COURSING

Evening Star, Issue 23100, 28 October 1938, Page 5

COURSING

NOTES AND COMMENTS [Bv Plumpton.] TRAINING OF GREYHOUNDS. Enormous sums of money have been expended in the last few years in establishing kennels upon ideal lines to promote the welfare and efficiency of the dogs and to raise the sport to the important position which it now occupies. One of the most np-to-dato establishments in the world is “ The Hook,” at Northaw, Hertfordshire, where the Greyhound Racing Association has brought into being a unique organisation for the training and keeping of racing greyhounds. Set in beautiful rural surroundings, these kennels have accommodation for over 600 dogs, and a large resident staff to minister to their needs. The dogs are housed in couples (to prevent loneliness) in large airy kennels admitting plenty of fresh air and sunlight, and are_ under constant supervision by veterinary experts, who make a special point of studying the individual character of the dogs, so that auy flight signs of being off colour are immediately noticed and the necessary treatment given. The dogs’ daily lives are set to an orderly programme, and from morning until night the kennels are the scene of ceaseless activity. Starting at 7.30 a.m.. the dogs are taken out for short exercise while their kennels are being cleaned. At 8.30 they are fed, and after a short rest they are exercised continuously until 11.30, when they are thoroughly groomed and massaged. After a short rest again in the kennels they are “ walked ” for about two hours. This walking includes galloping or hurdling and practice in_ pursuit of the mechanical hare which is fitted on the estate. At 4.30 comes the principal meal of the day when no racing is to be done. On race days the dogs leave for the tracks at this time, after being given a light meal. They return at 11.30 p.m., when they are rubbed down, massaged, and fed. Every hour of the day provides some new interest for the dogs, who enjoy each item on the schedule and look forward to the next. As with every other type of dog, feeding is a vital point in the welfare of greyhounds, and no one realises better than the dog’s trainer how much depends upon a scientifically balanced diet. Another matter that is given most meticulous attention is grooming, not only to keep the coat in perfect condition, but to promote healthy circulation and to prevent the risk of chills after strenuous exercise. COURSING IN AUSTRALIA. Mr R. Phillips, of Hopetoun, is very proud of his brindle-and-white son of Father’s Footsteps—Just Ponder, Peerless Steps. This dog has a fine record. In 1937 he began by winning a puppy stake at Donald, and the following month won the Donald Cup. Later on he won the Mallee open championship, and divided the Hopetoun Cup with Ashburn Lady, winning £l6O for the season. He recently won the President Stake at Donald, completely outclassing all his opponents. At this meeting Mr Phillips had a further success, as his dog, Blazelong (Red Blaze) was runner-up in the Lmney Stake, being beaten in the final by Mr G. A. Marshman’s Pharsily (Pharminda—Silver Screen). A recent letter received from Mr Dewhurst, of Sydney, contains the news that Golden Ranch (the speedster champion of on lease from Mr J. E. Lund, of Gisborne, is training on well, aiid Mr Dewhurst expects to win many good races in Australia with him. Mr Dewhurst also advised that arrangement for the purchase of Glenastle from Mrs W. G. Currie, of Timaru, will shortly be completed, and that he expects this beautifully-developed daughter of Electric Blue—Realm’s Lass to leave New Zealand for Australia some time in November. NOTES. Mr William E. Reid, of the Ivanhoe Kennels, Ranfurly, advises that he has sold four of the six puppies by Invader —Sylvandale. A bitch pup he has sold to Miss P. Collins, of Dunedin, a new owner; another bitch pup to Mrs C. Kidd, of Dunedin and formerly of Invercargill; a dog pup to Mr H. Carson, of Ranfurly; and another to Mr A. M'Calluip, of Clinton. Both are new owners. Mr Carson, unfortunately, lost the first pup he purchased for racing when it was only a few months old. This pup, which was by Kakahn-Wini-ata, no purchased from Mr Smith, of Geraldine. Both Invader and Sylvandale are bred in the purple, so that the new owners who nave purchased their offsprings can confidently look forward to I the time when their puppies receive their first try-out. Mr J. A. Lee, chairman of the S.A. Speed Coursing Club, _is reported to have expressed disappointment that the Betting Commission’s report made no provision for betting on speed coursing. He claimed that it should be afforded the same facilities as night trotting (says the Melbourne ‘ Sporting Globe ’). It is a coincidence that in Victoria the sponsors of night trotting claim that it should receive the same facilities as speed coursing. No doubt the various bodies would like to do a little exchange of legislation. Perhaps some legal light can find a loophole in the now famous “section.92” to provide for this.