When I started this greyhound blog about 15 months ago i mentioned there would be 5 greyhounds that had global influence and would shape the future with their pizazz and the adoration of the public , and i would dedicate a piece to them , well today its dog 5 the only Australian a female who was synonymous with the code and if you surveyed anybody over 50 the name Zoom Top would quickly leave the lips , so for the younger fans lets recap a little on the dog they called “sweetie”.

These eerie coincidences along the way are not going anywhere it’s like a sign saying you should be writing , Zoom Top was born in August 1966 the same year as me bred owned and trained by Hec and Leah Watt .

The two striking things that made her different when people reminisce is her versatility and her heart ,although many speedsters came along after it’s her accomplishments on the track , Hec would say she’s the people’s dog , she matured fast and her 1st race she won at Goulburn over the 500 yrds at 14 months , prize money 10$ ironically the Goulburn maiden ZoomTop final in her honour is on this Friday another coincidence and it’s a crack field worth 25k to the winner , anyway the fawn flash rattled off 4 wins but racing against the older more seasoned dogs her 1st stint resulted in 7 from 20 .

Then on March 16 1969 my 3rd birthday (crazy I know I never stood a chance)she announced herself winning at Harold park over 800 yds by 15 lengths and the legend began often she would race over 730 mtrs then back up over 500 a few days later but she travelled everywhere and loved racing .

Wentworth park the next week then back to Harold park Association cup length off record , Muswellbrook 550 win back to HP 2nd in winter cup 457m then track record at Beenleigh 795m then Grafton 402m then Grafton again 675 then Harold park 457m won them all bar one 2nd in the space of 3 weeks unbelievable! Then Hec sent her up the straight at Richmond 292 mtre win 3length off record then won Dapto Silver collar 507 , Sydney cup 722 mtre at wenty track record then the st ledger 530 at wenty in front of 14000 people then obviously announced 1968 greyhound of year !

Hec was questioned sometimes by probably jealous people about the racing schedule and amount of races he’s answer was she thrives on racing and being a champion she can use the versatility to suit the training methods and that she would fret at home when not at the track .

1969 wasn’t much different any track any time she would travel and defend her titles , breaking track records at Newcastle and in her 100th start she cracked the record at Maitland then at Beenleigh defending her title she broke her own record and made it 11 distance victories in a row ,in 1970 she broke her record at Temora over 457 then won a top grade sprint at Olympic park then a length outside record at Orange over 494 metres then the Singleton cup over 640 metres ,after 68 wins the machine that was Zoom Top was retired after pulling a muscle in her back leg , I can’t believe what I’ve just written she was immortal.

Her father was Black Top mum Busy Beaver 59k Zoom Top earnt an Australian record at the time .

136 Starts 68 wins 25 2nds 14 3rds

27 different tracks winning on 24 set or equaled 15 track records win from 292m -795m won from every box even 9 and 10 . I’ll come back to that !

A real racer who’s trainer wasn’t worried about challenges or defeats, he knew the dog backwards and when a race club came calling he obliged and the people would turn up in mass that’s what made her special the rigorous career didn’t hurt her Hec was right she lived a great life and passed away at 13 buried under the family tree at their Ballina property on the Northern Rivers .

Hall of famer Jeff Collerson rates her the most Versatile champion and Neil Brown who I thank so much for he’s passion and library of information ,as a teenager in Melbourne he got to pat the champ while selling race books in the car park a career highlight he said , these two men are the history of our sport .

We hadn’t had an Australian 🇦🇺 in our 5 and it’s not that she’s number 5 they are not in order I thought I’d save the Australian till last , but on reflection I will write about some more along the way while doing the blog , but before we go i mentioned she won off box 9 and 10 well back in the day up straight at Richmond they raced 10 , everything old will be new again as the Q in Queensland will race 10 up that beautiful wide straight which has legs and is growing on me imagine having 5 down one side 5 down the other Flemington straight six style and NSW will be following soon ,the exotic pools will flourish , I ventured to the Q what a beautiful drive the facility is 1st class when the tracks settle down it will be best in Country and what a great getaway weekend!

So good to be back publishing a piece until next time Hounfrenz 🙏🏻lots of love 💙

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 !

Recently I made mention of a pendulum swing back to our beautiful code in the UK and Ireland, debatable and yes I’m optimistic but way over in Australia I can only write what I’m feeling and see .

What has never changed in hound racing is the magnetism one superstar greyhound has on the public , they are extremely rare but it’s what we strive for to be part of a minor miracle, therefore crowd swelling to see the animal is superior to any marketing tool or money .

In Ireland on 23/11/2024 it happened a dog named bockos diamond made it 15 wins from 15 starts survived the gruelling series smashed the track record and then equaled it along way came out in final of Irish Derby had to cross field from 6 trap and explode one more time ,as the Shelbourne park massive crowd held its breath he seemed to miss stride ever slow slightly then took off broke their hearts again and became a legend .

5/2 on they bet and I’m not to familiar with career but some old timers are saying he’s the best ever if he makes it to English derby mid next year it will be a promotional extravaganza !!

Spanish battleship is a dog I would like to write about he is the 3rd dog of 5 of the global influence team i refer , but bockos stole some of he’s thunder I’m sure he wouldn’t mind he’d be looking down proud of he’s Irish derby triumph with a smirk saying you got two to go !

Spanish battleship was born in 1951 Killorglin one of seven the runt of litter believe it or not a fawn brindle reared by Sheila and brother Tim ‘chubbs’ O’Connor, he was publican at the pub and word got around he’d give the runt a Guinness here n there from a bottle to beef him up but it didn’t work he never grew much , bitten by a pig stopped he’s sale to the UK and he recovered in Ireland .

I’d never heard of him in Sydney until the early 2000’s so I hope my research is doing him justice he lined up weighing 60 pounds and won he’s first 2 races then 2nd in the laurels and headed to Tom Lynch near Dublin the two would combine for a memorable piece of history unbeaten as a 2 year old through he’s 1st Irish derby the pocket rocket had arrived!

Rested through the winter he returned winning Easter cup in 1954 he’s derby crown defence would move from Harold’s Cross to the famous Shelbourne park!

He broke the track record in prelims ran 29.50 he’s 2nd derby victory was in 29.64 by 3 1/4 lengths he was cracking records for fun in other regions and was touted the best ever , then won McCalmont cup by 6 lengths at Kilkenny.

Back he came again after winter break won the Easter cup1955 but now he was getting on in age and defeated in 1st round the new youngsters had ability, but he didn’t worry made he’s way through to semi finals and won by 3 lengths.

The picturesque Harold’s Cross crowd was packed in anticipation to what they could witness ,a dog win 3 Irish derby’s, well he left he’s best till last pinged the traps and they never seen him again 5/4 against 29.53 he’s fastest derby win , then he went to Cork won the laurels , Galway dead heated in track record time , then won at Kilkenny , USA wanted him offer rejected, and at 5 year old went to white city failed in a 3 dog exhibition and was retired !

The little legend died in 1962 month shy of 11th birthday at the O’Connor kennels Killorglin where he was born ,a bronze statue was erected 90 minutes away at Limerick city ,he won 26 of 36 career races 3 consecutive Irish Derby’s 2 Easter cups many other races of importance and broke numerous track records and as I say had a profound effect on the way people viewed the sport therefore he is in my top 5 of canine Global Influencers.

Special thanks to Ian fortune an authority on greyhounds in Europe , I hope sir you are watching some of the stars in Australia 🇦🇺

Saddened to hear as I write this blog that New Zealand may have called time on the majestic code as the anti’s rejoice , it reminds me of why I do this the wonderful history and memories plus the human dedication and the great champions of yesteryear will never be forgotten or erased!

Merry Xmas 🎄 to my hounfrenz we will do it again next year I’ve got infinite material to write ✍🏻 they’ll never wear us down !lots of love ❤️!!

Sense of relief to be back writing about something close to my heart , it’s cathartic and soothing ,you never know what’s around the corner in life or this crazy world!

We’ve just enjoyed the 8th running of the now famous and growing Million Dollar Chase, for those not aware it’s become a phenomenon in the world of greyhound racing in NSW Australia 🇦🇺.

The state government went down a path of banning the sport in NSW in 2016 after some hidden cameras exposed some bad behaviour of a certain few, to tarnish everyone with same brush and take away everything they’d worked their lives for , houses ,livelihood dreams ,income ,something that makes them exist was never going to fly , the March to Parliament House by thousands was only the start .

Solid campaign was executed against the ban which i won’t go into but involved many members of parliament, meetings, support from high profile media, and I’ll never forget going to track talking to trainers ,many downcast and upset, others defiant but as one they paraded and presented their dogs in a quiet professional manner we hardly missed a meeting , business as usual, I thought to myself Jesus! Look at these people they are hurting but you wouldn’t know it , I’ve never been more proud of a group !

Dr John Keniry was given the task by premier Baird to wind things up but after meetings in various areas he was torn , he even spoke to me for 20 minutes on the phone he listened to everyone and was astute . 48 hours later he released a statement telling Baird he couldn’t shut the industry down “they love their dogs “ 99% of them .

After 90 days The premier Mike Baird and he’s other half Troy Grant fell on their swords 🗡️ .

Greyhound welfare integrity commission was formed and Tony Mestrov CEO introduced the Million Dollar Chase shortly after !

The race was about combining city and country areas , regional finals in the bush where the great local dogs could try and defend against the few hot dogs that would travel to their area and win a qualification to the big smoke for a semi final, good for crowds and exposure for the country clubs .

Each region would provide the puzzle pieces along with the city heats a week before ,then 64 dogs line up for 8 semi finals , although some tweaks over the years , it’s a gradual greyhound journey which culminates into a final ,winner 1 million $🇦🇺 and embraces dogs Oz wide as the results have shown .

The inaugural running 2018 I watched from a bar in Bali I thought wow I’ll never not be trackside again it was won by Mystic Riot: trainer Peter Lagogiane :after the race an iconic dance down the straight with collar and lead flying through the air the raw emotion and jubilation from Peter ,and Boom the race was born GRNSW would never be the same again.

He was lucky enough to incredibly win it again two years later off the same box with Handsome Prince ,Lagogiane had trained in Dubai for Sheiks he was now known as King Midas !!

It’s the one in between that is closest to my heart 2019.

We had a neighbour who played golf with my dad but he’s sister’s passion was the hounds and tinkered with a few while having a bet on Saturdays at the local with her mum , she spoke of buying a pup and was deciding whether to train it ,i immediately said go for it train it what else ya gunna do being a bit fools rush in style , but you’ve got to back yourself in life !

So began the 🧚 fairytale .

Being a backyard trainer in the suburbs is rare having a freak in it is a miracle, her father would help and I will do a story one day on the dog which intertwined with my own feel good tale stuff of legend for us , but today is about the Million dollar Chase and yes after this dog equaled the track record at Bulli 1st start he became Pindari Express known as “the Freight train”.

My two sons and I loved him and we had Blue shirts 👕 made and he lined up box 4 in the 2019 MDC final ,MDC 2024 had been received as best field so far but I think this edition is slightly superior as 4 dogs went to stud , black opium was a superstar and Kurt Lee very handy plus they went 29.34 ,anyway the freight train missed the kick held he’s own completely for a great 5th and Frank Hurst won with Good odds Harada , he danced down the track also with a smile like the joker and he’s famous quote “it’s justified my life work”.

Since I’ve been going to wenty 1983 onwards it was one of my biggest thrills.

The place was packed and along with young Isaiah Firebrace the crowd sang the national anthem as one when the lure took off the crowd roared as one for 30 odd seconds I was there with my boys and their mates on one side and the trainers brother on my other shoulder and thought wow look at us now , sporting event unique to the world happening in Sydney CBD !!with a tear in my eye !

Covid try intervene a few years later and the politicians still squabble but they’ll never take them 8 races off us .Long Live the Million dollar chase 💰

Blue kemaro wins this year for the Formosa kennel, the dog was bought for 10k after 2 starts and steadily improved to the top such the beauty of our game , he’s brother Off the Richter sadly passed away of cancer after having the middle distance world at he’s feet an example of the dizzy highs and traumatic lows !

The track record at Wentworth park is held by Shakey Jakey 1 start 10.5 years ago 29.07 then retired very strange isn’t it quite an amazing statistic . It’s history now another maiden yes your reading correctly came out at its 3rd start and went bang , the track had been quick , the dog had wraps , fast runs were in the air 29.12 Bezzechi ,29.20 explicit, but the well bred Dalwhinne who we’d backed 6 days before when falling in maiden final created another maiden thunderbolt.

On October 24 2024 he began great off 2 ran incredible lines at high speed winning by 14 lengths posting 29.04 , good luck new king, named after a Whiskey I’ll definitely be buying a bottle along with many greyhound fans !

Goosebumps writing this so good to be back , subscribe for nothing or track blogs through socials let’s keep our wonderful game going until next time Hounfrenz lots of love ❤️!

Hope you guys enjoyed “no average Joe” one of my favourite yarns.

Some personal matters have forced me to take a little break of approx 10 weeks , but I’ll be back shortly to tell more stories and re-live memories of our great sport !

Maybe even do a piece on the Million Dollar Chase as it approaches!!

Until then Hounfrenz ❤️ take care !

Welcome back we got the authenticity check ticked off with our last piece, today I’d like to take you back in time to meet a special dog, an American!

I sit here today watching Joe Biden and Donald trump navigating retirement and assassin’s bullets as America gears up for an election, I’m putting them two names in a blender and it spat out Joe Dump !

This greyhound was bred by a hobby breeder Joe Fallon who worked driving a bulldozer at the local dump , Falllon was known by everyone as Joe Dump and passed the name on to he’s red brindle pup this is he’s story !

Born on April fools day 1977 bred and owned by Fallon he showed promise at a track in Pensacola Florida before settling on the newly opened Greenetrack in Eutaw Alabama.

Greenetrack only raced for a few decades ,again as I write,these eerie coincidences arise as the young dog came to the track right on time as if custom ordered the track closed in 1997.

The record for most consecutive wins by a greyhound was held by American star Real Huntsman from Florida 27 remarkable wins in a row , he entered the hall of fame with Flashy sir and Rural babe , these 3 combined to be 1st inductees, Real Huntsman raced in 1950-51 , the record was a tall order .

Joe had won 6 of 14 at he’s favourite playground but he seemed to be smarter then the other dogs ,some weeks he would lead all the way , but mostly win from behind with uncanny track sense he quickly rattled off 10 straight wins , a sly buzz was in the air at Greenetrack and a young aspiring kid journalist started spruiking about Joe doing the unthinkable, well Joe up the bet 10 became 15 15 became 20 now everyone in Eutaw knew Joe Dump.

The kid kept writing ✍🏻 and Joe kept winning ,they travelled to the track from everywhere to watch him , Memphis and further, complete strangers in town would talk about him they weren’t greyhound people but they were now , the little fella kept winning bang 25 in a row A grade races in the late 70’s surely he couldn’t, Alabama football team was flying, Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks to regain title but the attention in that part of the world was on a greyhound.

On May 15 1979 Joe Dump would line up to break the world record and try win 28 races in a row set in 1951 , he drew the 6 box and came out awful why is theatre so dramatic in these moments 🤷‍♂️ he nearly came down and gave them 4 lengths start around 1st bend ,yes he was odds on and these dogs were not elite speedsters, but I’ve been around greyhound racing a long time and the pressure on him would of been immense, as we know he knew every inch of the track , after some bumps he weaved he’s path and won running away , but he still had to do it and he did !, that night he became bigger then the code and Eutaw’s favourite son , people travelled from Georgia , Mississippi, Dallas just to be there.

28 wins wasn’t enough he stretched it to 31 wins in a row before being Malachi Crunched in a defeat, many in the crowd were crying , they say that night Joe knew he’d been beat and kept he’s head down for two hours after the race, this is an example of the global influence I talk about ,the dog was a local , bred by a battler who became a legend , I’m in Sydney in 1988 at Wentworth park as a young greyhound enthusiast, and guess what, I swear on my life people were talking about Joe Dump , it’s exiting for me to revisit and learn about him , many say he wasn’t the fastest dog but easily the smartest, track sense like no other , pick a run and nail it with a kick home , plus an old adage he knew exactly where the post was , after he’s famous win he just mingled with crowd didn’t really parade just done he’s own thing became a bit cheeky you could say !

Then the offer came 60000$ dollars from a gynaecologist and businessman they wanted fame and Joe was sold he’d only earned 20000 on track if that , he was in New York Times as most money ever paid for a greyhound still racing , he won 4 on end at other tracks , had some mixed results the 125000$ Hollywood race was calling and trainer JC Stanley was confident but in a heat he stopped cold on the bend out to back straight as if to say what am I doing here , but after the race he was diagnosed with a deep muscle tear ,most greyhounds would keep running but he stopped, knew he was injured , human like he limped off track such the legend goes he was never the same after that .

Joe Dump died at the age of 12 in 1989 he was buried at the finish line of the Greenetrack racecourse such was he’s status , a gravestone reminds people of he’s achievements .

The service was held in private similar to a person ,fanfare from media was not wanted but many were there who knew him he was much loved and often people would say at a later date , is he really buried there ? JC Stanley who had a great affinity with Joe and many others would simply reply , yes !

He’s offspring were few and no champions but they kept he’s Legacy alive and the people loved watching them he was now the record holder , a member of the all American 🇺🇸 team and a dog who changed peoples perception of the sport ,a 29 kg red brindle from Eutaw Alabama who shocked the world ,therefore he is on my list as one of the five , I hoped you’ve enjoyed meeting him , definitely no Average Joe !

Until next time Hounfrenz lots a love 🩵 we keep fighting for our beautiful hound sport!

Some of the platforms laid so far on my Houndbound life have described researched history and interpretations from myself, but in this piece i would like to share some of my own experiences and memories to show the authenticity of my blog .

Before we go down memory lane ,a few nights back Glastonbury festival 130 miles from London put on a show ,Coldplay for 1st time in about 8 years , 100000 people, Michael J Fox on stage with a guitar in a wheelchair a truly magical emotional occasion.

125 miles in another direction at the same time the Greyhound English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Derby was occurring at Towcester for us greyhound people another magical night.

After 6 weeks of arduous dedication from man and hound it was Irish trainer Liam Dowling and he’s hound De lahdedah to win the English derby congratulations to Liam on he’s 1st and all the team.

My point is both venues have significant meaning in making certain groups of people in no way connected feel euphoric for different reasons, isn’t that what humanity is looking for ,embrace and encourage that , so let’s not be hypocritical and discriminate against minorities when we preach everyday not to do it .

Shortly after introduction I mentioned that the old timers would say somewhere in a family tree a greyhound enthusiast would reappear if the family had history, this is my excuse.

My mother’s father was Jack Corkery but he’s brother Arthur had a deep passion for greyhounds according to Mum ,he went to war and had them before and after and never married .

They lived in Alexandria Sydney NSW in a time when Redfern and Alexandria had many Greyhound people . I suppose I’m lucky to have this framed photo below , others have gone astray, but I can share this one as an original.

Minda Mantua winning in October 1952 at Wentworth park over 790 yds trainer Arthur Corkery .

I have no idea of racing habits of minda let’s hope a dropout stayer I’m all ears if anyone knows the dog ,I doubt it .

Dropout Stayers is a topic I’d like to talk about some of these distance dogs are the most remembered because of the excitement they bring on race night .

Basically they run the race opposite to other hounds , they are actually going quicker in the latter part of race then when they flop out at box rise heart in mouth style leaving you thinking are they going to stop,but when the invisible spinnaker goes up the wet sail kicks in look out they are unstoppable but these greyhounds are very rare , here are some I’ve been lucky enough to watch live at the race track who leave the public scratching their heads .

Farrarami : Qualifies as a drop out stayer for me although sometimes began ok , positioning equal last let’s say ha ha . She was a white n fawn bitch born May 1987 so just missed out on Harold park wow imagine her around there . How many did she win at Wentworth park , not sure over 15 I’d say to enjoy this memorable dog , I’ll never forget being in big crowd for a race in 1989 blue rug flops out of boxes conspicuous last chasing a good field , you can find it on YouTube enjoy the master Paul Ambrosoli at he’s best “Strike me Rome” she was a wonderful dog !

Texas Gold : He was a dropout stayer who would come from impossible positions to win well traveled he was whelped in 2003 i remember an old mate at our local who enjoyed the dogs he couldn’t wait for me to get to the pub to tell me about a dog he’d seen , Texas was definitely a dog who left an impression, he was a champion who broke the track record in town , won the bold trease , and was very consistent for a dog with them traits.

Bold Trease : This dog is an Australian 🇦🇺 icon of greyhound racing , although he’s not one of the 5 global dogs on my list he will get plenty more accolades along the way because he’s achievements are so amazing, he would be no chance in the run and sprout wings with he’s lion heart and won an incredible 4 Sandown cups in a row yes 4 . To me this is superior to Winx 4 cox plates and The diva’s 3 cups it’s simply mind blowing 🤯 to me .

20th June 1987 15k was put up by De costi seafood for a match race between Bold Trease and NSW barnstorming finisher Shady city a crowd of 5000 were at Harold park , I remember walking to my seat area at top of stand as normal but on this night I never got there it was packed my seats were gone , so I stood at top of stairwell and watched by myself.

Shady led but at winning post 1st time the Warrnambool warrior as he was known shot past her and took off , he’d never been in front and chased he’s motor out , rumours were he wasn’t quite right before the race but no excuses were offered, and on final turn to long straight he missed stride a touch changed action , and Shady city powered underneath him to win ,another Ambrosoli classic, it was an honour to be there that night !

Scurlogue Champ : This dog is a legend who will pop up from time to time on our travels , born in Ireland named after a farm I think he is a true drop out stayer , I’m not sure if the Irish and English had many but they loved this dog for all the excitement he provided.He broke about 20 records , unfairly had to race the great Ballyregan Bob in a 4 dogger and said bugger that I’m not chasing him tonight, but the champ is widely considered the greatest by many who were charmed by he’s traits , raced in mid 80’s died at 14 , I did not see him live but as we end with him you can find him on YouTube great viewing.

Send me a few more dropout stayers that spring to mind let’s put these dogs all in a race , who wins ? I’m sure someone wants to throw modern day dropout Stayer Palawa King in ,as much as I love him he’d be no match for these legends, but I only go back to 84 watching live at track!

After leaving school bumming around the beach for a year I started to work ,my 1st job was in the fine paper industry at Alexandria , there was an old painting in the foyer front office area it consisted of buildings people walking and a cobblestone alley way with a greyhound on it , I cut a small piece of red Beckett felt paper ,liquid papered a 1 on it , the hound now carried the red rug in my 3.5 years there .

Mondays the hounds were on at Harold park for most people it was Bob Geldof’s hit song I don’t like Mondays in everyone’s ears , but I loved them best night of week ,remember there wasn’t wall to wall racing 7 days a week back then.

First memories were the smell of liniment in the kennel block the sound of lure , dogs parading for a trial , the long pristine green grassy straight everything in order the trumpeters call to signal race time it was a mini race track of highest order , I knew at that young age 18 this was my hobby for life , I had binoculars we were a distance from the action at Harold but the magic was still there .

Betting ring was full of characters it had some old school charm you met people with a common interest but only seen them once a week no phones in them days , we would follow some punters sometimes when still learning i remember the colourful Rex Jackson he was pretty spot on there for a few years with he’s plonks , the politician famously ended up selling hot dogs and ice cream at stanwell tops.

Camdens ghost ,Holstein boy 26.09 Kevin Johns memories gate , Yannick my favourite in them days , Roden star (mlb) Snow report and Brother Fox were finished by 86 I think , Shy Sultan won the 87 derby at 50/1 9 rug , yannick got bogged down in my mind anyway 😝, New Tears came down from QLD won in 26.42 nothing flash but became very special to me later.

Them memories are not researched they are entrenched which is the authenticity I’ve mentioned.Harold park closes the sadness dissipates we March to a place called Wentworth park a refurbished edition again.

I’ve no need to research this either it’s September 87 and War wins the 1st race box 1 trained by Jim Ward I’m almost certain I backed the 8 Wild Hunch trained by Stuart Hazlett , who unbelievably had a dog in MDC final last year.

Walking into Wentworth park it was a case of out with the old in with the new to sit 30 metres away from starting boxes the dogs would parade in front of you then race past not once but twice into home straight and winning post .

The grandstand was huge and the city skyline in background, the binoculars were cast aside for me this was a broadway show .Harbour city racing was once a promo that’s exactly what it was , people who rubbish the empty stand today don’t realise the history and the crowds from yesteryear the big nights that still occur now and then.

Rumpus Brandi vs See Yah clashes the faultless little beginner classy spider 🕷️ Greyhound of year NSW 1990 , match racing ,only foxing, pacific seagull.. the 1st Easter egg ultra sense 1990 they’ll never take them 40 years away as the lease is up in 2027 , the future is uncertain but the hounds are faster and still there the track has had many tweaks ,grass to loam and sand, safer and easier to maintain camber changes and much more to do , but the boring cancel culture cardboard cut out types are growing, John Smith is being bred out and will be extinct before the Albatross.

Then something special happened it was Jan Feb 1989 the derby was the big ticket, on the scene was that litter i previously told you about brother fox- promises free 9 all dogs , I think 7 went to stud memory not as good these days ,Walkabout Sid went 30.09 1st look he’s brother West Cape was superior they were blue and white marked stars ,jet cruiser ,Half Nelson ,Bogenfel , Carnival boy , the legendary Amerigo man , they went on to shape some of the breeding scene and were called litter of century in the papers etc .

To think back to that school mate adventure to Wentworth park in 82/83 I told you about when I seen promises free win 14 straight, her son Amerigo man produces the greatest dog I’ve probably seen in 40 yrs Flying Amy , that’s quite eerie!

Back to the derby ,the scene was set but not for long a half brother was the hurdle for everyone another brother fox dog who had taken two lengths off kendo’s benji track record at wenty in the vic peters back in October 29.74 and held the Richmond record as well he’s name was Worth Doing .

Same age as the glamour pack , I was a west cape fan but Worth doing drew 7 in he’s heat , not a good beginner but he’d pick a gap and turn jet like it didn’t bother him that he was tardy early , on this night he came out running, Paul Ambrosoli went crazy , what’s he goin to run the rest is history 29.50 on the grass 14 lengths, one of the 4 greatest runs ever seen he’s record for eternity on the grass like he’s old man at Harold park , The crowd was huge and in awe I was with a bunch of funny fellas from the Bayside area they were my dog mates , big punters but the biggest was Joe , he was all in on the champ that night and ripped hes shirt off he’s muscular frame at race completion screaming with joy !

Semi final he had the 8 , Began slowly two dogs were drifting off in the lead at 1st turn , he hit them like he was made out of cement and didn’t deviate one bit he then set out after breakaway speed dog Bjorn and rounded him up !

The Final he drew 5 it was week 3 different in them days more gruelling, knowing he was average beginner with Bjorn in 4 and some rumours he had sore ribs circulated. John Stollery rolled him out to even money the queue was 100 metres long little old lady’s everyone was on not many bookies followed some got close .

Paul Ambrosoli was ready the huge crowd ready as well , bunny up to the boxes , he began great but Bjorn got underneath him and carried him a touch wide the 6 double Dee Rob got under both and shot away , the champ was bouncing into Bjorn a little to much for punters liking but he finally disposed of him and set out after the 6 dog , he got to him on the corner and thought I’ll go under for a split second but changed he’s mind and went around him they brushed into the home straight and the theatre of that broadway show I spoke of kicked in ,Double Dee Rob did the goose step and the champ roared past it was the greatest derby I’ve ever seen and Joe needed another shirt !

On the Monday I went into office and ordered a VHS 📼 copy of heat semi and final that’s how much it meant to me , where does he rank definitely top 10 for me probably top 6 , he had a Champion 600 metre brother wary suspect and went good at stud Tallest peer and Worthy reward to name a few , he also backed up few weeks later and nearly equaled he’s own record at Richmond , he was a freak !

We might wrap it up there I’m knackered but definitely worth doing 😉 subscribe for nothing or just read however your getting the blogs it’s a joy bringing them to you , next time we meet I’ll bring in dog no.2 who had an influence on the hound sport .

Until next time Hounfrenz 🩵 take care !

Some turbulence has hit both the greyhound and airline industries at once ,ironically they’ve also become intertwined , more on that later .

Today I’ve jumped on a soapbox to speak about current situation in Australia and break down the states give them a rating as I watch them progress (again it’s thru my eyes) so subscribe to my Houndbound life costs nothing read about the great game and agree or disagree everybody welcome!

Nothing last forever and things change, two phrases I use often.

Greyhound racing has lasted 100 years that’s pretty good so in a time of cancel culture you would expect the antis to be better armed, I’ll come back to Australia 🇦🇺 soon .

Currently in New Zealand there are huge decisions being made, the future uncertain and will be decided in next few months by one person according to reports.

Same old from me ,welfare , safety, government support, transparency, measured breeding, constant reviews for progress are paramount to survive, besides the great postman pat I watch NZ racing from afar , so can’t speak to much ,but with the swipe of a pen it can all be gone !, but I do know this story.

The silver collar is a group 1 event in New Zealand the most gruelling staying event in Australasia 779 metres the Duke of Edinburgh prince Phillip husband of queen Elizabeth II is the creator.

Prince Phillip won the English derby in 1968 and on he’s tour to NZ a year after the Auckland GRC presented him with a gift greyhound knowing of he’s fondness, he accepted on one condition the greyhound race in NZ .

Prince Phillip met the greyhound gave her a pat and the name Royal commission while on he’s duties, Auckland GRC asked if they could hold a race annually in honour of the tour , the prince loved the idea and said leave the the trophy to me , as soon as he returned to London he sourced he’s best jewellers , they crafted an amazing dog collar in solid silver the race was born the Duke of Edinburgh silver collar !

Royal commission turned out to be a stayer she could stay all day , in the race she ran 2nd but in 1971 she went one better and won for the Prince , when informed of the achievement he replied with one of he’s famous quips “ congratulations, give the dog a bone “ in 1973 she ran 3rd , Royal commission retired with 33 wins .

Let’s create greatness anti’s ,fix problems that’s what we do as humans, good luck our friends in NZ . Swipe of a pen 🖊️ surely not !!

As we speak the English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 derby is hotting up ,down to the last 48 or so the final is on June 29 at the picturesque Towcester racecourse.

Hearing it’s been a great derby so far I love the format good luck to everyone involved stay positive promote the good bring in the youth and create jobs .

Easy for me to say ,I hear ya , especially when we’ve just had an Auction with 130 pup lots going under the hammer turning over 1.27 million dollars in NSW , but we were gone in 2016 that story for another day will go under the microscope.

Back home to Australia we race all around the country, lead the world in greyhound racing , Broken hill, Darwin have sky coverage now .

Covid seen a surge in betting turnover, it created some beneficial changes , implementations, rose coloured glasses were on for a while , but after Covid plus add the new phrase for recession “cost of living pressures” let’s just go back to calling it a recession much easier, this is a classic case of cancel culture we canceled the word recession ,I got news for you politicians we not scared of words anymore that’s the least of our problems, I am on the soapbox remember it is soapbox day don’t worry there won’t be many !!

Tightening of the belt had to happen some Prize money reductions in some races , races scrapped, and unfortunately some country tracks closed the legendary Coonamble track will close shortly, while sad they fall into category of things change , nothing lasts forever!

The Million Dollar Chase will remain the same it has become a phenomenon , I’m a traditionalist but cannot believe what I’ve witnessed with that creation the best I’ve seen in 40 plus years, we will tell a great MDC story in a later chapter and re live a special night .

Rating time , assessment of NSW we were cruising and possibly no.1 but our new CEO who had big shoes to fill encountered that turbulence I was talking about , personally I think he’s going ok , but he’s transparency has been questioned by a powerful radio personality in recent times an on air grilling takes place and the in fighting begins not good .

Many projects are up in the air, the lease for Wentworth park runs out in 2027 some clarity on these issues is needed but at present i support the CEO , communication and some initiatives have been refreshing.

Dream big we can build something unique to the world in the harbour city , Hi rise ,Restaurants best boutiques , a folding bridge style walkway over the track and then on race night the greyhounds put a show on Happy Valley Style, let’s create some spark back into our city ,it’s lost its soul !

The Anti’s have people in high places it’s a battle to even get a pitch heard they want hi rise shoeboxes 2 million a pop as many as they can squeeze in for foreign investors to line the pockets of crook politicians, stick a Chinese garden with some koi carp swings and a see-saw ,fountain for toddlers to play in … come on man give me a spell .

Air turbulence again NSW have sent 700 race dogs to America 🇺🇸 via qantas for a life with new families, the breed are rare over there now but demand is high , we sent our little girl who chose not to race to California and I can say the process from this end was professional.

The project is a success from grnsw but the anti’s are trying to persuade qantas it’s not safe for the dogs , they’ll stop at nothing ,they couldn’t care less about dogs to try and thwart this project ,says it all they’ll do anything even break the law to appease their mindset.

The northern Rivers in NSW is strong , while the South coast needs some attention.

Political opinions in the greyhound industry is very complex full of barbs , it’s impossible to keep all participants happy , but the infighting must stop , the negativity on some platforms gets a little tiresome, but is necessary at times , so let’s promote the good , after slipping NSW 8/10 .

Tasmania : solid catering for all dogs , Hobart 1000 still strong oldest group 1 in country, I have a friend down there loving life with collar n lead prize-money good, it’s cold 🥶 8/10

Queensland : going strong everyone likes to travel there for big carnivals , currently having big winter festival , prize money great cater for older dogs , important election awaits , some huge changes with tracks on the horizon with 40 million dollar complex to replace Ipswich and Albion park , Ipswich long overdue, new track progress gone a little quiet but for Queensland this transition is huge at present 8.5/10 going well !

Melbourne: Melbourne always been good and they know it , get a little protective of their stars when the blues knock them off , they like to keep silverware in house , the only dog that could beat Hooked on Scotch in Shootout, was Pindari Express and they dodged him on purpose, they were gobsmacked with MDC couldn’t talk about it for first two years , but I love the Melbourne dogs from day 1 and the people , in the late 80’s or early 90’s we were racing for 3000$ on a Monday night they would come up the highway take the cash and drive back home , brereton is one that springs to mind I was always on the Mexicans, so keep going strong keep moving love the GRV 8/10

Western Australia ::love what they doing in the west ,investing money the races are strong competitive , new innovations , big following, track upgrades , lots of media support just celebrated 50 years in style good trainers, judges , callers game is flying 9/10

South Australia: unfortunately at tail end presently but it can change. Nationals this year I believe, the Angle park upgrade superb 1st class , let’s promote more ,not sure government on board , small fields not the end of world 3 and 4 not good but 6 dog fields are trending around country at first i didn’t like them but they’ve grown on me .

Ernie bung Arrow, Wolf black , Ginger just popped into my head , Hilton Donaldson call “South road Sid is the fastest dog I’ve ever seen” as they approached the winning post with a lap to go ,classic ! Brett Lee 28.88 :: Hang in there 6/10

In summary as I’m getting a bit of vertigo up on this soapbox for 2 hours I finish with how about you young antis and cancel culture gang concentrate on commonsense.

Cancel not working just studying for 15-20 years …. Cancel going out of your way to hurt people in mass regarding a subject you know nothing about , believe me that hasn’t ended well for a lot of high profile people in this state no names mentioned but karma has ruined them .

Concentrate on stopping wars and hatred around the world , half of these war torn countries could do with a greyhound track they’d love it !

Feed the homeless! Try that .

Finally these greyhounds you say are in cages 24/7 is rubbish they are canine Olympians , eat better then most humans conditioned to perfection, doted on by their trainers , swim in dams rivers pools , free gallop in paddocks eat stews veggies steak I see it all the time , the whole family falls in love with the dog and in some cases the whole town , they change peoples lives ,after the races they have an ice cream at the track or stop at MacDonalds for a burger 🍔 and soft serve 🍦 it’s a post race ritual with everyone ,every dog is tracked for life you get a visit from authority every year to register your greyhound’s well being We Are ON Track !!

Domestic cats and dogs what a mess ,vets who play on heart strings for incredible overcharge and false diagnosis sort your issues out ,we going ok !

Geez I’m glad that Soapbox session over , hope you enjoyed Mick the Miller last post it was more fun 🤩

Until next time Hounfrenz take it easy 💜

Many Irish and Englishmen of my vintage would know of the legendary Mick the miller I certainly respect how much you folk love him and he’s memory .

In Australia I’m not so sure many are aware of what this dog did for the sport’s evolution , when I ask people they haven’t heard of him , my bookworm elderly mother grew up with her uncle as a trainer and hadn’t heard of him , many of the youth today have no idea they even race in other parts of the world.

In the 80’s at the track I’d heard he’s name mentioned and seen the name written ,even though I was aware he was special ,I thought he was American for a decade or so until I researched him with the wonder of internet.

So I would like to rectify that and give an insight into what a little dog did nearly 100 years ago , there is material with slight variations but mostly it’s fact , this is my tribute !

Born in killeigh county Offaly Ireland in June 1926 litter of 10 or 12 (uncertain) his Sire was Glorious Event whose blood traced back to the great coursing dog Master McGrath who won 3 Waterloo cups in the 1860’s :dam-Na Boc Lei ,they were bred by father Martin Brophy greyhound enthusiast , mick was the smallest in litter when born ,the runt .

Michael Greene or Miller some thought he’s name was ,he worked in the vicarage as the handyman he took a liking to the pup and bottle fed him with extra care until he caught up , Brophy sold the litter but kept the small pup and one brother.

The two would engage in some local coursing events with success, Greene or Mr miller whatever he’s name was superb with the dogs they were fit and muscular, but Brophy made a deal to sell them both for 150 pound to an American Mr Rebenscheid who wanted them for circuit racing in America 🇺🇸.

Enter mother nature a tornado struck Missouri ripping the kennels apart killing 27 of Rebenscheid’s greyhounds , plus in a separate incident overturned he’s son’s van and killing a few more , a letter quickly came back to Brophy stating that god was against he’s greyhound dreams the deal was off !

Mick Dunne who owned the mill at killeigh was called mick the miller some say that’s how the dog got he’s name , but more credible is that Brophy named him after he’s employee mick Greene or Miller it turns out ,he stuck (the)in the middle the rest is history it’s quite apt because everybody seems to be named Mick !

Very handsome was the dog brindle with white paws white chest long white tipped tail , and an angelic face , very good with people he had canine pizzazz.

1927 things changed Celtic park and Shelbourne park had opened both dogs were trialled there and back at home mick Greene (we’ll call him that from now on save confusion) would build a track with a bend for them to practice on.

Enter Mick Horan licensed trainer at Shelbourne he picked up lead n collar and Mick the Miller won he’s first four races , but bad news the young dog was found sick in he’s kennel with distemper, Greene nursed him , along with the aid of Doc Callinan the local vet , no vaccines in the 20’s it didn’t look good the brother was sold by Brophy and it went on to become champion hurdler macoma in England , the rest of the litter is unknown to me.

Recovery for Mick the Miller took 6 months but that he did , he won the Easter cup Spring cup and National cup he won 11 of 15 races with 4 2nds , in all he won 15 of 20 races in Ireland they loved him .

In 1929 Brophy took the dog to England for a tilt at the derby he was 25/1 but trialled ,after the trial he was 4/7 odds on as he equaled track record , in he’s next run he won by 8 lengths and smashed the track record ,many offers came and Brophy didn’t hesitate selling him for 800 pounds enough to buy a house . Bookmaker Albert Williams bought the dog but the deal was Brophy got the trophy and Prize money if Mick won the derby , he did . 40000 people cheered ,Brophy done a lap of honour and on he’s return to Ireland there was more fanfare their dog had won the English derby and everyone knew Mick the Miller .

Mick continued in England winning 6 races he was sold again for 2000 pounds to Phyllis Kempton a gift from Husband Arundel the powerful couple with the glamorous lifestyle looked the part with their new acquisition.

Arundel was a wealthy businessman and vice chairman of Wimbledon greyhound stadium, mick was moved to trainer Sydney Orton in late 1929 he finished 1929 with a record of 26 wins from 32 starts .

1930 he won the spring cup at Wembley in March he then won the derby again with 50000 on track including King Alfonso X111 of Spain , he was that impressed he went straight home and built tracks. This was mick’s 11th win a row then he won the cesarewitch at West Ham ,Welsh derby another track record he was unbeatable 19 wins in a row before a muscle tear at Wimbledon stadium stopped he’s juggernaut, he finished the year with 20 wins from 23 starts set 4 world records in 5 weeks .

March 1931 he won 4 on end then equaled record in spring cup , he made English derby final again for a 3rd time.

In them days if the race was marred by interference they would sound the klaxon horn for a re run after the dogs rested , mick was getting on a bit he’d suffered a few losses but after a bump at the start he gave 36 kilo or 79 pound Ryland R 15 lengths start and ran him to a half length on the line in a heat, the big dog was known as “the black Express “ it was mick’s greatest run when losing .

The English derby Final was on 27th June 1931 70000 people packed white city In London , Ryland R leads mick is last and sets out after them ,on the home turn the leaders come together and the legend sweeps past ,as he does the Klaxon horn sounds as Ryland is deemed to have interfered with seldom lad , but the horn is drowned out by 70000 roaring fans they think they’ve seen the unbelievable.

Phyddie Kempton thinks she’s won and cries uncontrollably but a re run is ordered the bigwigs were on track , the Kemptons said no he’s already won the derby , but finally they were coerced into running again , mick couldn’t muster the stamina he was unplaced and seldom lad was presented with the trophy to the boos of the huge crowd, but the people knew what they’d witnessed the black express was no slouch along with the others ,in awe that a dog could win 3 derby’s but not to be ,Mick the Miller was an iconic figure now !

He’s last race was the st ledger at Wembley ,gruelling distance and Mick the Miller was now 5 he went through the series undefeated and with 40000 at Wembley had he’s revenge on seldom lad beating him for a 3rd time in final , they say in the history of Wembley Stadium which finished hound racing in 1998 its the greatest race ever run at the track , no greyhound ever won the st ledger at 5 years old .

He won 61 of 81 races ,the 1st greyhound to win consecutive derby’s and the 1st greyhound to win 19 races in a row it took 40 years for another to achieve, he equaled 2 track records and broke 7 creating world records as well ,some will say he had a blank canvas because the game was in its infancy , but he was a marvel in every sense going about he’s business ,a true professional who had many owners and 3 trainers .

On retirement he was in heavy demand he went to stud , paraded before big races, appeared at charity events and on television.

1934 he hit the big screen ‘wild boy’ was a movie made about he’s life story. He lined up with celebrities to meet the King and Queen and was mentioned in Hitchcock’s 39 steps, he fronted with he’s pups at a boxing charity night in January 1939 this was he’s last public appearance.

He lived with he’s old trainer Sydney Orton and Mick the Miller passed away on 5th of May 1939 age 12 nearly 13 .

Memorabilia was a plenty , paintings postcards calendars brass statues T-shirts, badges ,cuff links key rings you name it , Royal doulton made porcelain statues limited edition 7500 pieces .

Was he’s body preserved and put on show at the British history museum some say it’s not him but he’s advertised as , and then moved to Tring Hertfordshire ,postcards from both times made 1970 and 2010 .

Inducted into American hall of Fame in Texas in the 80’s , grand stands and bars and even a mick the miller ale was brewed, quiz shows loved him eggheads and the chase ,he was mentioned on coronation street and steptoe and son .

In Killeigh he’s hometown they wrote a song about him in 2011 a bronze lifelike statue on stone base was unveiled by the prime minister 500 people attended, descendants from Brophy ,Greene and Mick Horan were emotional and the statue is still a tourist attraction.

The Wembley stadium 100 year anniversary poster has all the greats who graced the turf plus entertainment people as well ,but if you look closely you will find a dog such is the respect he has in England even though he was born in Ireland ,I may have said before both countries loved him as their own.

He’s mosaic was saved when they demolished the old stadium and now sits somewhere in the new venue .

Racing people love champions they all want to watch them it’s not about the money we just want to admire the best of the best it’s in our makeup , why did this dog come at a time when the hound sport was new ,why the task to catapult it forward more then any promotional team or tool , more then any amount of money could achieve.

My theory is that he was a gift from an ancient time , my old friends the Egyptians maybe, who knows but wow did he have an impact !!

Thank you for reading about Mick the Miller I hope now Australians can realise what he did for the sport and the esteem in which he is held around the world, is he the greatest of all time , hard to argue.

Until next time Hounfrenz 💚 lots a love !

Originally Epping racecourse was the circuit name for Harold park owned by N.S.W trotting club ,on May 28 1927 on a Saturday Night the tin hare took off for 1st time.

GCA greyhound coursing association was the brainchild of an American Frederick Swindle who called himself a judge , it may of been too much too soon 20-30000 people 180 bookies Saturday Night , horse racing industry, along with cinema groups plus others protested and it was shut down by the government who claimed no night time betting licence among other flaws.

In 1930 the new Lang government overturned the decision stating the common man was being deprived of simple pleasures.

Harold park continued with license through trotting club and another push conducted hound racing on trotting track , as I will repeat along the way man will always want to race Greyhounds.

1936 a new government created a sand track with varying distances Swindle was investigated for dodgy dealings in other matters jumped on an oil tanker and was never seen again.

1948 was a pivotal year world war 2 was 3 years in the past government passed fresh legislation,licensed greyhound breeders owners & trainers (GBOTA) conducted greyhound racing at HP from 1948 on a new grass surface, the track was special a spacious horseshoe type track sweeping bend with long straight ,and at night , the next four decades were magical for the greyhound industry in NSW Australia 🇦🇺!

500 yards 457 metres and 800 yards 732 metres were figures burnt into the brain of hound fans ,they were the distances of Harold park. Imagine the joy that huge crowds endured over the the years on a Saturday night as these majestic beasts would parade and then travel at 70 kms per hour sweeping around that bend and powering up the lengthy straight every dog had their chance and the track was revered by all .

Travel rev is arguably the best 800 yard dog to race there winning 12 of 13 races . The ringer won the most 500 yard races 19 ,Winifred bale 18 with many greats not far behind .

A special mention to Brother Fox in 1984 he lowered the 500 yard or 457 metric distance record to 25.82 in the vic peters final , it was the last time it tumbled and he’s for eternity ,an astonishing run.

Many fans from that era that I know regard the fox as the greatest dog ever ,the beauty of our game, thoughts are our own .

At this time I was a busy 18 year old watching the Angels and INXS at Selina’s or the Seals club ,but maybe it was him pulling me like a magnetic force to the hound sport , a few years earlier I went to Wentworth park with schoolmates and watched a magical blue bitch attempt to try and win her 14th race in a row “promises free” ,she did ! .

Seed was planted for me maybe that night although I never got to see the fox few years later crack that record I was mesmerised by the hounds and the greyhound recorder became my bible.

Remarkably Promises free and Brother Fox would have a litter they were whelped in November 1986 , called the litter of the century they didn’t disappoint and shaped the future I will spend some time on them later.

Correct I haven’t mentioned Zoom Top but she will come later as no.5 on the list of dogs that had a global influence of positivity.

October 1939 the birth of 2nd greyhound license was granted NCA National coursing association and the outer oval perimeter of the Wentworth park grounds was made into a track , totalisator machines were introduced for smaller punters who felt comfortable and the boom was on .

1941 approximately ,the NCA would race at HP and the two organisations worked together, but in the Bush the game was flourishing trains had special kennels built and the hounds would travel with their masters, in the early 40’s 50 tracks were up and running.

After the war in 1946 Wentworth park installed electronic starting boxes , camera photo finish, electric timing ,improved lighting things were on the move in 1949 it closed for 5 weeks further renovations and 18500 people attended for the refurbished re opening night that’s a lot of people at the Wentworth park I know .

So we’ve established the start in NSW strangely enough these two iconic tracks were only a few kms apart in the hustle and bustle of the city .Throughout our adventure we’ll alternate between decades here and there to tell stories welcome new tracks farewell old ones.

In the 1930’s in 🇬🇧 UK greyhound racing was the 3rd largest leisure activity and you could bet on it .At the same time in America 🇺🇸 it was flying as well ,so as I sign off today i would like to say our next chapter will be dedicated to the 1st dog I will unearth who was instrumental in attracting people 🌍 globally and promoting it more then anyone.

I would also like to thank Neil Brown for he’s dedication over many years , he claims an historical gene , absolutely ,some of these photos are courtesy of him I cannot wait to come down later in year and see he’s Greyhound Museum , maybe even shake he’s hand and ask some questions only he can answer, I hear its fantastic and will only get better .

Remember my Houndbound life is thru my eyes and some may disagree with few facts , but I hope your enjoying ,I’m not really promoting it ,but it’s for everyone to share and maybe help some people understand what it means to us .

So until next time Hounfrenz 💚