Kibble and Biscuits - Greyhounds Queensland

IpswichIt was great to see long time supportersof our Puppy Auction Series, Michelle andGreg Stella, break through for a well deservedwin in the 2006 520m race.With finalists in the previous two yearsyou could certainly say it was their turn towin this year. One of the pleasing commentsduring the series was the positive supporttowards the two-race two distance conceptintroduced this year.Owners and trainers should not forget thatthe second race of the series comes up inOctober over the 431m distance with a$12,000 to the winner final.As the dust settles on the first race of thisyear's series, nomination forms for the 2006Highland Smash Repair Puppy Auction willsoon be available from the club.Pups from this Auction will be eligiblefor a two race series to be run in 2008.Breeders wanting more information aboutthis years Auction should contact the club.The date to remember is the second Sundayin October.As mentioned last month, starting in Juneare a number of restricted 630m races. Thesehave been programmed to assist trainers ingiving young dogs experience before headingto the city.The verbal support has been goodregarding the introduction of these races, nowwe need the support of trainers withnominations.August 15 is Corporate Dollar night wherewill be selling our industry and club to a wideSecretary'sNotesrange of corporate representatives.As the following day is the show holidayin Brisbane, this is a good opportunity to comealong and have a night out without the worryJim Conlon (right) with Truly APrince recent Maiden 1000 winner.of heading off to work next day.More Sponsorship, More Dollars, MorePrizemoney, this is our goal on this night.Our charity pup, who will race for theChildren's Sunshine Ward at the IpswichHospital is about to enter the breaking in stageof her career.Life has been good to date with plenty offree galloping and media appointments takingup her time.We all hope she can deliver on the racetrack in the future and bring lots of excitementto her growing number of supporters.CapalabaThe Club was very happy with the successof the Awesome Foursome recently won bythe Ron Ball-trained Shiokaze.The Committee has requested that anyonewho is interested in contesting a match raceor shootout in the future to contact the cluband every effort will be made to accommodatesimilar races.The timing will be dependant uponavailabiliy of suitable opposition and thepermission of the GRA.The club is investigating buying its ownvideo camera in an effort to further reduceexpenses.Previously a contractor was charging theclub $26,000 a year for this service.It has since been replaced by the hire of acamera from the Ipswich club on race days.This reduced our costs by over 50 percent.Broadcasters are now requiring clubs touse digital cameras so Capalaba is looking atseveral opportunities to pick up an analoguecamera suitable for our needs at the rightprice.Any savings generated after the originalpurchase price is recouped will be returnedto trainers in prizemoney.Beta-K UpdateBeta-K should again beavailable to trainers in early August.I have had a lot of inquiryrecently, especially after thepublication of Part 6 of the MoneySaving Ideas series, in which Beta-K was featured and its many usesdescribed.Vetsearch apologizes for thedelay and be assured they are doingtheir best to get the new andimproved formula if Beta-K backon to the market as soon as possible.In the meantime here are someideas, in brief, how to do the bestfor your greyhounds, using Beta-Cel and other appropriatepreparations.* For routine daily use, selectBeta-Cel as the electrolyte ofchoice. Dosage is 3g (1 levelteaspoon measure) in the morningand in the evening meal.* In warm weather (just aboutover until next summer), feed halfthe dose in the morning and half thedose at night.This ensures better acceptance andmore uniform uptake over the 24 hourperiod. Milk may be used for mixing ifpreferred.* In hot weather (next season), dosecan be increased to 3g in the morningor 3g in the evening.This dose can also be used forgreyhounds in hard training andnervous and excitable greyhounds.* For greyhounds prone todehydration or acidosis, a double doseof Beta-Cel for two or three days willoften rectify the problem.* For the prevention of cramping,give 3g of Beta-Cel in the morningmilk or meal. In the absence of Beta-Kconsider also supplementing withPharma Mag Forte (PMF) tablets.PMF is a proven combination ofMagnesium and Potassium in a uniqueaspartate/orotate form which enhancesmuscle energy, muscle release andmuscle relaxation. It reduces lactateand helps cramps, spasm and aches andpains.This product is featured in ThePerformance Report (available fromNatural Performance Products, PO Box55 Austinmer, 2515.Price is $18, plus $4 postage andhandling) a recent publication abouthandy hints and performance tips fortrainers.Pharma Mag Forte tablets can beused with confidence with Beta-Cel,Recharge and Neutradex to rehydrategreyhounds and aid recovery.These are good therapeuticcombinations and the results maysurprise you.It is a good idea to also add 10g (2level teaspoons) of Calci-D powder inthe evening meat meal, or to the levelrequired proportional to the weight ofthe meat to make up the shortfallsbecause of the low calcium content ofthe meat.After traveling and after racing inhot weather (if Recharge is notavailable), mix half a measure of Beta-Cel, 1 level teaspoon of glucose ordextrose, and 1 level teaspoon of sugarinto one cup (250ml) of water.Offer as a drink to replace fluid andelectrolytes, then give the greyhoundaccess to a bowl of cool, clean water.Do not offer too much fluid prior tokenneling for racing as body weightlimits may be exceeded.There are more tips to Beta-Celthan the above which can be found inPart 6 of Money Saving Ideas, but thisinformation will be a help to trainerswho are anxious to do the best for theirgreyhounds until Beta-K returns toretailers shelves.As soon as this occurs, I will bedelighted to let you know. MoneySaving Ideas series recently appearedin The Journal, The Chaser, TheRecorder, and The Adviser.For trainers who do not have a copyof Get the Facts - Electrolytes forGreyhounds, ring the free call number1800 009 847 and ask for a copy to besent to you.The (June, 2006) Journal Page 23