COURSING

Evening Star, Issue 23124, 25 November 1938, Page 4

COURSING

PLU UPTON. J

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Among tiie moot enthusiastic followers of tiie tin hare spun m New Zealand is Mr Artuur Eearsou, ui Newton road, Auckland. Fo many years Mr Pearson was a keen breeder of Alsatians and Pekinese, with which he won many trophies, but when the tin hare sport commenced at Biandford Park lie, like many others, attended, more through curiosity than anything else, to see now the tin hare worked, and how the dogs chased it. Like many more, he was thoroughly taken with the sport, and immediately made inquiries for a greyhound, which he finally acquired. Gay Shiela (Waffely Nose—Chum) was the first he bought. This bitch was condemned by everyone, as in previous racing she repeatedly refused to leave the starting box, but good food and kind handling worked wonders, and her record when Mr Pearson retired her stood at four firsts, eight seconds, and two thirds. While racing Gay- Shiela Mr Pearson realised that she was getting on iu years, and he then looked round for a younger dog. He made a trip to the Hamilton district, and there purchased a brindle bitch called Lady Bruno (Sunrise —Miss Bruno). This one was a good buy, for her record stands at 17 firsts, 17 seconds, and six thirds. Another good dog purchased by Mr Pearson from the Hamilton district is Yellow Streak (Chiu Chow—Plying Unoen), and this one certainly can run. He has a very imposing record of 25 wins and four seconds, included in his wins are the Auckland Cup and Carnival Cup. The placings of all these dogs include both heats and finals. Mr Pearson, by the way, is birdcage steward for the Metropolitan Club, and woe betide any' owner who does not toe the mark with his dog. Mr Pearson imi mediately fines such owner without any option. , American News. From all over the United- States hundreds of greyhounds go each year 'to race at Abilene iu the National Coursing Association’s meets. Abilene is one of the most famous greyhound centres in the world. The hares used for racing by this club arq trained by special men, and both the judge and the slippers have to pass a severe test before they are allotted such positions. The slipping of greyhounds calls for skill and experience, and requires much practice. The test they are put through calls for much in the way of physical fitness and smartness of movement. At the Abilene Club’s big annual meeting of the American Coursing Association, which is held during the autumn months, over-1,000 greyhounds are raced. After the meetings are over auction sales of the dogs are held, at which many greyhounds change hands. The prices paid for them range from 100 to 400 dollars. The trapping and selling of hares, or jack rabbits, as they are called in America, brings iu big money to cer- | tain. Kansas fanners, who sell them to greyhound fanciers in the Fast for training their dogs. English settlers introduced the greyhound to Kansas, partly for the sport of coyote coursing, but during later years little of this kind of coursing has been indulged inf as hares in this part of the United States aro very’ plentiful, and because of the fact that hare coursing is much more exciting. English St. Leger Winner. Recent English'files give high praise to the two-year-old bitch Greta's Rosary, who followed in the footsteps of her famous father, Mick the Miller, by winning the St. Leger at Wembley Stadium by four lengths in 40.825ec. This event is regarded as the stayers’ classic on English tracks, and three times the long-distance race over 700yds has been won by bitches. The first St. Leger at Wembley, in 1928. was won by a bitch in Burletta, and that of 1935 by Satan’s Baby. Mick the Miller won in 1931. Burletta. it is interesting to note, is dam of the Bacchus Marsh imported sire, Robin Redbreast. Greta’s Rosary has an unbeaten record on the Wembley track, having won high-grade events over the 525yds and 700yds courses. In the first round heat of the Leger ' she clocked the remarkable time of 40.695ec, but was prevented from equalling this performance in the semi-final due to a jostle at one of the bends. Six contested the final, three being hitches. The Irish St. Leger and Derby winner, Abbeylara, and Greta’s Rosary started equal favourites at 7 to 4, hut the Irish dog faded badly in'the home straight to finish last. Gay Hunter was second and Keerie’s Pride three lengths away third. Abbeylara had a big lead in the early stages. It was reported that his owner refused an-uffer of 1,900 gs made by an English owner before the running of the final.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS “ Inquirer ” (Balclutha). Charlie's Gift, whelped in January, 1932, was registered by Mrs J. E, Smart, of Eden street- Uainaru. He was a fawn and white dug, and although he appears in the 1935 registration book as being by Electric Mac from an All Black—Alma Eoy bitch, his pedigree is given on his registration paper, IS’o. 136, as being by All Black from an Alma Foy bitch. Definitely this is wrong, as he was by Electric Mac, as stated in the registration book Mr F. Carter and Mr V. Jackson raced Finn’s Pride, who won in all seven stakes, including the Waterloo Cup in 1906, the Invercargill Cup, Timara Cup, and Fortuny Cup. Other dogs they raced in partnership included Irish Twist, Convict, and Pride of the West, who won a maiden stake and an open stake at Forbury Park. Irish Twist and Convict divided a maiden stake at Forbury. They also brought from Australia Continuance, Sweet Ale. and Jack Tracy. All of these proved good winners. Mr F. Carter was for some time treasurer of the old Dunedin Coursing Club, while V. Jackson was recognised as the father of coursing in the south, especially in Southland. “Inquirer” (Oamaru). Streamline (Why Worry—Gay Parade) is registered for stud purposes. The litter of five which you write of from Maid Marion was whelped on February 7, 1937. Maid Marion is by Bullawa from a Live Wire hitch. Bullawa was by a Better Bays—First Home dog from Esprey Hawk. “ Inquirer ” (Napier). Shy Andy (Andy—Limeauza) is in Australia, reputed to bo the best son of Andy. Ainonn his wins is the Victorian Derby. His stud fee is £5 os. Ho is at the famous Kilcoy Kennels, i Seymour., Australia, .