July'07 - Greyhounds Queensland

Sam's owndynastySAM Apap was a larger thanlife character, a bit of a villain,but a greyhound man throughand through.Sam died recently aged 70,died watching his favourite footyteam the Brisbane Lions on TVin the lounge room of his ParkRidge property.He hadn't been well in recentyears and most of his fabulousgreyhound stock had been sold orgiven away. He had just two dogsto keep him company.Apap developed a dynasty, notonly with his own brand ofquality greyhounds, but also withhis son, leading studmaster Tony.Sam came from Malta (he wasborn in Gozo on that island)when he was 14. He produced alarge family and numerousgrandchildren, all of whom hewas so proud.But he also had numerous topclass greyhounds, the likes ofGozo King, Harris Tweed,Ultravana and in more recenttimes, all those dogs with theGozo prefix who have so oftenlanded in the winner's circle.As his family and friends canreadily attest, he will be sadlymissed.IGRCCultureshockforRobynneBy NATHAN GOODWINFOR Robynne Black (pictured) toswitch from showing dogs to racinggreyhounds has been a big culture shock."I was introduced to greyhoundracing two years ago and we had a goodset up at the time for our show dogs so, Ithought why not give the greys a go," shesaid."But it was so much different togoing to a show or preparing for a show."The greyhound was obviously goingto have to be worked, so we erectedgalloping yards on our three-acreproperty, plus we had to and continue tomake frequent visits to the straight trackat the Innisfail racecourse."When asked about her first few dogsRobynne said: "Promise Me Much (SurfLorian-La Belle Gazelle) was our firstdog with a litter sister who is about to beIpswich Greyhound Racing Club'Leading allthe Way'Major Race DatesCORPORATE $$$ NIGHT CHALLENGE5TH GRADE SERIES 520mHeats Tuesday August 7Final Tuesday August 14Final $5000 to WinnerRestaurant Open on Final Night - Bookings Required.'Make A Night of It'(Remember Wednesday is the Exhibition Holiday)Major Event2007 HIGHLAND SMASH REPAIRPUPPY AUCTIONOctober 14All Auction Pups Eligible for 2009 Race SeriesNominations Now Being Accepted.Contact the Club for DetailsIpswich Greyhound Racing ClubPh: 07 3202 2977 Fax: 07 3202 2510 Email: igrc@gil.com.ubroken in."We did a deal with the InnisyndSyndicate on a rearing two for two dealand that's how we got our start."Promise Me Much has just won hermaiden in Townsville."Not long after I was given PalmBeach Babe (Banker Hud-La BelleGazelle) which we have won four raceswith, but she is only lightly raced and Ijust recently bought Compliant (TokenPrince-Must Obey) from Pat Hennessey."We met via email and have stayed inconstant contact."We will race Compliant in thenorth, but our main aim is to have agreat start to a breeding program assoon as she comes into season."This has been a great breeding line,and I am hoping to get some greatquality pups from her litter."Travelling is no problem forRobynne."I am no big fan of travelling, but wehave no choice up here, 100km to Cairnsand 240km to Townsville."Robynne, now with extra racing dogs,struggles to get to show dog events."We still have five staffies and westill show a few and continue breedingthem, but it's been more than two yearssince we had a litter.Coominya Lodge280 LARSENS RD, COOMINYA"But we will bred one again soon."Robynne has recently struck up agreat friendship with Pauline andGraeme Fruend former Brisbanegreyhound identities now living inInnisfail."I met Pauline via John Murray whoat the time I was in contact with over apup with a broken foot," she said."He told me Pauline had just movedup here and would be happy to help."Robynne and partner Gordon havealso purchased and pup by WhiskyAssassin-Fiesta Miss who is 18 monthsand soon to be broken in."Gordon is a great help, as he staysat home while I travel about with thedogs, plus he works early shifts so he is agreat help of an afternoon," saidRobynne.She has had the racing bug for sometime."I raced thoroughbreds around thenorthern region some years ago, but itwas just becoming too hard to travelwith horses and they became veryexpensive unless you had a few owners topay their way," said Robynne."I find the dogs a great adrenalinrush and I am just happy to see themfinish the race safely. And to win ..."Well that's a bonus."WHELPING - Heated whelping bays with experienced mid-wife on hand. Bitchesfed the best of everything .REARING - Pups reared on our property are pre-educated before breaking in. Plentyof room to run in our 90m puppy yards with shade and warm, snug kennels. Eukanubaalways available for snacking with fresh beef bones providing healthy teeth and gums. Wefollow a comprehensive worming program, pups get hydrobathed regularly and receiveplenty of handling.SPELLING - Tell us what you need! Recovering from injury? We have laser andultrasound equipment and a “hospital” area where they can be kept quiet. Need a breakfrom racing ? We have two huge paddocks they can be let loose in once or twice a day withor without other dogs. They’ll be fed a racing diet if required and will be rugged in winter.Contact CATHY & RON JACKSON Ph 54264276 or 0428929228The (July, 2007) Journal Page 22