Block Sporthounds

Blog has moved

2009-02-05T22:21:00.002-06:00

Please read Martin Ropers latest blog entry at www.blocksporthounds.com!

Thinking about Pi

2008-12-14T09:19:00.006-06:00

Looking at some chart comments recently, I found a dog with a w-i-d-e running style and wondered out loud how many lengths he was giving away to his opponents by racing with his right feet nearly on the grass. A sure sign I had too much time on my hands this morning was the thought that I should try to figure that out.

My last taste of Pi in a formal math class was in 1972, so I needed a little review. The formula for measuring the circumference of a circle is c = 3.1415 x d, where d is the diameter of the circle. Using Lincoln's 110 foot radius as an example, the circle formed by the two turns equals a diameter of 73.3333 yards for a circumference of 230.3765 yards. By adding one yard of radius, and therefore two yards of diameter, we can calculate how many extra yards a dog traverses in a race for every yard it runs from the rail:

1 yard = 236.6595
2 yards = 242.9425
3 yards = 249.2255
4 yards = 255.5085
5 yards = 261.7915
6 yards = 268.0745

In other words, for every yard that a dog runs wide, it has to cover 6.28 more yards than the dog one yard closer to the rail. For 3/8ths races at the same track, a dog negotiates three sets of bends instead of two, so it must cover 9.42 more yards for every yard out from the rail.

1 yard = 6.28 yards
2 yards = 12.56 yards
3 yards = 18.84 yards
4 yards = 25.12 yards
5 yards = 31.40 yards
6 yards = 37.68 yards

Multiply these figures by 1.5 to get the distances for a 3/8ths race.

Of course, these numbers don't take into account the conditions of the track. A dead rail can make a wider route the fastest way around, but imagine the handicap for wide runners where the inside is the place to be.

Lastly, these figures are for Lincoln. Distances at a tight track like Palm Beach will be slightly smaller, and for bigger tracks like Southland, a little higher.

Everything You Know Is Wrong, Part II

2008-11-28T11:18:00.009-06:00

Back in February, I penned an article that called into question the often repeated assertion that Greyhounds were of Middle Eastern or even Egyptian origin. The evidence to support it simply doesn't exist, yet it is a story that has been repeated often enough that it is widely believed.

Another common belief is that key ancestors of the breed descend from a cross to the Bulldog, an experiment conducted by the eccentric Lord Orford in the 1770s. In their article "Bulldog: Legend or Mythology?" Greyhound-data.com contributors James McCormick and Susan Burley point out inconsistencies in the stories told by people associated with Orford, as well as implausible events, such as the great bitch Czarina whelping her first litter at age 13.

By the time John Henry Walsh ("Stonehenge") retells the story in the first edition of The Greyhound in 1853, almost eight decades had passed since Orford's experimental breedings and no one was alive who could corroborate any of it. Greyhound writers ever since, without further research of any kind, have simply repeated the story to the point it has become a part of Greyhound lore.

There is no doubt that Orford and others experimented with Bulldog crosses, but contemporary accounts clearly state that the resulting dogs were hideously slow and useless for coursing. Similar attempts persisted throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. In 1911, for instance, Captain W.C. Ellis crossed Greyhounds with Afghans to similar effect, and unlike Bulldogs who possess no speed whatsoever, the Afghan is a coursing breed. As any Greyhound breeder can attest, it's hard enough to get fast Greyhounds by breeding one great Greyhound family to another. The idea that a superior dog can be improved by a cross to slower breeds appears to be completely illogical.

To make an analogy to Thoroughbreds, the legendary breeder Federico Tesio wrote that if one bred a Thoroughbred to a Standardbred as an outcross, it would take 20 generations to breed the speed back in to make the progeny competitive. Any "gameness" Orford had hoped to gain by crossing to Bulldogs would have been long lost generations later when enough speed had been bred back in to counter that lost in the first generation.

The explanation that Bulldog crosses of the late 1700s are responsible for the introduction of the brindle coat in Greyhounds is also a myth. A number of Renaissance paintings from up to two centuries prior to Orford clearly show Greyhounds with brindled and white and brindled coats. See Wild Boar Hunt, by Frans Snyders (1579-1657), particularly the white & brindle dog in the right foreground; and two paintings by Jan Fyt (1611-1661), Diana with her Hunting Dogs Beside Kill, note the dark brindle & white dog directly in front of her, and Diana's Hunt, the red brindle & white dog at the far right.

The Bulldog story persists despite a complete lack of evidence that any of its issue was ever successful on the coursing field. By the time King Cob became the first Greyhound to stand at public stud in the 1840s, Orford's experiment was already 60 years past. There were no Stud Books and would not be any in England until the 1880s. All pedigrees published before the first English Stud Book were pieced together from a variety of sources, often on the thinnest of evidence.

It is certainly possible that there is some trace of Bulldog blood in contemporary greyhounds, but I consider it highly unlikely and counterintuitive. I think it's time to place the Bulldog story alongside that of Greyhounds hunting with pharoahs as dubious elements of the history of the breed.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-11-28T09:32:00.004-06:00

The cover of the October 1998 issue of Greyhound Review featured $100,000 International Race of Champions winner Kiowa Chippewa flanked by owner Kay Smith, trainer Greg Geter, and trainer Adrienne Burkholder. Wigwam Hoss ran a game second and WW Time Traveler settled for third after leading until the stretch.

At Seabrook, Twilite High Spy won the $100,000 Great Greyhound Race ahead of an outstanding field. The Raynham star went undefeated in the qualifying rounds and went on to a seven-length win in the final in a scintillating 29.57. Defending Great Race champ Our Pacer ran second and Jacksonville invader Mega Gordy ran third.

In yet another $100,000 race, EF's Hersyursign was the 17-1 upset winner of the Multnomah Derby. Vals Redhot Leo ran third, a half-length back, while Tempo Rocketfire just held off heavy favorite Kelsos Kingpin for third.

Southland's Razorback Championship was won by Sir Anfernee of the Thorne Kennel. He had a fairly easy time of it finishing four lengths ahead of Jolly Ryan, with Kiowa Day Roth another length back in third.

Pat C Seeker won the Palm Beach Labor Day Puppy Stake in come-from-behind fashion, catching Son Of Gangster in the final stride to win by a nose. FJ Killian Red was another few inches back in third. Race favorite Baci could not overcome early traffic and ran sixth. In other Palm Beach news, the great ML Dusty Trail retired from racing after compiling 83 career wins and All America honors in 1997.

In another exciting race, Victorian Surge won the Tampa Speed Classic by a nose over Greys Firstclass. Auction pup Big Zee rounded out the trifecta.

The $25,000 Dairyland Sprint went to Buzz Slasher. Dot's Rolly was second and Wicked Wink was third. High point finalist Potrs Stone Fort had a troubled trip and ended up last.

In yet another close finish, KW Raptor Red won the $10,000 Raynham Derby just nosing out Billy Sue Canoe at the wire.

There was plenty of other action. At Gulf, Bob's Angelita came from off the pace to defeat Basic Benefit in the final of the Superdog Countdown. Also at Gulf, JNJ Satin Prince won the People's Choice Match Race, ahead of a fine field that included runner-up Basic Benefit, third-place finisher DV's Luke, and Bob's Angelita. At Flagler, 1997 All American Starlight Irene won the Labor Day Championship over Bow Mask and CD's Luann. Apache Camp outduelled Sally Forth to win the $5,000 Texas Bred Puppy Stake at Corpus.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-09-21T17:06:00.009-05:00

I Will Make It, racing for the Rick Bartley Kennel, won the $75,000 Southland Derby and was the cover boy for the September 1998 Greyhound Review. He swept all the qualifying rounds and then went box-to-wire in the final followed by Weedeater and Seegold Big Red. The field was a deep one with San Tan Chance, San Tan Whammo, and TB Feature failing to make a run on the leaders.

Granny won the $100,000 Wonderland Derby adding yet another trophy to her impressive collection. She withstood a cyclonic finish from Greys Betsy Ross for the win. Greys Freckles ran a game third.

The $60,000 Kansas Bred Sprint at The Woodlands was won by RD's Good Time reprising his victory of a year before. He passed WW Time Warp in the backstretch and held off Dutch Hennessy to win by 3½ lengths in 30.22. WW Time Warp held for third.

The Flagler International Classic was won by Jenny Lyn Star ahead of Iruska Excalibur and Kiowa Bet Dutch who closed from last. Jenny Lyn Star was from a standout litter that included 1998 All-America Run Vickie Star.

There was also some puppy stake action. In the $10,000 Port City Puppy Classic at Mobile, Task Bold Rule came from off the pace to nip heavy favorite JJ Littlerichard in deep stretch. Vic's T Bird ran third. At Wheeling, B's Morgan Adams won the WVGOBA Juvenile over Mac Barley and My Godfather.

The inimitable Henry Maxim, Jr. penned an outstanding article on the great Velvet Sis, winner of the 1961 American Derby. It's well worth visiting Greyhound-data.com to see some of her accomplishments.

At Jacksonville, Memory Calling won the $25,000 Mayor's Cup for the Patsy Delisle Kennel over a strong field that included KC Ironore, Mega Gordy, SEK Bank Roll, and Memory Calling's brothers Sanafel Sun and Forty Daysandnites. Sanafel Sun and Mega Gordy ran second and third.

At Mile High, 13-1 longshot LR Chaka Zulu outran favorite Pat C O'Dahy and defending champ Beam's Full Moon in the $50,000 Colorado Classic. Baci won the Budweiser Feature at Palm Beach to cap a six-race win streak.

The brother team of RJ's Typhoon and RJ's Whirlwind swept the Iowa Bred Match Race Series. At Dubuque, Typhoon led Whirlwind across the line and in the return match at Bluffs Run they swapped finishing positions.

Slatex Shell won the the Pepsi Challenge Match Race at Gulf over JNJ Satin Prince who had to settle for Place after leading most of the race. Slatex Shell had already ammassed 27 wins and 37 paychecks in 40 starts at just 27 months of age by mid-1998.

Two inductees to the Hall of Fame were announced. Carroll Blair, who with his brother Clinton operated Blair Brothers Kennels for many years, handled such dogs as Flashy Sir, Jeno's Leo Go, Jimmy's Smile, Land and Iowa Park. Also inducted was the great Buzz Off whose influence on the 1990s was profound with offspring like Blendway, Bartie, Bara Buzz, and Buzz Around.

Irish Racing 101

2008-08-29T21:18:00.023-05:00

The recent wave of Irish imports has created a lot of interest in Irish racing in general, and more specifically, how the racing exploits of those imports are comparable to those of our dogs here in the U.S. Many Americans are completely unaware of some of the simplest features of Irish racing. One imported stud was recently advertised as having a tremendous "in-the-money" percentage showing his record from first through fourth, completely oblivious to the fact that Ireland runs 6-dog races and prize money is rarely paid to dogs outside the top three places.

The first thing Americans should be aware of is that the configuration of Irish tracks is different than ours. They are somewhere between the immense tracks with wide sweeping bends as exist in Australia, and our tracks with tightly radiused bends. In 550 yard races, the run to the turn in Ireland is much shorter than ours and favors brilliant early speed. All tracks run an outside lure, and the most common distances are 525, 550, 575, 600, 700 and 750 yards. Most Irish dogs who excel at 525 yards would struggle to make 550 yards here and some of their 550 yard dogs would as well. Dogs that were Derby class at 55o yards yet could still make 575 yards or beyond are the ones most ideally suited for U.S. needs.

There is no such thing as a Maiden race over there. Dogs run "trials" that establish a baseline time for that dog. These are usually solos or two-dog races. They adjust for variance in track conditions (known as "going") to grade the dogs based on time. Some dogs trial so well they're not graded at all---they go straight into Open events. When you read or hear of a dog that "never ran a graded race," it means the dog was too good to race against ordinary dogs from the start. They literally start their careers in Open class, what we would consider Hot Box!

Grades in Ireland range from A1 to A9 for sprints to D1 to D9 for distance. Just as an estimate, grades A1 and A2 are like our grade A or AA, depending on the track. A3 and A4 like our B, A5 and A6 like our C, and A6 through A9 like our D/E. These approximations are very rough. A dog that had a bad trial might be a grade or two higher than its time would seem to indicate. Many A3 stakes are won by dogs of Open class ability.

Open class races are the equivalent of our Hot Box races. Imagine if our racing secretaries held back the hottest dogs at the track for the best-attended performance of the week and you get an idea of what Opens are all about. There is a very wide range in Opens. Many are sponsored by a local business or a bookmaker and there is roughly $1500 to $5000 in added money. A good Open class dog can stay busy week in and week out and it is very well worth the while of the owner to take his major-stake contender to compete in these races.

The news isn't so good for graders. Because of the Kennel Contract system, we are used to our B-C-D-E dogs running every 4-5 days, rain or shine. Graded events in Ireland are much more haphazard. There are far more owners with graded dogs than there are races (most of their tracks are dark 3-4 nights a week), so a grade B or C type dog might get only three or four races a month. The prizes are very poor in the lower grades because all the money goes to the Opens which are what bring in the crowds. Many lower-grade dogs are sold to the UK where they get more use in graded events.

For gamblers and spectators, Open class racing in Ireland today must be similar to what our racing was like in the 1940s and 1950s when the top dogs practically barnstormed across the country looking for big races (there weren't nearly the number of stakes in those days, but far more Hot Box races). Ireland is a very small country. To give a sense of scale, imagine if every one of our tracks was in Florida and there were no kennel contracts. Trainers are not affiliated with a track so they can take their stars to the track that has the hottest and richest Open of the weekend. If their system existed in Florida, tracks would compete to offer the best Opens for their patrons every weekend. Imagine if every top dog in the U.S. went head-to-head every week.

The top stakes in Ireland are called Group 1 events. These are the finals of a very limited number of stakes which have the highest prizes and the deepest fields. The most famous of these is the Irish Derby held at Shelbourne Park. 144 of the fastest sprinters in Ireland compete for the equivalent of $300,000 or more in prizes. There are no "points" as in most U.S. stakes. Dogs have to finish in the top three or better to advance. One bump, one misstep and a top competitor can be knocked out. Derby finalists and consolation participants have outlasted 132 other dogs to get to "Derby Night." It could be argued that we no longer hold Group 1 style events because the World Classic is not what it used to be, and other top stakes like the International Race of Champions and the Grady Memorial Sprint at Wonderland no longer exist. The closest thing we had was the 2006 Derby Lane Million.

Group 2 events are second-tier stakes that are roughly the equivalent of an in-house stake at one of our major tracks, or one with limited outside entries. The Twin River Sprint or Derby Lane Sprint Classic would be the equivalent of most Irish Group 2 races. A Group 3 race would be the equivalent of a limited entry stake here like one restricted to dogs bred in a certain state or a puppy stake, or "Night of Stars" style hot-box events.

When trying to compare the records of Irish dogs to ours, consider that they consistently run against the country’s best, not just grade A’s at their own track. It's interesting to talk to Irishmen who are amazed at the records of some of our top stars. What they don't understand is that our top dogs run a fairly high percentage of their races these days against ordinary grade A competition. Most of the top stars in Ireland race exclusively against Open and Stakes grade opposition.

When looking at the races of an import sire consider his level of opposition. Did he win or make the final of Group 1 events or advance to the later rounds of the Irish Derby? Did he defeat other Group 1 class dogs, especially those currently at stud in Ireland? Did he run a significant number of graded events, especially after his first few races, or did he run exclusively in top Opens and Stakes? Did he run hurdles where he could rack up a large number of wins against second-rate competition?

There was a day when Ireland's second-tier dogs were passed off here as "champions." Just look through old sire issues of Greyhound Review and you'll see that dozens of these were inflicted on us, many simply because they were bred similarly to another import that had better racing credentials, or even one that was already proven here. Today we have accurate race records and even video of most of the dogs that are imported to the U.S. It's possible to separate the Derby class dogs from those who were merely minor Open class. Take a little time to compare the merits of the sires you are considering for your domestic female. It will be time well spent.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-08-24T15:48:00.006-05:00

The cover of the August 1998 issue of The Greyhound Review featured a gorgeous shot of Jimbo’s Chelsie from the infield of Derby Lane where she had won the 1998 St. Pete Derby. The sister of stakes stars Jimbo Okie and Jimbo Scotty, she was a star in her own right. In addition to her win in the Derby, she also was runner-up to Bomb Threat as the track’s win leader.

At Dairyland, Reko Swahili won the Eighth Anniversary Stake ahead of CM Speedster and Kiowa Bel Geter. Dot’s Elwood won the Dairyland All-Star Challenge over Big Run Gizmo and RL Annett.

Twenty-three month-old System Blackdog captured the 21st running of the $60,000 Murray Kemp Classic at Multnomah. The youngster went box-to-wire ahead of AB Fab and his littermate Black Baby. System Blackdog went on to represent Multnomah in the Greyhound Race of Champions at Wichita where he won a qualifying round against the likes of Wigwam Hoss, Seegold Big Red, Kola Kora and Beam’s Full Moon and made the final.

Mega Goosebumps won the Duval Silver Cup at Jacksonville as the odds-on favorite. Unfortunately, she was injured shortly afterwards at Raynham in a schooling race in preparation for the Joseph Carney Memorial Triathalon. Her second career as a brood was even more successful than her first at the track. Her son Hallo West Acre won the 2005 Hollywood World Classic, ran second in 2004, and made the final at 4-½ years of age in 2006.

Overseas, Toms The Best won the 1998 English Derby at Wimbledon in dominating fashion. He won four of the five preliminary rounds and went off as the 4-5 favorite. A late-speed dog, he was second to the first bend and everyone in the stadium knew that the result was a forgone conclusion. He caught the lead dog by the end of the backstretch and romped home to a 4-½ length victory that returned the equivalent of $80,000 to his owner Eddie Shotton. He was bred by top English breeder Ian Greeves. Toms The best also won the 1998 Irish Derby and ran second by a length in the Scottish Derby, the closest any dog has ever come to winning all three derbies. He went on to a very respectable career at stud and was a leading producer of stayers in Ireland and the U.K.

RD’s Randie won the Sapling Stake at Phoenix. In all, he tallied 29 top-grade wins at Phoenix in 1998 despite taking time out to represent his track at the IROC at Wichita.

TM’s Phone Call overcame his post in the five-hole in the 3/8ths mile final of the $50,000 Joseph Carney Memorial Triathalon at Raynham to score a three length victory over Red Rock and favorite JG Ivory. Palm Beach crowned its own all-distance champ, Conchy Girl, who won the Budweiser Iron Dog Triathalon.

Eventual Flashy Sir award and All America Team captain Granny captured her second Timberline Stake at Mile High. She won by five lengths over Arjo Pentree who held off Quicksand Slip in a photo for place.

In sprint news, WW Time Warp won the $10,000 Kansas Cup at the Woodlands over littermate WW Time Traveler. RD’s Hootie ran third. Bobby’s Cussler won the $5,000 added Sprint Classic at Corpus Christi while Greys Flamebeau won the Tampa Inaugural. At Flagler, Magic Silva Buck won the Firecracker 550 ahead of a strong field that included place and show finishers Kiowa Chippewa and DLB’s Codybegood. At Dubuque, Bart’s Cola won the King & Queen Stake to cap an eight-race win streak. San Tan Chance cruised to a 4-½ length win in the Southland Summer Juvenile.

In distance events, WV’s Jethro won the $50,000 WVGOBA Distance Classic at Wheeling. EF Bear Dog was second and EF Gale Blendway was third. Okie Trudy won the Seminole Distance Classic in a photo over Husker Jogger.

75-25 Theory?

2008-08-11T20:20:00.007-05:00

Back in January, in my article "Why Imports? Why Now?" I noted that for the first time in more than thirty years we are seeing the arrival of top-class Greyhounds from abroad. It isn’t so much about an outcross, or "hybrid vigor," but using well-bred dogs whose pedigrees are loaded with productive bloodlines. It’s also about breeding to major stakes caliber dogs with track record speed.

The Irish have already experienced their import boom. They have imported many studs over the decades, both American and Australian, but except for Sand Man*, brother of Rooster Cogburn and Highway Robber, they have mostly experienced one disappointment after another with nothing resembling a top sire. All that changed, however, when pups by the Australian import Frightful Flash* first hit the tracks in late 1995. Smooth Rumble* soon followed, and even more importantly, was followed by Top Honcho*. What started out as a trickle soon turned into a deluge. With the exception of Staplers Jo and his heir Larkhill Jo, it seemed that if you wanted to win anything, an Australian stud was the ticket to the winner’s circle.

It is more than a decade later and the Irish breeding scene is forever altered. Many Irish pedigrees are one-half, five-eighths or even three-quarters Australian, and breeders are successfully crossing more Australian blood back to their Irish damlines, as well as American sires like Hondo Black*, Kiowa Sweet Trey and Flying Penske.

By comparison, we have not had anything near the number of quality import sires available to us. While the Irish had a large array of productive import sires from which to choose, we had just Fortress* and a number of broods. Interestingly, this tiny cohort of imports has had an effect on American pedigrees far out of proportion to its numbers. Looking at the All America teams just since 2002, 28 of the 43 individuals awarded All America honors had import blood within two generations, or had at least one parent with an import within two generations. It’s clear that imported lines have conferred a competitive advantage when crossed with American lines. In the cases where these crosses have worked, it was the very best bloodlines that have succeeded most often.

Some Irish breeders have even coined a name for this phenomenon, the "75/25 Theory," where a mating resulted in a dog of one-quarter import blood, or derived from a sire or dam of one-quarter import blood, added something tangible to the cross. For the U.S., studs with one American-bred parent and an imported one will create a 75/25 cross to almost any domestic brood. For broods with little import blood up close in their pedigrees, a half-Irish or half-Australian sire makes a lot of sense. Just make sure your choice is a Derby-class competitor out of outstanding bloodlines.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-07-25T07:46:00.003-05:00

The cover of the July 1998 issue of the Greyhound Review featured the late Wayne Ward and WW Time Warp, winner of the Great American Greyhound Futurity at The Woodlands. Time Warp's win paid off to the tune of $125,428.50 and his brother WW Time Traveler ran third earning a further $25,000. Another pair of littermates, Memory Calling and Sanafel Sun, ran second and fourth. Both went on to star on the Jacksonville Circuit.

At Hollywood, Run Vickie Star won the $45,000 Hollywoodian by four lengths as an 18-1 longshot, while Kelsos Kingpin edged out Iruska Excalibur in a photo for second. Later that year she won the Hecht Marathon at Flagler and made the final of the American Derby and made the 1998 All America team.

Bool won the $25,000 Southland River Course Championship for the Beckner Kennel. Oshkosh Veto and Greys Rendezvous rounded out the Trifecta.

In the Dairyland Derby final, Black Gem Star ran out from under her more famous sister's shadow by racing to the winner's share of the $25,000 stake. Readers with long memories will recall that she is the littermate of 1997 Flashy Sir award winner and All America Winsome Doe. Breezin Quick and Genuine Genius ran second and third.

The great ML Dusty Trail won his 81st race with a win at Palm Beach on June 6th as he approached the end of his illustrious career. He ended up with 83 wins, was a 1997 All-America, won the 1997 Palm Beach He's My Man Classic and Father's Day feature, ran second in the '97 Palm Beach Guys & Dolls and '98 St. Pat's Invitational, and was the '97 Palm Beach track champ with 50 wins.

At Bluffs Run, heavy favorite My Mr Peabody missed his break and that was all it took for My Black Star to claim the victory in the People's Choice Stake.

The $60,000 Texas Round-Up at Gulf was won by Slatex Shell who picked up Seegold Big Red at the wire. In all she had 35 wins at Gulf in 1998 and went on to produce Wheeling star Slatex Striker. DV's Luke won the Gulf King & Queen Stake.

In other stakes, PA's Charade was the upset winner of the $10,000 Raynham-Taunton Massasoit Juvenile, Asti Four Alarm won the Naples Derby, Bart's Cola won the Dubuque Inaugural, Go Odessa Go won the Seminole Inaugural, Glamour Pants won the $20,000 Naples Marathon, Gina Said So won the Palm Beach Mother's Day feature, and Ico Whitewater won the $10,000 Corpus Christi Marathon.

At Multnomah, System Sybil followed up her win in the Inaugural with a box-to-wire victory in the $30,000 Henke Challenge. Feelings and Jivin Jim ran second and third.

July, of course, is a Stud Issue, and 194 pages of sires graced the back of the magazine.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-06-23T11:38:00.004-05:00

On the cover of the June 1998 Greyhound Review were littermates Ex Line and Fighting Fantasy (Beckam Pay Day x Primrose Girl), $39,000 and $26,000 purchases, respectively, at the Spring Meet. In all, 143 pups sold for $925,000 for an average of $6,474.

Gary Guccione’s "Footnotes" column featured a description of the NGA’s new DNA program. All sires were required to be DNA-tested beginning in 1999 and all broods starting in 2000. Guccione described it as the "biggest registry innovation since the tattoo program was implemented in 1963."

The "Track Talk" feature noted that the National Greyhound Night of Stars generated $1,183,262 in handle and one fan hit the Pick-six to the tune of $35,130. Kip Keefer hosted assisted by Frank Ashman and Kenny Wright. Among the winners were CC Farr Mary at Wonderland, Kiowa Bet Dutch at Hollywood, LA Rolls Royce at Palm Beach, Amy Landry at Jacksonville, FM’s Spanky at Derby Lane, Betty N Ed at Southland, Prince Elijah at Dairyland, Feelings at Multnomah, Nodak Marvin at Cloverleaf, and Wigwam Hoss at Phoenix.

At Derby Lane, Snow Bow picked up Circus Esther at the wire to win the Gold Trophy Juvenile. Greys Seneca ran third.

The Bob Balfe/Molyneux Cup Puppy Stake at Palm Beach was won by Seegold Excell over Conchy Girl and Shogun Rowdy. It was only the beginning for him as he went on to win 57 races in a long and distinguished career.

At Bluffs Run, My Mr Peabody won his 100th career race which put him in very rare company. A month earlier, Pat C Yetter had won his 100th at Bluffs after a long stint at Geneva Lakes.

At Multnomah, System Sybil won the 66th running of the Inaugural. A length and a half back was Kiowa Xerox followed by Feelings who had come to Multnomah by way of Sarasota.

In his "From Overseas" column, Alan Lennox reported that the great Larkhill Jo had won the Scottish Derby at Shawfield "in grand style." The son of top sire Staplers Jo and the fabulous brood Westmead Flight missed his break, but outrushed the field to the turn and never looked back. Larkhill Jo was unbeaten in the qualifying rounds. He was the first dog in history to run under 28 seconds over 525 yards when he stopped the clock at Monmore in 27.95 in 1997. Larkhill Jo went on to a legendary career at stud following in the footsteps of his sire.

The first quarter 1998 Sire Standings showed Wigwam Wag on top with 180 wins, followed by EJ’s Douglas, 140; Oshkosh Racey, 133; P’s Raising Cain, 97; and the late HB’s Commander with 95.

The June Greyhounds of the month were Snow Bow and Gulf King & Queen Stake winner DV’s Luke. Honorable mention went to brothers Seegold Excell and Seegold Big Red.

Jack Archer

2008-06-14T10:07:00.003-05:00

I just received notice that the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is in receipt of Jack Archer's nomination and documentation and it will be forwarded to the nomination committee for review on Monday, June 16th. I don't expect to hear anything further for a while. He is being nominated for the class of 2009 and the inductees are not announced until spring.

Jack Archer

2008-05-31T08:19:00.004-05:00

In 1951 Jack Archer put together a year few dogs have equaled before or since. He was the 1951 U.S. National Win Champion with 47 wins, including 22-straight, and the track champion at Morehead City, NC and Palm Beach, FL. He won match races against top stars from Palm Beach, Hollywood, Orlando and Moyock, NC. His 29 wins in 31 races at Morehead City in 1951 is still a record for victories in a 90-day meet. He set two track records at Morehead City over 550 yards, another track record over the Futurity Course at 485 yards, and also set the 545 yard track record at Palm Beach. He won the 1951 Carolina Inaugural and the Miss North Carolina Handicap at Morehead City, and the 1952 Palm Beach Inaugural, and was the 1951 North Carolina champion based on his victories in home-and-home match races over dogs from the Cavalier Kennel Club in Moyock, NC. In 1965 he was ranked 12th among the all-time greats of the sport by The Greyhound Racing Record.

Overall, his career record was 67-23-16 in 133 starts at Palm Beach, Biscayne, Morehead City, Orange Park, Moyock, and Daytona. He suffered only one loss in any stakes or match races over 5/16ths or Futurity courses when he ran third in the 1951 Orange Park Invitational—he was offstrided from behind while in the lead. A much anticipated match race with Real Huntsman was in the works, but Gene Randle elected to enter his future Hall of Famer in the 1951 Phoenix Derby instead.

I recently nominated him to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to an overview of his racing career, clippings from The Greyhound Racing Record, and other documentation, I sent the following cover letter:

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 33035
Raleigh, NC 27636

Dear Nominating Committee,

In 1951 Jack Archer dominated his game like few others before or since. In an era long before major league sports arrived in the state, when NASCAR had barely got in gear, and before the Tar Heels had won their first NCAA title, he won a national championship in North Carolina and captured the interest of fans all across the country. Though he graced the covers of magazines and was photographed with beauty queens, Jack Archer couldn’t read his press clippings; he was a Greyhound, one of the finest to ever grace an oval and few have heard of him.

I’d like to change that.

In the 1950s, Greyhound racing was a premier sport in America, exceeded in popularity only by baseball, boxing, thoroughbred racing and college football. Professional football, basketball and NASCAR were in their infancy then, and were relatively minor sports.

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Greyhound tracks at Moyock and Morehead City were the only ones between Massachusetts and Florida and drew large and enthusiastic crowds. They were premier facilities that attracted top kennels from all over the country. The grading system which classifies Greyhounds by performance to ensure even competition was invented by Paul Hartwell in North Carolina, and is still in use today throughout the industry.

Though he wasn’t born in North Carolina, Jack Archer raced an entire season here in his two years at the track, a typical career length for a Greyhound, and amassed nearly half of his career wins in the state. Most importantly, he put North Carolina on the national Greyhound racing map, attracting attention from publications like The Greyhound Racing Record as well as national wire services.

In 1953, the North Carolina Supreme Court, under pressure from anti-gambling groups, banned all pari-mutuel wagering in the state and the Greyhound tracks were shut down.

For a brief but shining moment, a national champion brought North Carolina to the attention of Greyhound racing fans nationwide. I think it’s time to honor this hero from a bygone era of North Carolina sports. Enclosed is his nomination form and documentation for consideration for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame class of 2009.

Martin Roper

If there are further developments, I'll post them.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-05-26T19:21:00.004-05:00

The cover of the May 1998 Greyhound Review featured Greys Flamebeau in full stretch winning the Derby Lane Sprint Classic. Breaking from box 1, he took the early lead and held on for a 2½ length victory over Kola Cora. Bomb Threat ran a distant third to round out the Trifecta. One week earlier, Bomb Threat won the Derby Lane Matinee Idol feature over Oshkosh Slammer and Dory’s Down Town, a good couple weeks for Mick D’Arcy and the Greymeadow Kennel at Derby Lane.

At Palm Beach, a Jacksonville greyhound captured the St. Patrick’s Invitational for the second year running. Twilite Polygram just held of a hard-charging ML Dusty Trail to win by half a length. ML Torpedo Lane ran another length back. Hi Stepper Mo won for Jacksonville in 1997. Also at Palm Beach, Seegold Excell won the 1998 Bob Balfe/Molyneux Cup Puppy Stake. Conchy Girl ran second followed by Shogun Rowdy.

The 1997 All-PBKC team was named, headed by ML Dusty Trail. He won 39 races at Palm Beach in 1997 including the $25,000 He’s My Man Classic. Hey Father John won the James W. Paul Derby and 41 races overall in 1997, including 13-straight. Dusty’s kennelmates ML Torpedo Run, ML Taffy Crunch and ML Foxy Move also made the team. They won 33, 27 and 28 races, respectively. ML Taffy Crunch won the first Night Of Stars event at Palm Beach. Conched Out won the 1997 Bob Balfe/Molyneux Cup Puppy Stake and 30 overall. Pat C Wagged was a 28-race winner despite missing six weeks to injury. Finally, Champions Kennel’s Hey Citgo won the 1997 Fall Futurity to nail down the final spot on the team.

At Raynham-Taunton, Pat C Westpark won the 1998 Patriot’s Day stake in box-to-wire fashion over a strong field that included RGS Chippewa and Twilite High Spy.

Out west, Honest Crow won the 1998 Phoenix Derby in a minor upset over Wigwam Whoopi, littermate of Wigwam Hoss and a star in her own right. She came back a year later to add the Phoenix Derby to her trophy case. Along with sibs like Wigwam Go N Whoa and Wigwam Nifty, they amassed 233 wins and their dam Rileys Marymary was 3rd in the 1998 Dam Standings and 5th in 1997.

At Tri-State, Jimbo Okie added the Spring Sprint Classic to his litter’s cache of major stakes wins. Black Chevy Star ran second followed by Ole Harry. Jimbo Okie had already won the 1997 Tri-State Holiday Distance Classic.

Among the Breedings Reported was the productive Flying Train - Craigie C Riley mating that produced 2000 Bluffs Run star Craigie Prancer for John Boyd.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-04-26T07:59:00.004-05:00

Leo's Midas graced the cover of the April 1998 Greyhound Review commemorating his 100th win on the Jacksonville Circuit at four years, nine months of age. He had already racked up a tremendous career to that point, winning the 1995 Jacksonville Guys & Gals, the 1997 Night of Stars I and the All Star Preview. He ran second in the 1996 Jacksonville Mayor's Cup and Clay County Classic, third in the 1995 Orange Park Inaugural and 1996 All-Star Preview, and fourth in the 1995 Orange Park Clay County Classic. He was the 1995 St. Johns meet co-champ with 11 wins and closed out his career with 103 victories.

Alan Lennox reported from overseas that the great Some Picture had been voted Britain's 1997 Greyhound of the Year following his victories in the English and Scottish Derbies. His pedigree had a strong American influence through a 3x4 cross of Sand Man*, brother of Rooster Cogburn and Highway Robber.

The vote was in for the Flashy Sir and Rural Rube awards. For the routers, Winsome Doe took home the hardware. She won the 1997 Dairyland Sprint, ran second in the Dairyland Derby, third in the Dairyland 7th Anniversary Stake (5/16ths), and was the Dairyland track champ with 44 wins. She clocked the two fastest times of the year in both 5/16ths and 3/8ths at Dairyland in 1997. Kiowa Bet Dutch and Cee Bar Snow were the runner-up and second runner-up in the balloting.

The incredible Scott Free was the runaway winner of the Rural Rube voting. He captured six stakes in 1997 including the Derby Lane Sprint Classic, won 33 races at Derby Lane, and was the wagering favorite in every one of his starts. In addition to the Sprint Classic, he won the King & Queen Stake, Matinee Idol, Fan's All-Star Race, T.L. Weaver Memorial, and the Tampa Inaugural. He went off at less than even money in all but six of his races en route to compiling a record of 37-2-2 in 42 starts. His only finish out of the trifecta in 1997 was the one in which he suffered a career-ending injury. No other Greyhound in the country received a significant number of votes.

Greys Betsy Ross won the $100,00 1998 Derby Lane Distance Classic. The Mick D'Arcy trained star crossed the line ahead of Elaine Rae and JD's Rocket. Race favorite Oshkosh Slammer fell after a poor start. Greys Betsy Ross added the Fan's All Star Race blanket to her wardrobe later that season and went on to a fine brood career producing Fuzzys Cannon.

Wigwam Hoss won the 1998 Hollywood World Classic. The Phoenix star finished three lengths ahead of favorite Kelso's Kingpin. SA Gossip was third followed by My Boots Bingham, Conched Out, TB Feature, Kydo River Farah and Brady Brad.

At Palm Beach, LA Rolls Royce captured the James W. Paul Derby ahead of Moving Star and Hey Father John. They were followed across the line by Conchy Girl, Hiker's Fantasy, Hey Buzz, Sunpoint Warrior, and Cee Bar Rowdy.

The 1997 All America team was announced. Not surprisingly, Scott Free captained a squad that included Cee Bar Snow, Fast Money, Kydo River Farah, ML Dusty Trail, Starlight Irene, Wigwam Hoss, and Winsome Doe.

Among the Whelpings Reported was a January 9th litter by Oswald Cobblepot out of Bart's Saltine that produced 1999 All America Bart's E Mail.

The April edition was also a Stud Issue that went on for 77 pages featuring well over 300 studs. By 1998, Molotov was already $1200 for frozen implant and $1500 for a natural breeding based on his first litters at the track. Others included Blendway at $1500, Oshkosh Racey $1500, Wigwam Wag $1500, P's Raising Cain $1,000, Greys Statesman $1000, and Oswald Cobblepot at a very reasonable $750.

Where has our history gone? Part III

2008-04-06T13:29:00.002-05:00

I came across the chart for the 1953 Taunton Gold Collar won by Holy Brother. I posted it on Greyhound-data.com. Just go to his pedigree page to access it.

If you have the April 1998 issue of Greyhound Review there is an excellent article on Holy Brother and the 1953 Taunton Blue Ribbon Stake by Henry Maxim, Jr. His last sentence reads, "Wouldn't he be an excellent choice for the Greyhound Hall of Fame?" I have to agree. There are dogs in the Hall of Fame now whose careers are no better than that of Holy Brother.

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-03-27T09:36:00.003-05:00

The cover of the March 1998 Greyhound Review featured Colorado star Beams Full Moon, winner of the 1998 Interstate Winter Sprint and Cloverleaf Inaugural. He was named captain of the 1997 All-Mile High Team after a year highlighted by capturing the $100,000 Colorado Classic. Other team members included Guys & Dolls champ Galilee, Timberline winner Granny, Mile High Inaugural winner Lord Dempsey, Interstate Juvenile champ Leggonized, as well as Full Of Spirit, Pat C Catcall, and Pat C Caste.

ML Taffy Crunch upset ML Dusty Trail and Seegold Excell in the He's My Man Royal Palm Classic at Palm Beach. Dusty Trail ran into all kinds of trouble and finished last and Taffy Crunch held gamely to beat Seegold Excell by a nose. Excell was a $9,000 1997 NGA Fall Meet purchase.

The great Bomb Threat won the Derby Lane All-Star Kennel Preview. Running out of the Greyameadow Kennel and trained by Mick D'Arcy, he ran past favorite Oshkosh Slammer for the title.

MDM Phantom Lite was dominating Southland in early 1998 winning seven-straight. Jet Set Jerry set a Southland track record over the 660-yard course at 36.54.

The 1997 final Sire Standings were announced. The late HB's Commander topped the list, followed by Oshkosh Racey, Mi Designer, Wigwam Wag, Trouper Zeke, Bara Buzz, EJ's Douglas, Hey Vern, Flying Train and Tipp Lad*. The Dam Standings were topped by Steves Stones, followed by Panama Pee Wee, ML Hello Dolly, Rema Bellmard, Riley's Marymary, Dakota Penny, RL Dalley, Yellow Rose, Mi Tate, and Sparkling Babe.

Lincoln topped all U.S. tracks in 1997 for average purses per performance with $22,553. Multnomah was second with $20,966; Derby Lane third at $16,536; Wheeling fourth, $14,761; Bluffs Run fifth, $13,650; Hollywood sixth, 13,629; Raynham seventh, $13,337; Tampa 8th, $13,179; Southland 9th, $12,764; and Phoenix tenth, $12,613.

Gable Dodge, ML Taffy Crunch, and 1997 American Derby winner Phoebe Ann were Gary Guccione's Greyhounds of the Month. Gable Dodge had won 29 of his last 46 starts, often going off at odds of ten cents to the dollar.

P's Raising Cain was by far the most popular stud in the country with 27 breedings. Wigwam Wag was a distant second with 12, followed by Trojan Episode with 11, Dungaree and Greys Statesman with nine, and Oshkosh Racey with eight. A young super-sire in the making, Molotov, managed only four breedings.

Where has our history gone? Part II

2008-03-22T13:59:00.008-05:00

While filling in race winners on Greyhound-data from a variety of sources, I came across Holy Brother, a tremendous dog from the early 1950s. There are a number of dogs who accomplished less who are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Holy Brother, Black dog, whelped 25 September 1950; owner, G. A. Alderson.

2nd 1952 Taunton Blue Ribbon Stake
Fnl 1952 Taunton American Derby
1st 1953 Derby Lane Inaugural
1st 1953 Derby Lane Festival Stake
1st 1953 St. Pete Derby
1st 1953 Mile High Jack Fisher Memorial
1st 1953 Mile High Timberline Stake
1st 1953 Taunton Blue Ribbon Stake
4th 1953 Taunton American Derby
1st 1954 St. Pete Derby
1st 1954 Mile High Jack Fisher Memorial
1st 1954 Mile High Denver Post Empire Race
2nd 1954 Mile High Timberline Stake
Fnl 1954 Taunton American Derby

To be perfectly honest, I had never heard of him until I found most of his stakes wins in the American Greyhound Racing Encyclopedia 1963. There is scant mention of him in Great Names In Greyhound Pedigrees. If anyone has a picture of Holy Brother, or any further info, please e-mail me.

Where has our history gone?

2008-03-10T20:20:00.006-05:00

Outside of Great Names In Greyhound Pedigrees, Volumes I and II, we in the racing community have done a poor job of documenting the great history of Greyhound stakes races. Newer fans of racing and recent members of the National Greyhound Association do not have stacks of back issues of Greyhound Review to consult, and even many long-time members discard old issues.

To that end I've started a new project to add the pedigrees of every stake winner in U.S. racing history to the Greyhound-data site. I have a number of sources, primarily the American Greyhound Racing Encyclopedia (1963), as well as lists such as the one in the February 1997 issue of Greyhound Review (pp. 73-86).
I'm missing a number of Stud Books from the racing era, particularly, 1946, 1937, 1935, and 1929-1932. Other than those, I have all the rest from 1933 to present.

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who owns those volumes, especially Volume 39 (1946), I'd like to hear from you.

jcsperson@yahoo.com

Ten Years Ago This Month

2008-02-17T08:29:00.003-06:00

The cover of the February 1998 Greyhound Review featured 1997 national win champ EK Maedarling (Ion Fast Trax x Win D Puff). She won 55 races at Pensacola including 16-straight to close out the year.

Oshkosh Slammer (Oshkosh Racey x Oshkosh Video) won the 1998 Derby Lane Inaugural in the quick time of 30.45 and Flying Hades (Flying Gunman x Willowrun Mom) captured the Derby Lane Puppy Preview.

At Tri-State, Jimbo Okie (Star Chariot* x Little Portion) won the $50,000 Holiday Distance Classic over a field that included Fortified Power and Ole Harry. Jimbo Okie also won the 1998 Tri-State $50,000 Sprint and was from a remarkable litter that included 1997 New Hamphire Lottery Stake winner Jimbo Scotty and 1998 St. Pete Derby winner Jimbo’s Chelsie.

Ballots for the 1997 Rural Rube and Flashy Sir awards featured Beams Full Moon, Bean Brewer, Bomb Threat, brothers Galilee and Lord Dempsey, Grace Land Blaze, Leo’s Midas, ML Dusty Trail, My Thane, SC’s Mask Rider, and Scott Free among the sprinters; and Cee Bar Snow, Granny, Hey Father John, Kiowa Bet Dutch, Slatex Shell, and Winsome Doe for the routers.

Southland’s Phoebe Ann (Great Son x Skitch) won the 1997 American Derby at Lincoln over Wake Up Alarm and Slatex Shell and Okie Kail won the Fred Cairone Memorial Countdown.

Kiowa Chippewa (My Rooster x Kiowa Day War) kicked off a terrific career with a win in the Hollywood Futurity.

Among the interesting whelpings reported was the Fortress* - Greys Julianna cross that produced 2000 All American Greys Free Bird, a repeat breeding of a December 1995 litter that featured Greys Flamebeau.

Has it really been 10 years?

Everything You Know Is Wrong

2008-02-03T12:59:00.001-06:00

In the 1970s, an American comedy troupe comparable to Monty Python was the Firesign Theater. They never reached the superstar status of their English counterparts, but their albums were popular on college campuses across the country. The title of one of them, Everything You Know is Wrong, has become a personal motto of mine—it seems that almost daily new discoveries in science and exploration make us reassess what we once held to be true.

The same can be said for Greyhounds. A long-held belief, published as fact in dozens of books and repeated on hundreds of web sites, is that the breed is of Egyptian or Middle-Eastern origin. The assertion is puzzling because there are no Greyhound breeds presently residing in the Middle East. The Saluki, Sloughi, and Afghan Hound are clearly of a different type than modern Greyhounds, and it’s hard to imagine that they descend from a common ancestor. On the other hand, Greyhounds and Greyhound-type dogs are common in central Europe, Spain and the British Isles. As early as 1853, John Henry Walsh, writing under the pseudonym "Stonehenge," made a clear case for a Celtic origin for the breed in his book The Greyhound, but not too many authors since him seem to have been able to make the same connection.

From the beginning of the first millenium B.C., the Greeks were seafarers and traders and regularly visited ports all along the southeastern Mediterranean in what is now Egypt and the Middle East. Much of what we know of that area in those times was recorded by Greek historians and there is no mention of Greyhounds. The breed was completely unknown to them prior to 200 B.C., the time of their first encounters with the Keltoi, as they called them, a tribal culture from the north. In 300 B.C., Xenophon made no mention of Greyhounds in his discussion of dog breeds in his treatise On Hunting. Two centuries later, the poet Grattius wrote of the Celts’ dogs that, "...swifter than thought or a winged bird it runs, pressing hard on beasts it has found." Arrian, another Greek, but who wrote in Latin, clearly identified the Vertragus, the predecessor of the modern Greyhound.

The Celtic culture flourished from what is now Austria, west to northern Spain, and north to the farthest reaches of the British Isles and Ireland. Everywhere they went they took their dogs with them and left offshoots of the Vertragus. In Spain it was the Galgo; in the British Isles, it was a bewildering array of sighthounds in a wide variety of sizes and coats, from giant dogs we now call Wolfhounds to "Tumblers," by contemporary accounts a Whippet-sized dog. The Celts made no distinction among their sighthound varieties. To add to the confusion, English writers up until the 16th century called all the larger Celtic dogs "Greyhounds," and the dog we call the Greyhound today, the "Coursing dog." Irish Wolfhounds in those days were prized in Europe for hunting Boar, and the demand for the largest Greyhounds "of the Irish type" was great and they fetched tremendous prices.

The present Greyhounds, the ones we love, are the result of the coursing craze after the death of the Forest Laws in the 17th century which prevented commoners from coursing or even owning Greyhounds. The coursing rules of the day dictated a very specific range of performance and traits, and those are the ones we see in our dogs today. Almost all the other varieties of Celtic sighthounds disappeared. Even the Irish Wolfhound is a re-creation of a breed that had all but gone extinct.

Two recent landmark genetic studies have confirmed Walsh to be correct. The first, "Multiple and Ancient Origins of the Domestic Dog" (1997), traced the mitochondrial DNA from ancient times to the present day Greyhound. Interestingly, three other breeds derive from the same strain, the St. Bernard, Miniature Schnauzer, and the Irish Setter, which suggests male-line introductions of other breeds to Greyhound-line females who were the foundations of those breeds. All three originate in areas where Celtic culture flourished.

The second, and more definitive study, "Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog" (2004), used Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), clumps of identical DNA strings that appear in groups of breeds, but often not in others. The study clearly showed that Salukis and Afghan Hounds were part of an "Asian" group along with the Chow, Akita, and Shar-pei. Predictably, the Greyhound appeared in what I’ll call the "Celtic" group along with the Irish Wolfhound, but also as a progenitor of more recent breeds including the Whippet, Borzoi, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, and the St. Bernard. A glance at a map clearly shows that all those breeds originate within the influence of Celtic culture in Europe.

It’s time the Celts got their due as the caretakers of the breed, not Egyptian Pharoahs or Mesopotamian kings who never saw a Greyhound.

Analyzing the Dam Standings

2008-01-19T14:34:00.000-06:00

The 2007 Dam Standings were released this week. A thorough study of the Top-20 reveals few surprising results, but reaffirms factors that most breeders feel contribute to an outstanding brood prospect: bloodlines, track performance, and the performance of her littermates. Another aspect often overlooked is the age of the dam, and the current standings have something to say about that as well.

Track performance: Two of the 21 dams* on the list were major stake winners—Touche Baby won the 1999 St. Pete Derby and Fuzzys Mohican won the 2001 Tri-State Holiday Distance Classic. Ten ran in top grade at a major track and nine of those ten were top grade winners. A further three were grade A winners at Intermediate tracks. Four show no lines and one was hurt early in her career. One was a top-grade winner at a low-end track while the remaining two were graders.

Bloodlines: Five of the Top-20 were Molotov daughters. Two were by P's Raising Cain and another by his virtual brother P's Skidway. Two more were by EJ's Douglas. Overall, 28 of the 192 dams in the Dam Standings were Molotov daughters. Others represented in numbers were P's Raising Cain (11, and a further 4 from P's Skidway), Greys Statesman (10), Oswald Cobblepot (9), Fortress (8), and EJ's Douglas (7). In the other direction were Gable Dodge (4) and Oshkosh Slammer (1). The Top-20 dams descended from several classic damlines led by Maythorn Pride (4) and Lear Jet (3). No other damline had more than one.

Age: The Top-20 dams averaged 5 years, 7 months of age with the youngest being Fuzzys Blueangel at 3 years, 2 months, and the oldest is Tillie O'Darlin at 8 years, 4 months. Three were 3 years of age, six were 4, three were 5, six were 6, two were 7, and one was 8. The drop-off after age 7 was significant. The dams' ages were calculated from the date her last litter was whelped that contributed to the Dam Standings, even if only one pup won a top grade race.

The results aren't earth-shattering, but they confirm common-sense breeding practices top breeders have known for generations—well-bred females who performed well on the track, or were from good litters, and are in the prime of their lives, produce the best offspring. In the current racing environment with shrinking purses and fewer tracks, the best opportunity to produce competitive pups is to play the percentages.

* There are 21 dams on the list due to a tie for 20th place.

Why imports? Why now?

2008-01-05T14:59:00.001-06:00

The last time a foreign stud was at the top of the Sire Standings was four decades ago when the great Tell You Why* topped the charts in 1967 and 1968. Since then, the number of truly influential imports has been small. Yellow Printer* (but mostly through his son Sandy Printer), Top Speed*, Share Profit*, and Fortress* come to mind, but the list is shockingly small. The list of failures is far longer, mostly strewn with lesser dogs who would not have attracted any attention in their own countries.

In the past few years, however, there has been renewed interest in foreign sires. Thanks to frozen semen, we’re finally getting access to top studs. One problem with frozen semen, however, is that it has invariably been available in limited quantities. If a stud produces there is often no opportunity for repeat breedings. Many top studs are so busy at home that their owners don’t export semen, and the present currency exchange rates have priced many foreign studs out of the market.

Recently, however, we’ve begun to see top-class foreign race dogs actually imported for stud duty. The advantages are obvious—if the dog is producing, breeders can go back to him again and again and they are being offered at prices that are in line with U.S. studs.

Breeding to an import stud is not necessarily about the outcross as some believe—American bloodlines are not so inbred that we require an outcross, and it’s not about "hybrid vigor"—it’s about using well-bred dogs whose pedigrees are loaded with productive bloodlines. It’s also about breeding to the top dogs available, stakes-class dogs with track record speed.

With the early success of Maryville Rumble*, several dogs have been brought here simply to fill the perceived demand for imports, not necessarily because they are the right type of dog for our conditions. We are already in danger of breeding too much early foot in our Greyhounds; the influx of even more studs whose offspring struggle to make 550 yards will make it worse.

When looking for a foreign stud ask yourself, what was his best distance? If he was an early-pace 525 yard dog, there is every chance his progeny will be short here. In Ireland, the boxes are much closer to the turn and even 550 yards is biased to early speed dogs. The 550 boxes at a track like Derby Lane are farther from the turn than the 575 boxes at Shelbourne Park and almost as far away as their 600 boxes.

In Ireland, the pickup is usually all the way around to the top of the backstretch, rather than at the apex of the first turn as in America. Greyhounds don’t know where the finish line is—they chase the lure until it stops. Watch as Irish dogs you’re interested in come down the stretch and round the first turn in 525 or 550 races. Is he extending his lead or are others closing? If it’s the latter chances are he would struggle to run out a strong 550 here in the ‘States.

The ideal foreign stud is one who ran out 550 or 575 yards, or longer very strongly, has a fair amount of staying blood in his pedigree, and is out of lines proven to be compatible with U.S. blood. If you are unfamiliar with import pedigrees, your studmaster should be able to describe the history of the dog, his race record, and the influential names in his pedigree.

There will always be room for American-bred stud dogs, but the advent of frozen semen has concentrated the vast majority of breedings over the past decade into a very narrow range of domestic bloodlines. Top-quality foreign dogs are here now and it’s time to take a close look at them.

The Australian Million team

2007-12-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

Due to a few injuries and a withdrawal, the Australian team for the upcoming Derby Lane Million has been revised. As of today, here is the latest list:

Hot To Rumble

(Where's Pedro x Vintage Rumble) RBD M 15 Jan 2005; 75 lbs.

1st - 2007 Young Guns feature at Albion Park over 569 yards in 29.90.
3rd - Group 1 2007 Sky Channel Brisbane Cup over 569 yards at Albion Park.

He appears to be well-suited to Derby Lane as he has won at distances up to 656 yards. Unlike the remainder of the Aussie contingent who will reside in the International Kennel, this Steve Kavanaugh owned dog will be racing out of the Darcy Kennel. He is 19-12-7 in 54 career starts.

His dam is very closely related to Maryville Rumble*. If he shows well in the Million he might be a dog to consider for Maryville Rumble* daughters. Steve Kavanaugh is the owner-breeder of the great Smooth Rumble* and owned super sire Brother Fox.

Train a Journey

(Primo Uno x Currency Tears) BK M 2 April 2004; 71 lbs.

1st - Group 1 Maturity Classic at The Meadows in 30.11 over 574 yards.
1st - Group 2 Rookie Rebel Stake over 656 yards at The Meadows in 34.44.
1st - Group 2 2007 Overflo Bob Payne final at Wentworth Park over 569 yards in 30.13.
2nd - Group 1 Coca Cola Australian Cup at The Meadows.

He has amassed a 30-9-5 record in 63 career starts, mostly in stakes or feature events.

His sire Primo Uno is another fine descendant of the Eaglehawk Star sireline that has outstanding representatives on three continents including Maryville Rumble*, Smooth Rumble*, Toms The Best, Frightful Flash*, Westmead Hawk, and many others. His damsire Golden Currency is bred similarly to Star Chariot*, sire of the fabulous litter that included Jimbo Scotty, Jimbo Okie and Jimbo's Chelsea.

Uno Joel

(Primo Uno x Stumbler's Lass) BK M 29 October 2004; 79 lbs.

1st - Group 1 2007 Sky Channel Brisbane Cup over 569 yards at Albion Park in 30.39.
Fnl - Group 1 2007 Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park.

13-13-6 in 40 starts to date.

Another fine Primo Uno son, his damsire is Awesome Assassin, familiar to many American race fans as the sire of Orange Park star Deco Deano.

Slater

(Surf Lorian x Wipe Out) BD M 1 December 2004; 78 lbs.

Slater has been one of Australia's top dogs over the past year:

1st - Group 1 2007 Golden Easter Egg Final over 569 yards at Wentworth Park in 30.09.
1st - Group 1 2007 National Derby Final over 569 yards at Wentworth Park in 29.99.
1st - Group 2 2007 The Temlee at The Meadows over 574 yards in a sensational 29.63.
1st - Group 2 2006 Great Chase final at Shepparton over 492 yards in 24.82.

2nd - Group 1 2007 Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park.

Overall, he is 24-6-2 in 42 starts against the best Australia has to offer.

Slater's damsire is none other than our own Fortress* who crossed well with Australian blood here, especially in the pedigree of All American Gable Vermilion and her terrific siblings.

Coulta Bomber

(Bombastic Shiraz x Coulta Tess) BK M 25 December 2004; 74 lbs.

1st - 2007 Dave Hodgson Memorial feature over 563 yards at Sandown Park in 29.73.
2nd - 2007 Group 2 Geelong Cup over 500 yards at Geelong.

Coulta Bomber is 11-11-4 in 40 starts.

Bombastic Shiraz is yet another in a long list of fine sires descending from Eaglehawk Star. American pedigree aficionados will recognize the double cross of Shining Chariot, sire of Star Chariot*; and World Acclaim, sire of World Classic*, second damsire of Kiowa Shawnee So.

Roman Conquest

(Most Awesome x Super Sophie) BK F 10 October 2005, 62 lbs.

A lightly-raced female, Roman Conquest recorded a very respectable 29.88 en route to winning a heat of the ongoing Country Winnebago Classic at Dapto. She is 9-4-2 in 20 career starts including wins at The Meadows over 656 yards and at Ballarat over 711 yards. Her third damsire Best Of Blue figures strongly in the damline of Gable Vermilion.

Fawn Hustler

(Typhoon Tide x China Cruise) F M 27 May 2005; 77 lbs.

Fawn Hustler is a dog who has attracted some attention. He's 5-3-1 in just 14 career starts, including three of his last four. He has raced at distances from 474 to 575 yards and features a closing style. His sire Typhoon Tide is a Brett Lee son whose damsire is the Irish import Balligari*.

One Tree Hill

(Gable Lafourche* x Mockingbird Hill) RF F 1 November 2004; 60 lbs.

1st - Group 2 2007 Black Top final over 563 yards at The Gardens in 29.44.
Fnl - Group 1 2007 Nova 96.9 Paws of Thunder over 569 yards at Wentworth Park.
Fnl - Group 1 2007 Topgun over 574 yards at The Meadows.

Fnl - Group 1 2006 Schweppes VIC Peters Classic Final over 569 yards at Wentworth Park.

One Tree Hill is 14-15-6 in 51 starts.

Gable Lafourche*, of course, is the litter-brother of 2002 All American Gable Vermilion. He suffered an injury in training and was retired to stud in Australia. One Tree Hill carries a double cross of Nation Parade through both her sire and dam.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's pretty clear that the Aussies' learning curve has taken a sharp turn upward since their exploratory effort in 2006. Most of these dogs don't look like they'll be short over Derby Lane's 550 yard course. If they can acclimate rapidly to their new surroundings they have a real shot at putting a dog through to the final.

Predicting the Sire Standings

2007-12-22T10:31:00.000-06:00

The Sire Standings are largely a numbers game. Variations in Strike Rate, the ratio of pups to top-grade wins, can overcome numbers to some extent, but overall, the Standings reflect how popular studs are with breeders.

I think the year-end 2009 Sire Standings will look like this:

1. Dodgem By Design
2. Kiowa Sweet Trey
3. Lonesome Cry
4. Flying Penske
5. Maryville Rumble*

Puppies under two are in the process of climbing the grading ladder, and except for some early flyers, don't contribute too many wins to the total. Likewise, 3½ year-olds are starting to retire and/or slow down. The bulk of grade A winners are 2-3½ years of age.

Pups whelped from January 2008 on will have a minimal impact on the Sire Standings. If you look at the "American Stud Dog Trends" thread on Global Greyhounds, you'll see that 2 to 3½ years prior to December 2009, Dodgem By Design was bred the most:

Breedings since June 2006:

Dodgem By Design - 701
Kiowa Sweet Trey - 590
Lonesome Cry - 531
Flying Penske - 359
Maryville Rumble* - 246

Allowing for late reporting of breedings and the inevitable misses, the differences are significant enough that only vastly different strike rates can change things much. There are your year-end 2009 Sire Standings. You saw them here first.

Mick D’Arcy knows how to win “The Big One”

2007-12-16T20:01:00.000-06:00

As the 2008 Derby Lane Million looms, owners, nominators and trainers are trying to put themselves in a position to win what figures to be the biggest race in Greyhound racing history. More than ever, it will take the right combination of a great dog and a great trainer to win, because for the first time the best Greyhounds from the United States, Australia, and Ireland will be competing head-to-head.

Though it’s too early to establish a betting line, one man you might not want to bet against is Mick D’Arcy. In 2006 he won the Derby Lane Million with the fabulous bitch Greys Calibrator. Her dominance in the Stake was indisputable; she won four of the five qualifying rounds, establishing a track record in the process, before dominating her seven male counterparts in the richest final in history. Prior to that, Mick won four editions of the $100,000 Derby Lane Distance Classic, three $85,000 Derby Lane Sprint Classics, and the 1989 Wonderland Derby. To put that last one in perspective, the$175,000 prize fund would be worth $290,000 today. Most recently, he won the 2007 $120,000 Palm Beach Grand Classic with Dreamy Blossom. It’s clear Mick knows how to win "The Big One."

Unlike many great dogmen, Mick did not come from a generations-old Greyhound family. Growing up in Cashel, County Tipperary in the 1950s, however, he was surrounded by Greyhounds. As a youngster he helped out his neighbors, walking dogs and cleaning kennels. His labor earned him nothing more than a ride with the dogs to the local track twice a week. In those days going to the Greyhounds was a big night out in Ireland and Mick found himself in the thick of it. There were only two meetings a week, typically on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Greyhounds often raced and coursed.

As his involvement deepened, he found training opportunities scarce in Ireland. Only a handful of top trainers got the best dogs. By the early 1970s, he and his partner Steven Corcoran co-owned dogs in England to get started in the business, graduating from dog ownership to training. In 1977 he returned to Ireland.

In 1985, with training opportunities still limited, Mick took the big step of moving his young family to the United States where he eventually settled in with Pat Dalton’s kennel at Wonderland, then America’s premier track. Success soon followed. In 1986 he won the Grady Memorial Sprint with Planet Boy*, then added the Wonderland Juvenile and Inaugural with Tipp Lad*, and the American Juvenile at Raynham with Whisper Wit*. In 1989 he moved to the Samia Kennel and won the 1989 Wonderland Derby with Rapido Gal, beating Bartie and Allegis in just her 13th start. She made the final again in 1990.

By the early 1990s, the center of gravity of American Greyhound racing had shifted to The Woodlands in Kansas City, Kansas. Mick moved there at its very peak—his dogs raced against the likes of Blendway, Bartie, HB’s Prince Red and other Woodlands stars. Most importantly, he established a long-term relationship with Kansas breeders Jack and Mary Butler, whose dogs were just starting to establish a national reputation.

The partnership resulted in a third move, this time to Derby Lane, which would really be the beginning of a racing dynasty that continues to the present day. Training for the Greymeadow Kennel, Mick amassed 20 major stake wins and four All-Americans: Greys Betsy Ross (1998), Greys Outbound (1999), Greys Free Bird (2000), and Greys Calibrator (2006). There is sure to be a fifth in 2007 with Dreamy Blossom, Mick’s own breeding raised by Jack and Mary.

What will it take to win the 2008 Million? According to Mick, Derby Lane’s legendary oval, perhaps like no other track in the world, exposes any weakness in a dog. For a Greyhound to win there, it must have a good enough rush to the turn to stay close to the front, yet have the stamina to not fade in the stretch. The success he has had with the Greymeadow dogs has often been due to their ability to win when within striking distance of the lead entering the stretch as much as winning from the front. Mick figures to have a half-dozen serious contenders when "The Big One" gets underway February 9th. If you are betting against them, you might have your money on the wrong dog, and the wrong trainer.

What's in a name?

2007-12-04T20:32:00.000-06:00

Imagine if a dog won the Derby Lane Distance Classic, the Wheeling WVGOBA Distance Stake, the Hecht Marathon, and the American Derby—all in the same year, while at the same time setting track records at three different tracks. If an American Greyhound did that, he or she would be the captain of the All America team, the Flashy Sir award winner, and would be a candidate for the Hall of Fame.

There is such a dog racing in England, but few American fans have heard of Spiridon Louis. In 2006 he won the Group 1 Peterborough Cesarwitch, and in 2007 he won the Group 1 Coral Regency at Hove & Brighton over 760 yards, the Group 1 TV Trophy over 922 yards at Yarmouth, the Group 2 Betfred Select Stakes over 798 yards at Nottingham, and the Group 1 William Hill St. Leger over 731 yards at Wimbledon. He also set track records over 954 yards at Wimbledon, 922 yards at Yarmouth, and 700 yards at Walthamstow.

By Droopys Vieri out of Early Flight, he is from an accomplished litter that includes a sister, Dilemmas Flight, winner of the 2006 British Produce Stakes at Hall Green, and the 2007 English Oaks at Wimbledon in the sizzling time of 28.29 for 525 yards. Their brother Westmead Alec won the 2006 Sussex Puppy Derby.

Louis’s racing style features one of the most breathtaking backstretch moves you’ll see from any Greyhound. An average breaker at best, he stalks the field until he finds the seam he wants. From that point on it appears that every dog on the track except him has been set into slow motion. It’s a shame American fans don’t get to see this superstar race. Check out his replays on Greyhound-data.com.

His name is an apt one—he is named after Greek marathon champion Spiridon Louis who won the gold medal in the Marathon in the first revival of the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. Louis remains a Greek national hero to this day. For those who have seen him, the canine Spiridon Louis will be remembered by his fans for as long as they talk about racing.

Flying Penske

2007-02-26T19:31:00.000-06:00

20 Sept 1997 - 25 Feb 2007

It was reported by owner Hal Gill that Flying Penske passed away unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack. He would have been 10 in September.

Flying Penske set the 660 yard track record at the Woodlands and made the final of the 2000 Hollywood World Classic where he encountered traffic and ran fourth as the betting favorite. He currently stands fifth in the U.S. Sire Standings. He is the sire of 2005 All America Nimby TP Jan, 2002 Hollywood World Classic winner Flying Earnhardt, and Texas Gold, the fastest stayer in Australia in many years.

Flying Penske continues a long tradition that traces up his sireline to the great Tell You Why*. His sire Oshkosh Racey was captain of the 1988 All America team and won the Rural Rube Award as the nation’s best sprinter. He won the 1988 Mile High Sprint Countdown by 14 lengths, the Strohs All-American Invitational at Mile High, and the Tampa Sprint and Distance Classics. He went on to a fine career at stud, finishing in the top-five in the Sire Standings from 1994 through 1998, peaking in second position in 1997. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2001. Racey’s sire, Unruly, was one of the finest greyhounds to ever grace a track. He was the 1981 Flashy Sir Award winner, won the Timberline at Denver’s Mile High, two editions of the $120,000 Hollywoodian, and ran second in the Rhode Island Derby, the Biscayne Derby; and the Flagler International. He had 83 career wins, mostly in stakes races, and $190,000 in career earnings. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Penske’s damline descends from the superb brood Dia’s Stormy Day, dam of the outstanding sprinters Rooster’s Spur and Grit N Steel. She exerts her biggest influence on American pedigrees through Oswald Cobblepot, but her daughters by All American brothers Rooster Cogburn and Highway Robber continue to breed on as well. Two Brett Lee sensations, Dragon Fire and Super Lee trace directly back to Dia’s Stormy Day.

Successful offspring of Flying Penske would be too long to list. In addition to Nimby TP Jan, Flying Earnhardt and Texas Gold, he produced 2005 American Derby winner Inspecda Deck, 2005 Bluffs Run Survivor Series champ Thisbee’s Gotyou, Bluffs Run Spring Futurity winner I’m Already Gone, 2004 Southland Juvenile winner and track champion Dave The Dog, 2003 Southland Razorback champ Happy Ruckus, 2006 Tampa Derby winner Turbo Penske, 2006 Orange Park track champion Kay V Tatoo Tony, and many, many others. In the 2007 Derby Lane Million final, two of the pups are his and he is the damsire of another.

The final chapters of the Flying Penske story remain to be written. Despite the fact that he has 2200 pups registered through 2004, the bulk of his breedings occurred in 2005 and 2006 which should ensure even more Penske champions for the foreseeable future.

Gable Dodge

2007-01-28T12:11:00.000-06:00

2 December 1995 - 9 January 2007

The great Gable Dodge has passed into history. He was the U.S. number one sire from 2004 through 2006 and produced five All Americans, Gable Oscar, Gable Vermilion, Dodgem By Design, Jawa Leonas Best, and Ethereal Force.

Gable Dodge was one of 12 pups in a litter by Wigwam Wag out of CJ Ima Bahama, many of whom went on to win top grade races at Gulf Greyhound Park. Wigwam Wag was the top U.S. sire of 1998. His grandsire Understood was a true "Sire of sires" as his line is still viable through a number of sons and grandsons. CJ Ima Bahama was a daughter of Hall of Fame and U.S. #1 sire Dutch Bahama. Her dam, SP’s Glitz, was third in the U.S. Dam Standings in 1996. Gable Dodge descends from the productive Transpat damline that numbers among its descendants Mar Dilly, Katy Did, Wise Katy, Wise Liz, Jock’s Warrior, He’s My Man, Ethereal Force, and many others.

He broke in at Corpus Christi, but soon moved up the coast to Gulf Greyhound Park near Houston, then one of the five most competitive tracks in the country. There he won 11-straight on one occasion and ran a record six races under 30 seconds, including four in succession. His only stake win was the 1997 Gulf Au Revoir. He ran third after much trouble in the 1997 Ye Royal Race at Gulf and made the final of the Wood Memorial, his only stake opportunities at Gulf before he and his brother were shipped to Hollywood, Florida for the 1998 World Classic, the premier open sprint race in the country. He was seriously injured in a grade A race in preparation for the race and had to be withdrawn. His brother Gable Chevy went on to win the World Classic Consolation and set the fastest time of the meet in the process. After a five-month lay-off, Gable Dodge returned to action at Gulf and ran under 30 seconds in his last start. Unfortunately, he sustained a career-ending injury in that race and was retired to stud.

He was an average breaker, but possessed a good rush to the turn and tremendous pace from the top of the backstretch to the line, traits he passed on to a number of his progeny. He was especially complemented by damlines that provided early speed, and he crossed well with a vast array of domestic and foreign bloodlines, especially Australian.

Gable Dodge leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will impact the breed for generations to come. Already more than twenty sons stand at stud in the U.S. and Australia. Dodgem By Design is currently fourth in the U.S. Sire Standings. Stan’s Boy Flyer is eighth and sired All American team captain Ozzie The Man. Gable Oscar, Jawa Leonas Best, Lonesome Cry, and in Australia, Gable LaFourche have increased his influence with winning offspring. Only time will reveal the future direction of the breed, but there can be little doubt that Gable Dodge will be a major force in determining where it goes from here.

2007-01-11T18:04:00.000-06:00

Decisions

Greyhound breeders make them every day. Which female does one breed? What sire will work best with her? What track best suits their pups? Most of these decisions are carefully thought out, but sometimes a whim or a hunch changes everything.

In Australia in January 1937, Joe Kelly was eager to get started in greyhound racing. He wanted a female he could race and eventually breed, and made the sensible decision to inquire by phone about a litter bred by H. L. "Tony" Taylor, by Pride Of The Valley, one of the top sires of the day, out of Maudie Francis, a granddaughter of the coursing great Frances Colleen. When Taylor agreed to sell a bitch puppy, Kelly asked about their colors and chose the lone brindle.

When he arrived at Taylor's kennel to take the pup home, it turned out that she was the least attractive of the lot, "the weed of the litter" as Taylor described her. He offered another pup instead, but Kelly picked up the brindle female with the intention of keeping her. He had made a decision and was going to stick to it. As he was leaving it was mentioned that around the kennel she had a name, "Weedy Valley." Kelly kept the name and with it she raced into the annals of New South Wales racing history. Her litter, which included Nicotine, Capertee Valley, Dolly Francis, Little Valley and Francis Pride raced from success to success. A second litter of Pride of the Valley and Maudie Francis produced Drindell, another pup purchased by Kelly, who became one of the great stayers of her day.

Little did he know at the time, but the end of Weedy Valley's racing career in August of 1941 was really the beginning of the story for Joe Kelly. She started her brood career with a litter by Pharminda in September of 1942 followed by a repeat breeding twelve months later. From these came a number of stars including Daisy Valley, Sparkling Comet, Alt Ayr, Flying Marvel, Pussy Willow, Minda Valley, Bronze Edge, Spearlight, Black Carpet, Pierre Boy, and Val Phar. Kelly bred Daisy Valley to the outstanding sire Roccabright, producing a litter that included Be Faithful who compiled a career record of 39 wins and 11 track records in 53 starts. Others included Be Truthful, Embrose, Valley Double, Miss Kelly, Cheeky Valley, Celtux, Daisy Bright, Lazy Boots, Tux and Daisy Rock.

Kelly's good fortune seemed limitless, but at the point where descendants of Weedy Valley seemed at their most prominent, disaster struck. A bout of distemper swept through his kennel and wiped out his entire breeding program with the exception of Daisy Rock who barely survived, though blinded by the sickness. Kelly was forced to start from scratch and he bred his blind brood to the great Chief Havoc. The resulting litter included Winsome Flash, Meropa, Flash Daisy, The Shelf, Chief Bearcaire, and Gorgeous Babe. The latter was retired early, and while most of her littermates were still racing, Gorgeous Babe would be rewriting greyhound history in the whelping barn instead of at the track. She was bred to Tumble Bug son Rocket Jet and her first litter produced Magic Babe, Sky Jet, Metal Jet, Magic Joe, Weedy Jet, Rocket Zoom, Roman Jet, Early Jet, Weedy Babe and Rocka Cashel. The litter soon gained national attention from the racing press while the second was nearing track age. When the second litter hit the track, led by Tell You Why, Light Jet, Glamorous Babe, Gleaming Jet, Cindy Jet, Jenny Ann and Jetalbet, it was rated by the experts as highly as the first.

More Rocket Jet and Gorgeous Babe pups followed including Gemdelina, Gay Glint, Boeing Jet, Rocky Ben, Junglet Jet, Black Omo, Whata Doll, and Tana Jet. Magic Babe went on to an outstanding career at stud. For succeeding generations, his most important contribution was the outstanding brood Elsie Moss whose sons and daughters produced on an almost unprecedented scale. Not surprisingly, Magic Babe is found twice in the pedigree of Temlee, arguably the greatest sire in Australian history. Gemdelina, bred to Irish import Which Chariot*, produced Takiri, Unique Sea, London Lad, Which Gem, Marr William, and Miss Which, while Gay Glint produced a terrific litter to Black Top. Gay Glint is the direct female line ancestor of contemporary greats Token Prince, Just The Best, Flying Amy and Tenthill Doll. Marr William, a champion stayer, was exported to the U.S. where he gained a reputation as an outstanding producer of females, including 1971 All America Shur Lilly and a number of outstanding broods.

In America, Harold Shugart, a great admirer of Australian pedigrees, imported Metal Jet, Sky Jet and Tell You Why. Metal Jet's early passing was a tragedy for the breed, but not before he produced Haiku, dam of All America Bahama Lure; and Kitty Hoss, foundation dam of Fred Scoggin's "S.S." dynasty. Tell You Why*, Shugart's most successful import, rewrote the record books. Westy Whizzer, Miss Gorgeous, Cactus Lonesome, Onie Jones, K's Flak, Oshkosh Racey, Downing, and many others owe their success directly to Tell You Why*. Indeed, his grandson Sand Man* was exported to Ireland where he changed the shape of the breed there just as descendants of Temlee would again two decades later.

Joe Kelly's decision, seemingly made on a whim, was one that affects everyone in greyhound racing today. It's inconceivable to think of this breed without the influence of Weedy Valley's progeny. And there are still some lessons for us all; he bought a puppy by a proven sire out of an outstanding damline from a reputable breeder. It seems like a simple recipe for success, but how many times does one see even experienced greyhound buyers forget one of its ingredients?

2006-09-04T19:29:00.000-05:00

Temlee

pre·po·ten·cy n 1. The unusual ability of an individual or strain to transmit its characteristics to offspring because of homozygosity for numerous dominant genes. [Lat, Pre - before, Potens - powerful]

- Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary

In every species or breed, there are individuals or families that possess the rare ability to pass on to their progeny preferable traits to a far greater degree than those with whom they are mated. Indeed, in Origin of the Species, Darwin described prepotency as one of the engines of Evolution, that it is not only important for mutation to occur to effect change in a species, but a prepotent individual must pass that desirable mutation on to further generations.

In domesticated animals, breeders have known this for centuries and through selective breeding to prepotent individuals have improved the performance and productivity of their animals. Long before Gregor Mendel came along with his theory of dominant and recessive traits, breeders used Linebreeding, a powerful tool that crossed closely-related animals to intensify the traits they wanted to perpetuate.

For many years, sires intensely linebred to the Australian sire Temlee have had enormous success. Ireland, in particular, is an example of sires intensely linebred to Temlee being introduced into a population entirely devoid of his blood with tremendous success. Examples include Roanokee*, linebred to Temlee 3x4x4; Smooth Rumble*, 3x4x4; Honcho Classic*, 4x4x5x5x5x6x6x6; and the all-conquering Top Honcho*, 4x4x4x4x5x5x5.

Temlee was whelped in March of 1972 and was a replacement pup for one that had died. In his first race Temlee ran .02 off the track record at Sale, then won the Juvenile at Traralgon, and returned to Sale where he equaled the track record. He followed that with a track record at Olympic Park and capped it off by winning the National Sprint Championship in 1974. In the 1974 National Derby final at Wentworth Park he drew trap six and his inexperience showed as he was unable to overcome early traffic. In the final of the Melbourne Cup at Sandown Park he broke his leg and was retired to stud, just two years of age.

At first glance, his career as a racer was no more or less remarkable than other top stars. Many dogs before and since won more races and set more records, but speaking to those who saw him one quickly realizes that he was far and away the fastest dog of his era and rated as one of the best there ever was in Australia. In the breeding house he is indisputably the most influential sire of the past 50 years, and perhaps in Australian history. In barely more than two decades since his death, he is found, often numerous times, in the pedigree of nearly every Australian greyhound.

His pedigree is remarkable. His sire Tivoli Chief is by the Irish import Tivoli Dreamer*, a son of the great Pigalle Wonder, who possessed unnatural speed—his times on grass 50 years ago would be fine accomplishments for greyhounds on today’s faster surfaces. Tivoli Dreamer’s dam, Racing On, is by the fine damsire Man Of Pleasure out of Millie’s May, foundation dam of arguably the finest female line in all of racing. In the U.S. alone, we have felt its influence through the likes of Fortress*, Oswald Cobblepot, Dodgem By Design, WW Apple Jax, Trojan Cruze, Bart’s E Mail, Minaki Zeke, My Unicorn, Wild Breeze, Yellow Printer* and many others. Tivoli Chief’s damsire is Top Linen, a tremendous racer in his own right, and a highly successful stud, numbering the great Black Top among his progeny. Tivoli Chief’s third and fourth damsires are the superb Dream’s Image and Chief Havoc. Dream’s Image is best known to U.S. breeders as the sire of Cleveland Lad*, the topline sire from which HB’s Commander and He’s My Man descend. Chief Havoc, who is enshrined in the U.S. Hall of Fame, exerts his influence on U.S. breeding through his maternal grandsons Tell You Why* and Metal Jet*, to whom we shall return later.

Temlee’s dam, Temora Lee, is by Mister Moss out of Venetian Babe. Mister Moss, winner of the National Derby, is a son of another Irish import, Which Chariot*. Mister Moss is the full brother of Max Moss*, damsire of Hall of Fame racer and sire K’s Flak. Their dam, Elsie Moss, by Magic Babe out of Maggie Moss, won the New South Wales St. Leger. In addition to Mister Moss, she produced two New South Wales Greyhounds of the Year, Rose Moss and Pearl Moss. Magic Babe is the full brother of Tell You Why* and Metal Jet*, whose influence on U.S. breeding is profound beyond description. Venetian Babe is by Brenda’s Babe out of Venetian Rose. Brenda’s Babe brings in another cross of Magic Babe and his dam Brenda’s Daughter is a litter sister of Top Linen. Venetian Rose brings in a second cross of Dream’s Image and her damline descends from the great Frances Colleen, foundation dam of a line that produced, in addition to Temlee; Gorgeous Babe, Frightful Flash*, Token Prince, Just The Best, Iceni Princess, Flying Amy, Paua to Burn, Modern Assassin, and Elsie Moss.

Temlee’s success at stud was immediate. His first generation of pups was impressive in its greatness and depth. It included such stud greats as Tangaloa, Little Blade, Satan’s Legend, Nation Parade, and Roy Trease, and had breed-shaping broods like Osti Lee, and Promises Free, dam of Australia’s "litter of the century." His dominance was such that within a few generations it became clear that linebreeding back to Temlee was not only necessary because of the proliferation of his blood, but desirable because of the results! Current stud sensation Brett Lee carries Temlee 4x4x4x5. Perennial top sire Token Prince, only 4x5x5. Just The Best, 4x5x5x5x5x6. Awesome Assassin, 4x5x5x5x5.

Curiously, Temlee’s reach has not yet extended to the U.S. like it has to Australia, Ireland and the U.K. His son Billy Bale* had some initial success, but left little to remember in American pedigrees. A number of lesser race dogs, grandsons and great-grandsons of Temlee, never produced. These were dogs that most likely would have attracted no attention at stud Down Under. The mercurial How’s The Fort* arrived with tremendous race credentials and fanfare, but proved incompatible with most American broods. A rare exception was the fine racer Star Chariot*, 3x4 to Temlee, who produced the fantastic litter of Jimbo Scotty, Jimbo Okie and Jimbo’s Chelsie. He was clearly underutilized and his son Jimbo Scotty has attracted the attention his sire could not. It is pretty clear that Temlee’s rare opportunities on these shores were either through unsuitable progeny, or were underutilized.

Fast forward to 2003 when the first vials of Brett Lee arrived. Unlike his many Australian cousins over recent decades, his pups were not short over our standard course of 550 yards, the American breeder’s primary worry when breeding to foreign stock. Brett Lee proved that Temlee, introduced through a prepotent source, is compatible with American bloodlines and will stay the full 550 yards and beyond.

It’s also clear that Temlee’s pedigree, outlined above, is very compatible with ours. He is very closely related to K’s Flak. Any cross to American blood dosed with K’s Flak linebreeds to the potent cross of Rocket Jet x Gorgeous Babe and to Which Chariot* x Elsie Moss, herself a product of the Rocket Jet x Gorgeous Babe cross that produced Tell You Why*, Metal Jet* and Magic Babe. Important elements of Temlee's pedigree spawned the great HB’s Commander and Fortress*. Dillard*, a Newdown Heather son, figures strongly in the pedigree of Molotov, who carries Temlee relations in nearly every corner of his pedigree. It is inconceivable that any American pedigree won’t carry multiple elements of Temlee’s forbears.

Ready or not, Temlee is here. A number of Brett Lee sons are already available. Australian-Irish crosses featuring multiple crosses of Temlee abound. It will be up to the observant American breeder to calculate which of Temlee’s many progeny will meet our needs. As history has shown, some will produce tremendous early speed, but short. Others will offer that tremendous foot speed for which his get are famous. Brett Lee has shown that the American breed of greyhound is ready for Temlee. Are you?

David Cahill 1935-2005

2006-08-08T14:50:00.002-05:00

Dave Cahill was a man who knew greyhounds. Like most County Kerry people, he grew up with a natural eye for them. As a boy he was around his father's coursing dogs which would remain his first love all his life, and later he was attracted to track dogs after he had begun to achieve financial success.

He came to America in 1957 at just 22 years of age and sought work in Chicago. "All he knew how to do in those days," recalls Don Cuddy, "was use a pick and shovel." But he was no stranger to hard work and soon his little contracting company grew into one of the largest in Chicago.

Return trips to Ireland often found him at his first love, greyhounds. In the late 1960s he bought brothers from a succession of litters that made waves in both Ireland and the United States. The first was Monalee Wonder*, a March 1967 whelp. He ran grade A and stakes at Miami Beach and Biscayne and set track records over 722 yards at Miami and on the 605 yard Biscayne Course. From a repeat breeding of Prairie Flash and Sheila At Last whelped in September of 1968, he acquired Monalee Pride, a dog with brilliant early speed that Dave thought was best suited to stay in Ireland. Indeed, the young and lightly raced dog was entered in the 1970 Irish Derby, but was offered little consideration as a potential finalist. In the final, 1969 winner Own Pride went to the traps a 5/4 favorite having easily won his semi by four lengths. Starting from trap 1, most thought his victory was a foregone conclusion. When the traps opened, however, it was Monalee Pride who burst to the lead and was never headed leading Own Pride to the line by two-and-a-half lengths. Incredibly, his victory in the Irish Derby final was just his eighth career start.

On another trip back to Ireland, Dave spotted a black dog that had just four starts at Tralee. His keen eye for young pups had just discovered Rocking Ship. He thought his running style was best suited for America and sent him to Pat Dalton's kennel at Hollywood where Cuddy was the trainer. When he arrived on the tarmac at Miami airport, he didn't make a favorable impression. Cuddy thought he wasn't much to look at, and that Dave must have been crazy to pay £1300 for him. To compound matters, he wouldn't eat and didn't get settled into American kennel life for weeks.

Rocking Ship*, however, found comfort at the track. Seemingly overnight, he became the preeminent distance dog in America, winning the Flagler Marathon, Flagler Marathon Match Series, the Hollywood Endurance Stake, the Biscayne Spring and Fall Marathons, and the inaugural running of the Biscayne Irish-American. He was a fan favorite everywhere he went and drew huge crowds and appeared on the front page of the Miami Herald. His Irish-American victory was his last however, as he died of a snake bite shortly thereafter. Overall, he won 53 of his 86 starts, a large portion of which were against stakes-caliber competition, and earned in excess of $100,000 in an era when a new Corvette cost $5,000. He was Captain of the 1972 All America team and was the recipient of the Flashy Sir Award. In 1973 he was posthumously named to the All America team and earned his second Flashy Sir Award. He was inducted into the Greyhound Hall of Fame in 1980.

Over the years, Dave owned or co-owned a number of other fine dogs including Romping To Work, Gaultier Captain, Monalee Hiker, and Dromlara Champ, but none reached the dizzying heights of Rocking Ship* or Monalee Pride.

In the early 1990s, Dave retired from the building business and returned to his estate, Maryville Castle in County Limerick. His wasn't an idle retirement, however. He raised Charolais cattle and was among the first breeders to use and ship frozen semen as a part of his breeding program. He branched out into thoroughbreds, especially steeplechasers, a national passion in Ireland.

He was still a regular at coursing fixtures and at the track, and in 2002 acquired a young dog he named Maryville Rumble. His career resembles that of Monalee Pride three decades earlier. Rumble was lightly raced and attracted little attention in the 144-dog field in the 2003 Irish Derby. Still, three wins, a third and a dead-heat second got him through to the final. The story was different this time as Rumble broke behind pre-race favorites Climate Control and Mustang Mega. He ran a gutty, fast-closing third, two and a half lengths off the lead. Despite the loss, Dave felt that Maryville Rumble was the best dog he ever had. Don Cuddy called him, "a good, strong, resolute runner, better suited to America than here." Dave planned to send Rumble to the U.S. to run at Derby Lane, but he came up lame for the final of the Irish St. Leger and was retired.

Dave Cahill's dogs have left an indelible mark on the greyhound scene. Monalee Wonder* lives on through his spectacular son John Denton, still found in a number of American pedigrees. Monalee Wonder's place in American breeding is assured for decades to come as the third damsire of Gable Dodge, our current number one sire. Glenroe Hiker lives on in pedigrees on three continents. Now Maryville Rumble* has embarked on his own career at stud. If history is our guide, Dave Cahill's eye for greyhounds could continue to influence greyhound pedigrees for generations.