More Scandals That Led To The Loss Of 210 Tracks

Before tattoos were introduced to identify runners substitutions were not uncommon.  Some were due to mistakes by trainers' assistants in distinguishing between  two fawn, black or brindled dogs.  I recall  occasions when a wrong dog ran but the mistake was detected only after the result was announced.  In some cases the race was declared void.  I remember occasions when a trainer or kennel hand reported a mistake only to be told to 'keep his mouth shut.' Con Stevens at Wimbledon was respected for strict observance and compliance with the rules but I have not forgotten a mistake by one of his assistants in identifying a runner of mine in 1967.   It resulted in a wasted 180 mile journey by Denise my faithful and expert assistant for 32 years.  When she presented my bitch Very Elegant she was rudely asked to take her away ?. One of the four letters in the tattoo was illegible simply because insufficient dye was used.  The steward never even glanced at the characteristic white markings on the forehead, nose, neck, chest or toes.  This outstanding bitch had been passed by stewards at seven other tracks and was later purchased by 'Hoppy' Green the experienced promoter at Barnsley.  

Perhaps the most lethal factor in the failure of so many tracks was the apathy toward the welfare of the greyhounds.  So many were injured on tight turns and dangerous turf surfaces during the years before I began writing about the advantages of sand.  As a teenager I had a special feeling for dogs above all other animals.   I wondered at their truth and faithfulness to us -- even when we might have been kinder to them.

When I enrolled at the veterinary college I became aware of the need to educate the public on the care, management and husbandry of animals if we were to make a contribution to the reduction of injury and disease.   I was particularly impressed by lectures delivered with passion from Alfie O' Dea the kind Professor who had graduated from London in 1906.
I took care of some of the greyhounds who entered the college kennels for treatment.  I still remember the names of some famous winners with sadness because they died there.    A special favourite was Robert Robinson who had won the Connaught and Irish Cups.   He started favourite for the Waterloo Cup but was hard run, stressed and rushed back to the college -- too late.    Another that I was fond of was Robeen Printer the St Leger winner trained by George McKay at Coventry.  Before this lovely creature died from sepsis she had left a fine litter of pups.
After I had qualified and gone to Britain as an assistant or locum I learned of the urgent need for research into virus diseases like Distemper.  While assisting Mr Wentworth Elam at the Liverpool tracks I was very worried by the numbers of greyhounds who suffered agonising deaths.   I felt equally sorry for their trainers and more so for their young helpers who had to carry out the carcases because they lived in the kennels.

I had another depressing experience due to this virus after  I moved to Dublin with Jane in '49.  We lost a lovely brindle bitch that she was very fond of.  Indeed she still mentions her among the real friends we have known.   She was sired by the great "Quare Times " and  had looked very promising at ten months of age.