THE WHIPPETS

Southland Times, Issue 25306, 8 June 1935, Page 15

THE WHIPPETS

SOUTHLAND NOTES.

(By

“Speed.”)

The Southland Club winter meeting was a great success. The large attendance, a record for the meetings, thoroughly enjoyed the day’s sport and by the applause after each race showed that the wins were popular. Gunrest won the Maiden for W. Tinker. This dog is improving with every race, but being in open company now will find her task harder. Mrs Tatham’s luck was again out, two of her dogs being disqualified for beating the pistol. Their turn may come at Nightcaps to-day. In the Coldstream Cup it was a case of father and son first and second, Havaspot beat Johnny Walker on the post. Johnny Walker is still the public’s idol. Giving away seven yards in the cup he failed by a nose to win. Penalized half a yard, can he do it at Nightcaps?

The Wintonians were out of luck on Monday, but the hard road is the road to success. They have the dogs and a bit of patience will work wonders. The Nightcaps meeting is to be held to-day and a cup donated by Mrs Boyle will be contested for. Weather conditions are a big factor in racing, a heavy track makes it hard for heavy dogs. The Nightcaps track is one of the best for a perfect view of a race. A natural terraced grand stand surrounds the track and the dogs can be seen from start to finish. The cup race at Nightcaps has filled well, ten dogs being nominated. The entries for other races have fallen off and will continue to do so until such time as races are provided to suit owners. A large number of dogs are cut out and will be until the limit is raised. As a whippet covers 16 to 18 yards a second it is useless for a 13-second dog to compete against a 12-second dog on a 10 and 12 yard mark. Club members and intending members are advised to consult the secretary before buying dogs or pups, as no other than those registered with the Southland Association will be accepted. This rule will be strictly adhered to until such time as other restrictions are lifted.

The pups of Comet-Comedy Lad are doing well and at three months are keen raggers. They are being trained on their owner’s private track, and will not be raced until they thoroughly know their business. Too much racing as pups is inclined to develop them too fast and their muscles do not get a chance to set properly.