Rocky's racing hasa great historyContinued fromMay editionFor many years in the 90’s Malchi trainerDennis Anderson was premier trainer <strong>and</strong> amaster conditioner of greyhounds. WhenDennis <strong>and</strong> his wife Beryl moved from thecoast to purchase the Malchi kennels <strong>and</strong>straight track of Richie Wisener it was thebeginning of an era for the Andersons <strong>and</strong>Rockhampton greyhound racing.Over the years Dennis prepared great dogssuch as Zeralite, Eita Wai, Jester Whiz, SmartGamble <strong>and</strong> Denim Affair but regrettablyother business interests forced Dennis to forgohis love of the greyhounds.Bob <strong>and</strong> Dawn Wehmeier from theirParkhurst kennel were pioneers in the sport<strong>and</strong> had many successful years beforeretirement, when Bob moved his reducedtraining operation to near Ipswich where heraced many good dogs in the better company.His hardy old sprinter Intermission <strong>and</strong>the old favourite Broken Back Jack are amongthe many Wehmeier memories.Barry <strong>and</strong> Sharon Morris trained from abase in Gladstone <strong>and</strong> after good successesearly, particularly with Patty Maree shiftedto Lowood where they are today wellrecognized as both owners, trainers <strong>and</strong> studmasters.Cawarral properties provided manywinners through the years with the expertiseof Vicki <strong>and</strong> Dennis Kneen, Noel Bohan <strong>and</strong>the Lill family.Noel Bohan had prepared the smart BowVenture <strong>and</strong> Etzel Girl <strong>and</strong> possibly the bestbitch from Rockhampton in that era in theshape of Unwanted Flyer.Vicki <strong>and</strong> Dennis Kneen put the collar onmany good dogs over the years <strong>and</strong> one oftheir star greyhounds Solid Gamble held thetrack record for many years over the 510metre journey.APRIL 18Stewards present: DM Ryan (chairman), C Clifford(steward), E Murray (registrar).Stewards opened an inquiry in relation to thegreyhound Reet Petite which competed in Race 3 at theGold Coast on April 4.Stewards questioned trainer R Wall of Hendra inrelation to the identification of Reet Petite. Stewardssubsequently allowed the greyhound to take its place inthe field.Further investigation has revealed the greyhoundthat competed at the Gold Coast as Reet Petite wasWacky Frog. As a result, stewards disqualified ReetPetite from the race under AR 84.Wall was subsequently reminded of his obligationsunder AR 142 to clearly identify any new greyhoundsthat take their place in his establishment.As a result of evidence at the inquiry, stewards haveundertaken further investigations into the career racestarts of both Reet Petite <strong>and</strong> Wacky Frog with bothgreyhounds stood down until these investigations arecomplete.APRIL 27Stewards Present: D Ryan (Chairman), S McGrath(Deputy Chairman), D Kays (Investigations).Stewards opened an inquiry in relation to anincident at the Capalaba on April 15 involving trainerGary Wilson of Chambers Flat <strong>and</strong> stewards.Stewards questioned Wilson in relation to theincident that took place after the last event.Stewards subsequently questioned stewards CMcLune, J Muir, H Cantwell, trainers P Hull, P Felgate<strong>and</strong> attendant H Coxsell.Stewards charged Wilson under GAR Rule 125.1.f.(i) which states: Any Person (including an Official) who;The area from Mt Morgan thru toGracemere <strong>and</strong> onto Ridgel<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Pink Lilywas a very popular greyhound area <strong>and</strong>properties were set up to cater for the singlegreyhound or in some case thirty greyhounds.The Irel<strong>and</strong>, Daniels, Wust, Hall, Smith,Wisener, McCabe, Lippitt, Moore, Pascoe<strong>and</strong> Harker families were prominent in thewinners circle at Callaghan Park through theearly years <strong>and</strong> continue to this day.The dominance of the Wisener name ingreyhound racing has continued through thefeats of Don <strong>and</strong> Glenys over many racingseasons <strong>and</strong> in recent times Lou & Debbie,Kevin & Sonya <strong>and</strong> family members.A constant stream of winners flow throughthe Wisener kennels every racing year.Jean Irel<strong>and</strong> is very proud of the feats ofGozo Tosco who was given to Viv <strong>and</strong> her asa Sydney cast-off <strong>and</strong> was dominant inRockhampton in the 1985-86 season winninga total of some 26 races <strong>and</strong> Greyhound ofthe Year title.John <strong>and</strong> Cheryl Lippitt raced the brilliantGo Raging who had explosive speed whenthe lids went up <strong>and</strong> won 29 races around theloam surface of Callaghan Park <strong>and</strong> was fiveyears of age when last saluting the judge.Jeffrey Kuhl was a very prominent trainerbefore moving into the liquor industry inrecent years <strong>and</strong> there would not have been amore popular winner ever than Squeaky Boyin the Rockhampton Cup of 1986. DarlingKay was a smart bitch for Jeff <strong>and</strong> won severalraces in Brisbane in the 90’s.Alan (Jack) Wust was renowned for hismany raids on local bookmakers <strong>and</strong> was amaster of producing greyhounds conditionedready to win. One of the Jack Wust string wasbrilliant sprinter Digger’s Park who held thecourse record over 407 metres for some eightyears.Blackwater mentor Cec Perry renownedfor his “Koorileah” dogs featured for manyyears into the mid 90’s when he had alsoStewardsinquiriesengages in, publishes or causes to be published,broadcasts or causes to be broadcast, the use ofcontemptuous, unseemly, improper, insulting, oroffensive language, conduct or behaviour in any manneror form towards, or in relation to: (i) a Steward.He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty <strong>and</strong>disqualified for 12 months. He was read his rights ofAppeal.MAY 4Stewards present: DM RYAN (chairman), D KAYS(investigations).Stewards opened an inquiry in relation to anincident in the gr<strong>and</strong>st<strong>and</strong> area of the Albion Park duringthe conduct of the meeting on April 24 involvingattendant Kerryn Clark of Logan Village.Stewards questioned Clark in relation to the incidentStewards questioned witnesses G.Purshouse <strong>and</strong>K.Watson.As a result stewards charged Attendant K.Clarkunder Rule 125.1.q which states Any Person (includingan Official) who; commits or omits to do any act orengages in conduct which is in any way detrimental orprejudicial to the interest, welfare, image, or promotionof greyhound racing.Clark pleaded guilty <strong>and</strong> was placed on a goodmoved south to Ipswich to further hisgreyhound racing experience. On oneoccasion Cec Perry had won six races on theRockhampton program. Only Dallas Beckettin recent times has gone close to equallingthis superb record.One of Rockhampton’s all time favouritegreyhounds was the Bob & Marcia Pressickowned <strong>and</strong> trained Blaine’s Bull. Bob hadraced the dam Copper Princess <strong>and</strong> “Toby”was the result of a mating with Blaines Beau.A tremendous chaser who gave his allBlaine’s Bull started on 52 occasions for 27wins with most of those wins in best of night.Several memorable clashes are recordedbetween this great dog <strong>and</strong> Thack’s Gunna.At one time Blaine’s Bull held both the407 metres <strong>and</strong> 510 metres records.Calliope couple Harold <strong>and</strong> NeilaMcArdle are the essence of “great greyhoundpeople”.Having been involved in the sport formore years than they care to admit the weeklythree-hour return trek to a greyhound meetingstill retains the thrill <strong>and</strong> expectation.No wonder the thrill remains as Harold<strong>and</strong> Neila have put the muzzle on greyhoundssuch as Hey Ombre, Temple Dove, SpecialTemple, World Travel <strong>and</strong> in recent timesPaddington Power.A highlight in that time was in August1990 when World Travel won the Suncorp$10,000 Triple Crown Challenge whentrained by Harold for Ken Hazel.World Travel had to win three featureraces over varying distances against the bestdogs racing at the time.Ray <strong>and</strong> Lyn Pike as members of theZonca confederacy raced Tristenfel,Greyhound of the Year in 1995. This blue sonof Bogenfel out of the good race bitch AncientTristarc raced 69 times at Callaghan Park torecord 34 wins over a three-year period.The family connection continues to thisday with daughter Tracey <strong>and</strong> her partnerbehaviour bond for a period of 12 months. She was readher rights of Appeal.MAY 4Stewards Present: C McLUNE, G SMALLStewards concluded an inquiry in relation to anincident that took place at Albion Park on April 24 inthe catching pen after the running of Race One. Stewardstook evidence from Mr John Hayes <strong>and</strong> Mr Paul Grogan(catching pen officials) <strong>and</strong> licensed person Ms KerrynClark.Clark was subsequently charged under Rule 125(1) a (q) which states: Any person (including an official)who commits or omits to do any act or engages inconduct which is in any way detrimental or prejudicialto the interest, welfare, image, control, or promotion ofgreyhound racing.She pleaded guilty <strong>and</strong> was fined $100.MAY 11Stewards present: DM Ryan (chairman), D Kays(investigations), G Small (steward)Stewards opened an inquiry in relation to the urinesample taken from Jimbooma Jet on March 9 at AlbionPark (race 7, placed 1st) which tested positive tokeltorolac.After taking evidence from trainer Mr B King ofJimboomba, stewards charged King under AR 122which states: ôThe owner, trainer or person in charge ofa greyhound nominated to compete in an event, shallproduce the greyhound for the event free of any drugö.King pleaded guilty. Stewards consideredconsiderable mitigating circumstances. King was fined$500. Jimbooma Jet was disqualified <strong>and</strong> connectionsadvised to return the prizemoney. King was read hisrights of appeal.By Ray PikeBarry Hall being involved with the consistentsprinter Sugar State winner of the 2004 YoungGuns series over the sprint trip.Bernie Misztal had always maintained asmall but select kennel of dogs <strong>and</strong> is probablybest remembered for the feats of Brief Affaira prolific winner over the 510 metre trip <strong>and</strong>winner of several feature races <strong>and</strong> the ultraconsistent Shining John.As well as racing his dogs Bernie was avery hard working member of the race clubcommittee for many years <strong>and</strong> his financialprowess <strong>and</strong> fund raising capabilities werewell respected.Alec Ricks was regarded as a shrewd manwith a dog <strong>and</strong> was ably supported by wifeMelba. Palolo Gold was probably the starperformer for Alec in the eighties.Richard Featherstone raced the brilliantduo of Calliope Rocket <strong>and</strong> Last Rocketeer,with both greyhounds going on to race wellin the Brisbane area.Most of the big cups including the covetedRockhampton Cup fell to this duo.Lionel Downing was also noted as atrainer who wasn’t afraid to “have a go at thebookies” when he thought his dogs could win.His ultra consistent <strong>and</strong> brilliant stayingbitch Ultra Mix won many races for the kennel<strong>and</strong> her track record run of 37.83 over the630 metre journey in 1997 still st<strong>and</strong>s to thisday.Gladstone mentor Dave Black wasfortunate enough to race the brilliant AcaciaRonnie <strong>and</strong> in later years the track recordholder <strong>and</strong> a greyhound that could do freakishthings at times, Paddington Bear.This brilliant dog currently is joint holderof the current track record over 407 metreswith his daughter Magani (Phil Sear).Paddington Bear probably did not receivethe better class bitches when he stood at studbut he certainly produced good race dogsfrom the limited exposure.Gladstone trainers over the years haveproduced some great dogs <strong>and</strong> a few worthyof mention are Ruby Claret (Troy Smith),Morzees Me Mum (Burt Breslin) <strong>and</strong> WorldTravel (Ken Hazel).Clive <strong>and</strong> Colleen Thackeray weredevoted fans of the industry <strong>and</strong> will beremembered for the great “Thacks” dogswhich became household names. There is nodoubt that dogs such as Thacks Gunna(winner of two Anniversary Cups) <strong>and</strong> ThacksWinfreux in their era were the match of anydogs to grace the Callaghan Park loam.Uncle Reggie was another crowdfavourite from the Thackeray establishment.Alan & Ros Svensen have always had acouple of h<strong>and</strong>y dogs in their kennel.In the mid nineties Balayer, Black Turk<strong>and</strong> Bronze Nickel were good winners fromthe Lakes Creek Road kennel.Converts from harness racing the Sulifamily of Nankin comprising John, Flo <strong>and</strong>son Andrew have quickly established areputation as astute trainers of the “dishlickers”.The (June, 2006) Journal Page 16
Historic Racing in RockyThanks to the popularity of the FootyShow <strong>and</strong> Channel 9 exposure a race meetingon 31 July 1997 set records probably neverto be matched when over 3000 peopleattended to see the great “Nads” race forcharity. H<strong>and</strong>ler Greg Wynn wasoverwhelmed by the response in a country city<strong>and</strong> over $6000 was raised for the RoyalSydney children’s hospital.Greg <strong>and</strong> “Nads” were the talk of the townfor many months after the hugely successfulpromotion.Annual gymkhanas had been held mostyears away from the Callaghan Park complex.Organised by the local Owners & TrainersAssociation these days were hugely successfulsocial days <strong>and</strong> a chance for trainers <strong>and</strong>enthusiasts to get together, discuss theirrespective dogs <strong>and</strong> breeding topics, race theirdogs both young <strong>and</strong> old, <strong>and</strong> generally havea good time in a friendly <strong>and</strong> relaxed countryatmosphere.Originally the gymkhana’s wereconducted at the Malchi straight track butmoved to Ridgel<strong>and</strong>s when a circle track wasestablished there.In what is without doubt the lowest pointin over 20 years of racing, a Sunday in July1988 will live forever in the minds ofgreyhound people in this area.The scene is set at Albert <strong>and</strong> CarolHarkers greyhound complex at Grange Hillnear Ridgel<strong>and</strong>s where a crowd of some 800is thoroughly enjoying the day <strong>and</strong> the runnersin the annual Ridgel<strong>and</strong>s Cup were paradingbefore the public for the big event.Without warning some 15 police vehicleswith about 40 operative police converged onthe property, shut down the meeting, <strong>and</strong> inthe following 2 hours undertook to take names<strong>and</strong> addresses <strong>and</strong> photograph all personspresent in front of their motor vehicles as wellas breath testing most drivers.Various charges had been laid against theproperty owner, a bookmaker, <strong>and</strong> many ofthe assembled persons.In a couple of cases women in their 70’swere lined up <strong>and</strong> photographed like commoncriminals in the mammoth operation <strong>and</strong> oneman was physically dragged to the ground <strong>and</strong>charged. Certain individuals were transportedto the Rockhampton city watchhouse forprocessing.It was revealed that police operatives fromMackay to Emerald were involved.To this day nobody has really stood up<strong>and</strong> explained the reasons behind the policeoperations. Rumours flew thick <strong>and</strong> fast thatthe raid was drug related, relative to sectionsof the Racing <strong>and</strong> Betting Act, relative tosections of the Licencing/Liquor Act, ormerely an opportunity to dramaticallyincrease prosecutions in the region.It may be conceded that perhaps a coupleof wagers on gymkhana runners passed h<strong>and</strong>sduring these social days but nothing of anygreat magnitude.There had been stories that the Owners<strong>and</strong> Trainers Association had inadvertentlyforgotten to get the proper authority to holdthe trial day. As many people had beencharged for “being present at an unauthorizedrace meeting” that would seem to be the case.The role of the Queensl<strong>and</strong> greyhoundregulatory body in the whole affair wasquestioned as it was later indicated that theauthority had prior knowledge of the proposedpolice sting.Considering that the gymkhana day hadbeen widely promoted in the media <strong>and</strong>signage erected the entire way to the propertyit would hardly have been labelled acl<strong>and</strong>elstein event <strong>and</strong> the people attendingwould have reasonably believed that this wasonly another social day at Ridgel<strong>and</strong>s.It is believed that charges against thebookmaker were sustained but all chargesagainst the innocent greyhound peopleattending the day were never pursued ascommonsense would indicate that they wouldnever have succeeded.This event shattered the lives of manyfamilies associated with the event but theresolve to continue in the industry was strong.However there has never been anothergymkhana day away from Callaghan Park <strong>and</strong>liability issues (costs etc) these days probablydictate that there will never be another.In recent times a mine contractor DallasBeckett from Moura purchased a couple ofpups initially <strong>and</strong> after a couple of years oftrial <strong>and</strong> error has set about re-writing therecord books.Dallas had realized that you probably willnot get the very good dog from other people’scast-offs <strong>and</strong> set about buying qualitybreeding bitches <strong>and</strong> breeding with good studdogs.Dallas Beckett has dominated racing forthe past four or five seasons <strong>and</strong> greyhoundssuch as Burst of Speed, Rare Speed, <strong>and</strong> GoSwift have received many annual awards inwinning a string of races in Rockhampton <strong>and</strong>more recently in South East Queensl<strong>and</strong>.Byron & Lyn Smith now based at AltonDowns are longst<strong>and</strong>ing greyhound devotees<strong>and</strong> have been winners of the owners <strong>and</strong>trainers awards many times during anillustrious career.The raffle greyhound which raced asKayona Eagle installed in this couple the love<strong>and</strong> thrills of the sport at an early age <strong>and</strong>through the good times <strong>and</strong> difficult times thisfamily has grown with the industry <strong>and</strong> thesupport that Lyn <strong>and</strong> Byron have given to thesport is well known.As the shift away from on course bettingto the Pub Tabs, phone accounts <strong>and</strong> Pay-TVtook charge, the club encountered financialdifficulties in 2000/2001.The structure of TAB funding was placingenormous pressures on country clubsservicing bank overdrafts <strong>and</strong> changes to thatfunding are in existence to this day.Racing was put on hold for a short recessuntil restructuring of the TAB disbursementwas in place.With other strategies <strong>and</strong> great assistancefrom Jim Pearce MP the club is once againracing with good dog numbers <strong>and</strong> licenseesupport.The future looks good for the localgreyhound industry that harks back to the “tinboy”days of the 1920'.JubileeKennelsRearingTrainingSpellingPre-trainingWhelpingContact:John RutherfordorMariska HerbertJubilee Kennels, 1179 Atkinson'sDam Road, Atkinson's DamPh (07) 54264413or 0422 838478or 0414 242944We provide the very best care<strong>and</strong> attention to everygreyhound on our property.Congratulationsto the followinggraduatesof Jubilee KennelsReal McCoy (Alb Pk 30.09 Best)Midnite Martini (Ips 30.69Best by 5lgths)Aussie Kim (Ips Mdn 31.21)Our State (heat 26.13 Best,semi Eric Thomson Mem GC)Patmoss State (26.24 GC)C'mon State (24.67 GC)Jet State (GC 21.45)Fool’s Heart (JustPups Currently For Saleby ...* Bearability * Lindale Blue* November Fury * Cyrus The Virus* Fool's Heart * Elite StateThe Best-Heart Spark)* A top class city performer with a 30.06 Albion Park win at 19 months* From an outst<strong>and</strong>ing litter that included: Cardio Spark (6 wins), City Of Sydney (22), Shrewd Slater (12),M’Lady’s Fool (20), Sparkaholic (11), White Spark (13).* Out of Broodbitch gem Heart Spark * Proven at stud * 100% blood brother to Elite StateStud Fee $660* (inc GST. Swab essential.) Free Return or Refund if nil pups. Free return if one pup. Frozen semen AvailableThe (June, 2006) Journal Page 17
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