Kibble and Biscuits Mick's Happy with Townsville ... - Greyhound-Data

PVC the answerto Steve'sproblemSTEVE Woods has always been handywith his hands.He also agrees with the principal thatnecessity is the mother of invention.But Steve, like many greyhoundbreeders, trainers, can become frustratedwith his lot.Some months ago Steve got frustratedwith muzzles, but didn’t just complain, heset about producing a muzzle of his own ...one that won’t break.“In the past 18 months, we have bredseveral litters,” he said.“As we reared those pups we had hadto muzzle them from an early age to tryand get sound dogs to the racetrackswithout the injuries young dogs can inflicton each other (in seconds).“With the constant purchase andreplacement of some commercial muzzles,some we have bought at the rate of 10 at atime, lasting only weeks and sometimesonly days, the cost to us has becomeextreme.”So Steve set about making his own.“For a long time I have had the ideaPVC could be made into a muzzle ofquality that would last for years,” he said.Trial and error later, Steve came upwith just what he wanted.“I finally was able to develop a muzzlein PVC with aesthetic appeal as well as afunctioning multi-purpose muzzle thatwould be cost effective.”All Steve’s muzzles are hand made inall stages of manufacture.He has worked out a way to heat andshape a basic muzzle shape from PVC andthen provide plenty of space andventilation for the dog’s comfort but withplenty of security as well.Strength and presentation of a goodproduct was paramount.“We have a strong quality leatherthroat and head strap riveted to the muzzlewhich has the option of a buckle fixing orVelcro stitched onto the leather,” saidSteve.The muzzle has a shaped nose bridgethat supports the muzzle evenly along thenose and will not cut into the dog’s nose.It also is designed with a hole thatallows water or saliva to drain away fromthe muzzle for the dog’s comfort and wellbeing.The PVC is UV treated so it will not beaffected by the sun.“We have two basic sizes being DOGand BITCH,” he said.“We have also allowed that as dogshave broad and narrow muzzles we havebroad and narrow fittings in each type.“We also have different air hole sizesand patterns which are named PRIMARY,HONECOMB and WHITE ANT.”Steve has already presented themuzzles to chief steward Danny Ryan tohave them cleared for use in kennels onrace day, and in everyday use.“I’m hoping I will be able to presentour muzzles to administrations throughoutAustralia and get their clearance as well,”he said.“We are excited by the product andbelieve the entire industry will be as well.”WHISKY ASSASSIN’SJOURNEY HOMEBy Whisky Assassin's owner TERRY HINESI would like to confirm that the reigning AGRA Australian Greyhound of theYear “Whisky Assassin” is now standing at Journey Park Stud in NSW..“Whisky Assassin” is standing alongside Hallucinate, Placard and Exceptional,continuing Kon Kola Racing Australia’s commitment to offering a stud roster secondto none.I was attracted by the fact that John and Jane Carruthers, as stud masters, havefull control over the stud dogs and are known for their impeccable reputation withinthe industry. With John and Jane looking after only the four stud dogs, this allowsthem the opportunity to talk to breeders at length on the telephone regarding bookingsand their brood bitches.John’s stood “Rapid Journey” at stud and has been collecting, storing andsupplying frozen semen overseas and locally for years. To emphasise his depth ofknowledge, he was the 4th person in NSW to be registered for frozen semen with theworld recognised Camelot Farms system. John has also helped setup and establishfrozen semen programs for other stud masters. I am confidant breeders brood bitchesare in very good hands, as well as my dog “Whisky Assassin”.Being under the banner of Kon Kola Racing Australia, their aim is to set thestandard of a new bench mark in terms of professionalism and confirms their positionas major competitors in the stud industry.The General Manager of K.K.R.A., Mr Michael Phillips, has vast experience inthe greyhound industry as well as knowledge of running other businesses.Whisky arrived on the 1st of August and has settled in extremely well, accordingto John Carruthers. The dog looks tremendous. “He’s taller than I thought, veryleggy!”, said John and as it turns out, with no advertising, and purely word of mouth,he has already received a full book for August.Whisky Assassin stands at $3300 Incl. GST.I would like to state the move to Journey park, WAS NOT for a better financialdeal. It was strange how one door closed, and then another door opened, and a newchapter begins.The communication with KKRA and Journey Park has been first class, and Ihave been encouraged to have as much involvement as I wish.I have been working on Whisky Assassin’s web site, www.whiskyassassin.com.auwhich should be on line very shortly, and so should his dvd. Both of them look veryexciting. For Bookings see below, or For further information email:terry.hines@chrealty.com.auJOURNEY PARK STUD - CONTACT JOHN AND JANE CURRUTHERS(02) 4777 5216 MOB. 0408 444 445The (September, 2005) Journal Page 17