statue was erected at Hove .
He went to the states and sired some great dogs but came home after a few years , George called him the perfect racer he had 4 bend speed endless stamina and unique sheer determination, the Bar was named after him at he’s home track , as I mentioned after eclipsing the American 🇺🇸 Joe Dump’s record (I love joe but he wasn’t in bob’s class) there were some Florida dogs who notched big tally’s but not really legitimate, whereas Bob was the real deal , I often ask myself how would of Bold Trease the legendary Australian 🇦🇺 gone against him over 650mtres ?
Ballyregan Bob died at the age of 10 at owner Jessie kevern’s house and he’s best friend George Curtis died few years later at the age of 96 both were instrumental in the 80’s scene forever iconic thanks for memories!
All is not lost there are 4 new tracks being built around the world the Q in Australia will be the biggest show on earth in 12 months time it’s been a privilege to write ✍🏻 again for our greyhound enthusiasts we will keep the dream alive while the antis will keep the spam alive !!
The truth is rising lots of love ❤️ until next time Hounfrenz !
My Houndbound life 