Cubone - The Gambling Historian!

I am interested in reading the comments in today’s press about the Telephone Tapping that has taken place of late.
I am personally surprised by the amount of secrecy that is divulged on mobile telephones for instance that every ones knows is wide open to eaves dropping.
In the 1960s there was a small Yiddish bookmaker born in the Black Country,
All ways operating in the lesser silver rings, would get his joint, as close to the back line, and hardly ever took a bet, the strange thing about his activity was that when ever there was a photo finish, he would come into tatersalls, and bet large amounts in the result.
Every one thought he was just a bookmaker /punter,
I interviewed him, after it was clear that he was ill. And I was mesmerized by his working ethic.

He told me that he had watched the leading Bookmakers, Hills certainly. Who would do a lot of very successful hedging business, through the track racecourse telephone and their head office.
He had been the first to use this opportunity, to gain financially. But although he was after a commercial edge, it was soon seen to be more public than commercial.
He told me of the many times that he picked up amazing info from jockeys, telephoning, there private backers, at home.
He also told me of the importence of never giving any secrets away on any phone. His little statement was
“If they were all James Bonds” then the M15 wouldn’t have ever got started.
Once he said, he was walking off Warwick, racecourse when a large Italian guy, asked if he could have a word,
He then said Reg wants to speak to you, about a conversation you may have picked up. Bank holiday. And his name was used, We have been told that you are a eaves dropper.”
He explained that he went home, and never went racing again for 3 months.
No other, conversation took place, and within a few years the Twins, were out of business,
He used to make me laugh, about the first time he tested his little adoption that had to be wired into the mouth piece, of a public telephone. and any conversation could be picked up live on a ordinary radio, within 1 mile radius.
When he first purchased the adoption he was at home, he placed it in a high street, telephone box, and walked the half a mile to his house,
The first conversation was local builder, policemen, and a publican whose car had broken down
He then heard a voice he knew it was of his own Doctor, chatting up a local, women. Arranging to take her to a hotel in the town for a night, of full examination. The women had only uttered a cry of anticipation. And one work Yes.
The voice, although vague, seemed to be known to him, said the bookmaker.
That night after dinner, he waited in anticipation to see if his wife was going out at all.
And was surprised but delighted to be told that Doctor Brown was knocking his wife’s, sister. Off. And he had picked up the conversation sealing the fact.
He taught me so much in that conversation, that when mobile phone were developed in the early 1980s,
If I ever had anything to say, it was always in some sort of slang, and if important, I would telephone and say
“There is something In want to tell you” see you soon.
One of the secrets, he picked up was of when Christine Keelah, and her Birmingham pall, (Solihull) Mandy (Randy) Royce Davies, were organising a party with???? ??????? If the News of the World had been on their toes, this person was much bigger than, an MP..
Sol was out on his own, he realized that in a 1/5-mile radius with one telephone, and he could discover every secret, taking place that day. The problem was the secret’s nothing to do with a small time gambler.

If as is agreed there is a massive Gambling market in illegal Bookmaking in Asia,and that it is sure that it will filter through to our spread firms and internet, markets, and of course our exchanges if we are to be the global centre of the universe her in the uk.
We will have to see, transparency in the offering, before the event, or we as an industry, will fall into the same pit as some Asian markets.

Cubone

Looking at the news bulletins about the Cricket Scammers, I am actually beginning to feel sorry for the young cricketers, who have been sucked into there countries, black art form,
It is a truism that they are one of the poorest country’s in the world so I can understand that when a user, convinces them that they can earn more money cheating than playing there chosen profession, honestly. who amongst us would not throw the first cricket ball.
To say to a young, 18 year old, “I will get you enough money to buy your mother a house, and you don’t have to cheat, just bowel a no ball.

There will be many on this blog who will say “no excuse, for cheating”. But hang on were is the sporting event that cheating does not take place,
I was having difficulty in sleeping so I looked at all the sports, I have ever watched, to find one, were skulduggery, has never taken place.and in fact I found it very hard to do so.

Curling, thank you that’s a good one.
Were can the cheating take place,
In this case I will have to go to Scotland the only place were this sporting event takes place. Apparently. and I am not sure if betting has ever taken place,
What we need is a dodgy cleaner, so I looked at our family history.
Since 1970 to 1990 we had helpers, certainly during the time of the “Kids” growing.
On a ration of 1 to 10 we had cleaners who could sweep up, (The ingredient of this Curling sport) so good that you would eat your breakfast of the floor, others you could do so, but only if you wanted to catch MRSA.
So there we have it a curling sweeper, who fails to put her back into the job, a bit like a no bowler.
For those who follow my blog will realise that for years I have stated that there is nothing new in the art of gambling, only the way that the gambling takes place.
So therefore there is nothing new in the art of chicanery, just the way it is carried out.

Take the betting scam, of the 1970s called “The Gay Future, Affair,” there plan head quarters was The Tarra Hotel, and guess were the meeting of minds took place for what’s to become known as the “No Balls Coup”
Yes The Tarra,

Also if you look at the no balls, the scam artist, spent time convincing all, that they had slipped in the rain sodden ground. By sweeping the mud and adding saw dust, like a model maker.

Guess what happened at Cartmell in 1973,
The jockey riding the horse used for the coup fell off in the parade ring,
The reason was that the horse had been covered in snowflakes, giving the impression, that the horse was sweating like a bull and the jockey couldn’t ride.,

So having looked at every betting coup in my diaries going back 60 years, I have come to a simple conclusion, and that is cheating exists in every sport,
So what can be done to eradicate the cancer that is amongst us all? And has always been.

Simple, we must accept, that it is impossible to prove, cheating, no judge could convince himself and certainly not convince a jury, that a bowler had no balled on purpose, even if he ran the wickets down,
Or only skimmed the floor with her broom.
We therefore can only catch a cheater by, his love of publicity. and here lyes the problem, once cheaters, use tick take or back slang, to hide the cheating from every News of the World readers, or in this case from the world, were will we be,
Free from cheating, No. we wont.
For cheating is the hidden trio in a toss of a coin.

Only after it become’s non profitable to cheat, will cheating be quelled. a little,

If an 18 year old artist, or in this cae a brilliant cricketer, looked at the facts, of gain, v pain.
And the pain, was life in a Pakestani prison,

I gaurantee that no balls will be eradicated at once. and for ever,

Cubone

It was clear that very few greyhounds keep improving, in fact it is strange to say but many of the breed, alter there patern of racing without any particular reason.
Historically the change can be put down to an incident, or accident. no different than young children who win the school sports, like a Bolt from the blue, never to wear a set of spikes again.
And never forget that greyhounds become cleverer over time, certainly not all but some great dogs who were leading the industry breaking course records, have been known to change to slow non triers. saying to themselves,
“Hang on a bit I woulnt go smashing my way though spaces that are not there.
In other words I will become cleverer, and think things out.
The true expert will not be pleased with the statement, those who feel the gameness of a greyhound to run is one dimensional. chasing anything that looks like a hare or rabbit, through wind and fire is what the breed is based upon. not the brains of an Einstein.
Clever in Greyhound terms can mean a loss of speed, for if he checks when in trouble, it guarantees loss of speed, although not always loss of the win. coursing greyhounds gain points for thinking the match out. you cant have it both ways. or can you?
All Blacks had become a cleverer dog a master of his art,
During the Greyhound Derby heats, he had been left, at the start and when a collision was imenent, he moved inside them all. going up the rails, winning easily, it was inevitable that he was re-graded as a mid runner and no longer the W for wide.
But what had taken place every run he had he got round without misshap, but at 525 yards he was getting to far behind.in the early stages, never enough pace to lead. he would give the rest start, he had not become the first thinking racer, but certainly the best. during the period.
The bigest fear he had now was something out of his hands
DOPING. for even he hadnt found out the difference berThe incident, were he had broken his ribs was not the only blot on his injure records even his toes were no longer immaculate.but what about internally. Dope causes Liver problem After winning 3 long distance open races, including a TV Trophy, he had become a specialist,
Loved long winding tracks, were he could just settle in behind, and come with a late run,
It is cerain that diuring the lst few years of 1980 All Balcks was doped to lose and more than one occasion, the first time the villans involved had failed to consider the weight of the dog,
And althpigh the Phenobarbbitons effected the way he ran the race, ir didnt look a major problem, so there was no enquiry.
What he had done was smash his wrist, the first real injury of his life.
It was 3 months before he ran again, but within, a few days of his return to form he was doped again, The race was a virtual. match between him and a new kid on the block. who was winning non stop.
At the first bend All Blacks checked slightly and if he was feeling the pain or not he just stopped racing, and pulled himself up.
He was now running more like a professional athlete, who when feeling a muscle pull or something that was not right, he stopped, on his case he walked over to the vet.s office. some have said that the dog was that clever if he had the key he would have let himself in and been on the operating table when the vet arrived.
For the first time All Backs heard something he had never heard before the cruel noise of the boo, er.

What the records do not show was that our hero was doped, with a chiobitanol. not one dose but enough to knock a small cow down.
It was a wonder the dog came out of the box it self never mind pulling up up after 300 yards.
Although his stable could call upon great vets, there was no one of the class of Donul. who with his wife were now living a wonderful life in Spain,
Even Cara had been given an extension on her life, one that had been shortened by living in the West of Ireland.

All Blacks had been a tremendous servant, winning more than 75% of the races he had run, in, however on the down side he was useless for breeding and what’s more the owner, who had lost out when the dog had first been born, by financial trouble, it was clear to all. Mr Hemory, loved to earn £100 and spend £101.so it wasn’t a surprise to find once again the receiver was knocking on the door of his palatial home.

When others have to organise someone else’s future the promises of the past do not always count,

Here we were with an owner, with 50 greyhounds, 50% active and running, 25% injured and waiting to run, and 25% retired and bored stiff a definite drain on the businesses costs.
Mr Hemory an honest individual. had given Donul his word that the Big En would have a long life with the family, as a racer, breeder, or just a retired greyhound, and would never be put down before a vet advised it was for the best.
But once again the owner had weeks to find some money, and even a massive amount would only given them time, not safty.

The team arrived to discuss what to sell and what to hide away,
When the came to
All Blacks, Kennel. he had a worth, he was still running well enough, when his liver held up, he was also limited, as to which race type he should take on.
And with his new thought process, of when to win or not, he certainly wasn’t one to guarantee 100% he would never let you down, but he had become much to clever, for his own good.
On the note , of company asset, there was a question mark.
But at least that was better than one of the teams original bitches, now barren,
Next to her name was 11 year old Bitch, (Veterinary Advice) that could only mean, a home or a long needle.
All Blacks was still not quite 5, and was not far short of a British hero, like the WW2 VC, who was charged with drunk and disorderly, and was still fined, the dogs past was nothing when he required a shed and run, for the rest of his life not forgetting, food and water, the way things were going the company accountant would have to ok similar advantages for 20 pets. and although a successful firm could justify, the expenditure an insolvent, business was a no go.

One thing that was raised was, would All Blacks be worth a giant plunge, in a race of lesser quality, I am sure we could find a friendly racecourse who could find us a small open, at a gambling track, were large stakes could be guaranteed.
It was then that all the interested party’s decided to gather all the surplus, cash, legal or not so. and place it in the paw,s of a quirky, greyhound, that had once been great,

Even a crooked accountant had decided to back, the dodgy plan,
After all the dog had saved Donul from, extinction, why not go twice to the well.
Mr Hemery had been a great greyhound benefactor, raising £thousands for all sorts of charities, in the past he was always a great gambler, fearless, in some respects, but that didn’t always been great winner.
He always though that his dogs were better than they actually were.
He had gained some big wins, with All Backs, but also a few massive loss,s and he would never forget that race were the dog had downed tools.

Within 2 weeks there was a small long distance event at Wembley.the venue of his many glory days, so the racing manager, soon organised a great opportunity. for the team.
As soon as the event was framed, All Blacks was evens, an amazing price, except for that little hick up.
Over £100,000 was raised for the get out stakes, they would need a Bookmaker of equal standing,
Many of the old guys, the greats from the war years, had retired, or died, many of the sons had taken over, the reigns, and didn’t necessary mean an extension of the Bookmakers great name for Gambling..
There is no evidence, that a single even £100,000 was conducted however they did manage to get that amount on.
On the morning of the race, All Blacks was a picture,
The Hemory,s had a party in the Wembley box., very few knew it was a Wake, even if the gamble was landed the company would never survive, from full bankruptcy. they would be lucky to escape fraud.
All the old fans from the past were on to a man, the so called greyhound experts were favouring the new kids on the block.
The Hemory’s had even parked a stable lad, outside All Blacks box, they were certainly going to safeguard from the games new cancer of doping to lose. and with this sort of cash involved there was a lot at stake.
What a petty there was no Donul about to give his magical massage,
The parade, as always was greeted by a cheer, All Blacks still had many fans, that was for sure.
Mr Hemory was sipping only the best champaign, his wife, not like Cara who would have been praying, was counting her tote receipts,.
The track had been in great condition however it had started to rain at dinner time and had never stopped, Blackie had won in this West of Ireland weather, but never liked it,

The hare was on the move, for the Wembley two circuits, those close to the stalls would see all the 5 dogs had there noes to the floor and back sides in the air.
Blackie was standing upright, it was certain that he would get left.

Video.

There is no need for a commentary the Video fulfils every once of All Blacks ability, cleverness, he was in fact the equivalent to Steve Ovett,
The difference however was that the dog did it with a shattered liver. and a less than perfect wrist.

Back at the Hemery’s works, every asset, was earmarked for sale.at least the greyhounds did not get disposed of on the same day as the 100 used motor car tiers some with 500 miles left on them. but only some, others were scrap.
All Blacks wrist was useless, gone, for good never to race again. all he was now was a good looking pet. his value to the firm.
Nothing.
So even though he had done the owner, well. it was now out of the owners hands.
The accountant, still had the dog down, as an asset and not for immediate disposal.
A few flappers, made disgusting offers one of £25, fortunately the cleaner who had worked for the firm, for 15 years, .had a verbal claim, the dog would be here,s as a pet.
So the day after the insolvency, sale, Mrs Brown a 38 years old Scottish women, walked the dog to her son’s van, for a trip to Brighton, the last stage of a glorious life, of arguably a great greyhound.
The old ladies council bungalow, was less than 1/2 miles from the beach, the distance to far for a regular jaunt, but still the dog could smell, the salt and sand,
After 2 years of happiness an incident was about to take place, of which you would only find in a fictional tale.
Every night the little bungalow would be locked, and the women, take her sleeping tablets, for her good night sleep, the dog Blackie was locked in the kitchen,
The crash was heard by no one not even the dog, it was professional with a towel and duck tape, smothering and excess sound.of a broken window.
A 6ft youth, was now in the bungalow, helping himself, to 50 years of family history not one of the items, sufficient in value, to pay for a weeks weed,
All the villain was concerned about was what he had seen in Cash in the Attic,
Unfortunately. by now the dog had heard the noise and was barking loudly, enough to wake his owner the arthritic ex cleaner now retired. was unfortunate for it was possible that the goods, that had already been stolen and moved into his van would have been sufficient, but no, he was looking for that £50 jug that was possibly worth £1000. this unemployable Asbo holder who fancied himself as an antique dealer.like David Dickinson.was a direct threat.
With a knuckle duster, he hid behind the door as Mrs Brown shaking like a leaf came out of her bedroom,
Just a simple blow to the back of here head, sent her crashing into the kitchen.
All Blacks, had been scratching at the door, as his master came crashing through,
He jumped up with his paws on the thief’s shoulders, he received a mouth full of mettle, the squeal was loud enough to be heard in every one of the other 6 bungalow, in the tidy cul-de- sac. followed by the sobbing of a child.

The cry had not come from the dog or the old women for she was unconscious.
Sitting on the kitchen floor was the 18 year old blood, poring from a 6 inch gash in his wrist.
It was less than 15 minutes before the Hove Police and ambulance arrived..
The old women and the youth in one trip arrived in emergency together, were they both recovered.
Not until 18 stitches, of gut were administered, 16 in the boys wrist on the women’s, head.
It was the court case that was most revealing,

The boys defence was guilty of breaking and entry, and then having been attacked, by a viscous uncontrollable massive Dog.
His statement read, “he opened the window to the bungalow, the old women and the dog attacked him, ripping a hole out of his hand, causing a chain reaction, that knocked the women over bumping her head on the floor.”

Even the police failed to offer any contradicting evidence, and as the dog was not interviewed, he failed to show his injuries, own injuries, and loss of 3 teeth.
The Boy was bound over, for 6 months, and a slight, increase to his previous asbo.
A note however was sent to the council to look into the argument that the Dog was uncontrollable, and was much to big a hound to be under the control of a 4,ft 4 inch pensioner.suffering with acute arthritis,
A dangerous dog. order was completed and Blackie, found himself first in Brighton Police animal ,compound and then at Batersea Dogs Home awaiting a judgement.
At least some one in authority. had enough power to allow the dog to join the other 47 waifs and strays, awating a possible home,
Blackie also had an extra disadvantage, and that was he could not be in a home of children.
That alone was enough to be placed in no 48 kenell. well away from the pretty little chiwowa,s or Yorkshire terriers.
In fact the 10 kennels before you got to Blackies was a cross between a Staffie and Alsation, and two litter brothers that looked about as brainy as John and Edward, of X factor fame.
.
During his 30 days confinement, he was shown to only one young girl.she was from the local art college, in an hour she drawn a wonderful pencil sketch. of the beautiful. greyhound.
The last morning there was a slight stay of execution, when the vet was held up, in London traffic.
On his desk awaiting his attendance was the name of 6 dogs and 2 cats, all had passed there sell by date.

There were some footsteps along the gravel. outside kennel door 48.
Even a footstep and Blackie would be on his hind legs, gazing out to see who it was, normally at 9.30 on the 30th day of the month, it would have been the Vet, however this time it was no member of the homes staff.
The slight whimper, could have told a real dog lover that this was no ordinary visitor, as far as Blackie was concerned.
As soon as the big dogs right wrist, was raised from the cold iron, door, and began to be massaged,
the whimpering ended.

“Hello, Blackie, you can come with me we are the only two left.now and I don’t wish to be alone”.
It was Donul. whose loving wife had passed away, whilst in Spain, and he had brought her body back to Dublin, to be berried, he had then come over to England and picked up the scent, on what had happened to his great dog.

————————–
The Greyhound Retirement Trust.co.uk

Cubone.

Over 60 years of gambling under the old regime of fixed odds Bookmaking. there have been times when I was ready to write the full encyclopaedia of Cheating.
During the 1940 the title was “Every one bar the postmen” this was suggested by my Grandfather during the period when a large amount of postmen could see an opportunity, for personnel gain.
Nothing ever bettered this period as far as a title was concerned.
During the 80s/90s a new Opp raised its head in the form of sectional betting, were the actual bet didn’t affect the result, this was like a cheats, a “Canadian Gold Rush” even though the stakes were very limited.
2000, saw the new Klondike, shown up to its full potential when an old inside right, (For the youngsters it is a player who stands next to the centre forward at kick off). booted the ball over the stands, at Nottingham Forest into the car park at Notts county.
Every one laughed however the spread firms, a relatively new genre, in gambling. just sacked two dealers and moved on.

When at a World poker tournament, a player challenged another to 9 holes of golf, with one handicapping himself with only one iron and nothing else in his bag. and that was a hammer. once again every one laughed. and did nothing to change the title from
“Every one is at it accept the postman”

I cant say the exposure in todays News of the World is a shock, for it was only a year that were were told that betting on a single “wide” at cricket earned fortunes, for the organisers,

It brought my mind back to a World Cup Football, event when Argentina had to beat Peru. by over 5 goals to reach the World Cup final at the expense of Brazil.
The first Bookmaker I spoke to had a very limited offer on his list.
No more than 5 goals when I requested 6 or more also it was like me asking what price his daughter would be pregnant before 16.whilst suffering from a sexual related disease.
He was so surprised, I couldn’t even get a even £10. 3 or more afterwards.

So in the world of fractional , sectional. part, bit,betting, it is no longer a surprise to see a wager of an eventuality, that has no bearing on the outcome or if so very minor.of the actual match.

So when all the real Big Gamblers of the world saw a very strong move for over 1 “No Ball” then over “2″ no balls, in a recent Test match,
I would have shut up shop, and become a big game hunter.at least for the rest of the test.

But if we accept that all Spread betters and certainly exchange services of which there is only one.
would at some time known for certain this was a done deal. and every player betting against the eventuality were being cheated, after all they should understand that they are all there customers, even in running players, listening on the radio for the commentary are,

At this time the firm,s betting on theses type of opps, should have refrained from taking any more bets, highlighting for all to see, that all was not well. In Pakistan.

Betfair must have had a time when they KNEW that 3 or more No Balls were about to be delivered.
I can fully understand when talking to a young cricketer, that the captain of a Test team, can explain he has found a way to the golden grail of betting, were cheating doesn’t appear to be,

And like synchronized swimming, we want you to stay under the water a little longer. even for ever in some cases.

My concern now is that I have cracked spelling, and a little Granma, so I am closer to the Book,than ever,
I have even got the title. now.

“Every one is at it” and thank god for that the Postmen of the world will say.they are now exonerated.

And if simple cricketers can pull the wool over the worlds eyes, then let us start an amazing betting coup.ourselves.

Start asking what price
Cubone.s History of Gambling Cheats, reaches the guineas book of records for amount of words.
At present Madeline, George De Scudery Artemene, stands at 2.1 million, words 10 Volumes, even if I flounder, just under 2. mill I am sure we can go all green.

Cubone

The Sunday morning after the heats, were run, was an exiting period Patrick was at the little cottage, Donul and Blackie were already at the coast, having left at 6,0
In fact Pat had to wait until 12 before they had returned,
The goods Donul had returned with were sufficient for a great feast of celebration.
A great big Hare that Blackie picked up. During his first run, some mussels, and sea weed, topped off with a sea trout, what Cara was concerned about living in a wilderness, arguably not been thought out. The wine that Patrick had brought were of a much better quality of the past,
And the only down side was that the meat was still. Rabbit like. They must have longed for a bit of steak. But that may be over now,

They had a load of things to discuss that Donul had told Pat to leave until today and not to bother during the trip home.
Firstly he had the cash to distribute, 1600 punt profit. The rest still being held by the Bookmaker.
Donul quickly told him to keep it as he believed that if the draw for the semi final on Wednesday was favourable they should have it all on, Patrick was beginning to be taken out of his comfort zone, the odd 200 was something, but thousands was a different matter,

! Will we be backing him to win the final now before the semi. Is run.” Said Pat.

“It is all down to the draw Blackie will need trap 6 to run to his best, only because he moves out so quickly from the start, if there is any other dog on his outside, we still do not know what he will do”
“Don’t forget this is nothing new to me” Donul. Was calm and confidant..

They hadn’t waited for the draw, before they left Saturday night, but Donul was sure he would be in the outside box, for Wednesday’s semi.
“However I am not so sure what they will do when he is in the final with Shamrock Sound,”
“What can they do isn’t it drawn out of a hat, said Pat”
“Yes it should, be but you know how money works, Pat”..

“This is a popular local dog, they will want it to win if they can”,
“And not some dog from the hills unknown”. And not a local.

Sunday and Monday passed before they were told that as predicted the two favourites were in different heats and both trap 6.
The trip to the track on Wednesday was more exiting than ever,

“Now get ready to receive propositions today Pat,
All sorts some illegal”.
“They will just be feeling you out just smile and act like some idiot, from the sticks. And if offered a business card just smile again and tell them you will be in touch”

Once again Donul was correct, in fact the owner of Shamrock Sound offered him 5,000 for the dog, and would be willing to take all the other puppies at 1000 each,
Donul smiled what puppies, ?

Pat moved to the Paddy Power joint, and without having spoken he was offered a brown envelope,
“7650. Sir”,,
“Can I have it all on, at 4/5.” Pat whispered.
“Yes you have a bet.” 7650 to win 6120. Pat had always been amazed at the mathematical skill of most Bookmakers,

During the semi-final. All Blacks was the publics fancy moving in to 4/7 by the off.
This time he flew the start, and won in the same time as before by 10 lengths,
Semi final two. And Shamrock Sound bettered the time, breaking the track record that had stood for many years.

When he arrived back to see Donul he said guess what price we are to win the final 4/1.
Patrick was dumfounded, “how can they offer 4/1”
It is indeed sinister before the draw, it means that it is a hatchet job they are adamant that Shamrock Sounds wins. The final.

“Go back and this time stop for the draw, out of the 6 finalist there are 4 wide runners, and they cant all be in trap 6 can they”.

The next time they met. Patrick was fuming.
You are not going to believe it Donul That haven’t put the dog in trap 4. he is TRAP 3.

“You were right when the draw was announced there was some hissing. Some real booing. Hen they found us in trap 3….

The trip home was much quieter, no Whisky in the Jar. Very thoughtful.
I think we have been bettered Pat.
How on earth can he get a run. From that BOX.
“We will have to make a leap of faith as we do not know what will happen with our dog in the what is called the coffin box.”, But the way that Blackie made up his 3 lengths he lost at the start, was historical if he had come out level he could have broken the track record himself.” But tonight he is more likely to be on the floor.

“I am not sure what to do. Next?”

During Thursday and Friday nothing changed, down the coast for a swim in the sea, so cold that they didn’t stay long, the Blackie looked a picture

All Saturday morning Donul had the dog under is magical masseurs, the dog stood there mesmerised with drips of moister running off his nose,.
Cara had decided to go, with them,
Donul was sure that no one would recognise her, the years in the wilderness had not been kind, to her.

This was to be the make or break of there little come back stage.
Was All Blacks chances as good as Donul thought, and could he clear the coffin box of trap 3 he eas now right out to 7/1..
This time Cara led the dog up. In the parade he looked a foot bigger than Shamrock Sound, but that still hadn’t, convinced the general public to support him. For the favourite was 2/5. And Blackie now 5/1.

When Donul was told of the support. For the track dog. He was a little quite.
“Yes I can see that if Blackie miss,s the box again. It wont be the 6 dog that cause his downfall but trap 5, for he appears to have only one way of running he will move in slightly. Taking our ground leaving the clear path for the favourite out wide.

This time Donul with a great scarf across his face, moved to the finishing line, standing right behind Strafford, the owner/trainer of Shamrock. Sound.
Before he did, he told Patrick to go and have £1000 on with Power. At whatever the price available,

When Pat arrived at the bookmakers joint, Paddy himself wanted to talk.
“I have been hoping to see you show support for your Dog, as I am already full with Shamrock, very one is on him accept you.. Every one is convinced your dog has no chance as if the favourite is already home and dried.”
Good, the more I win. You will see,
Will you take a 1500 at 7/1.
“Yes you have the bet.” 10500 to 1500
The way this bookmaker bet was so professional. Pat thought.

Back at the finish, Pat was standing close enough to Donul to speak but of course didn’t.
Patrick was as white as a ghost.
Donul. Was Calm
Cara in her old religious world.
The little gang of the favourite connection laughing, as if there crystal ball was clearer than the little fog like mist that had arrived.

The Hare is on the Move, a roar began, it was all in the paws, of Blackie a 16 month long tale, how sad thought Donul for such pressure to be placed upon a greyhound so young.

RACE.

This was sensational’ the local boys were all looking at each other to decide what to say, Donul dropped all his defences shouting like a child he ran onto the track and picked the dog up in his arm, Cara met him and the three grown individuals were all sobbing,
What he had done was very dangerous, firstly there would be an enquiry why he hadn’t got his name as trainer, what rule had he broken.
What he did know was that he had outed himself, the threats from the past were still there the only difference he had some bartering, a Dog and some cash.

Chapter 5 Snakes and Ladders.

All Change

Donul was beaten he had carried out over 25 whelpings in his career as breeder trainer and vet, but although he had lost puppies before he had never witnessed any think like this, Rachael’s first born pup was not only breached it was lodged feet first in the birth canal. As he closed his eyes, ready to commit him self to a glorious defeat, Cara came to his side.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom he loves commits me here”
She would appear to have been ignored but she was not ready to give up.
Here prayer for the Bitch and her puppies, had at least, been continues.

It was then as if like magic, Rachael. Began to move the contractions that had been missing after the first 2 hours, were now beginning, to recover..
With the bitch not being able to help, it was one of the worse whelping he had ever been involved in, a caesarean, would have been inevitable, if there had been any signs. Perhaps he was too confident in his own ability.
Everything was beginning to improve the mother was actually snapping away at the puppies placentas,
The pup a dog, bought an immediate comment from Pat, “My gods that’s like a staffie”no wonder his mother almost give up”

Having cleaned up the two puppies Rachael, had plenty of space and many tits, to feed from.
What had looked like a WW1 stretcher? Was now a clean? Whelping bed smelling of detol.

Donul must have been fighting for 6 hours in total and deserved to have got something out of his endeavours, .
2 wonderful looking puppies one was enormous, black without a mark.
The bitch much smaller, fawn and white. but streamlined

As soon as they had all been cleaned and were asleep. Donul realised he had to take a photograph, to be sent to Oxford.
The two pups had reduced his monthly probability, by 60% and that was a severe body blow.
The blind puppies had the dinner table all to them selves and were dining royally.

Donul was on his own, but they would have perfect regimented lives, fully inoculated, wormed and dew clawed,
Like all dutiful fathers, he was praising the dog, as some wonder hound, “This dog will be over 80lb, Pat”

As soon as they were offered solids, they were both great eaters, it wasn’t long before they were out in a run, there was very little chance of the puppies getting ill, there whelping box had been spotless, cleaned 4 times a day if nead be but when they were three months getting injured was a different thing, they had no grass paddock, there was as far as they could see, mostly grass, out hours upon end, chasing down to a stream, catching rabbits, the small ones at first, and seemed to come back with knocks and bruises, every night,
There was no way these two would be reared soft the bain of the majority of English bred. greyhounds, Donul knew that was the only chance you have to take, if you wanted a champion.
They would be let off in the morning, to go and roam, about the 100s of acres that surrounded their little hut.

Although Donul had taken a photo at birth he hadn’t sent them on to Oxford; he was dreading a letter, demanding to know what had happened.
Every week went by, and still no mail.

At 6 months, Pat received a recorded delivery. From Oxford when he gave it to Donul he was apprehensive about opening the dam thing,,

“Urgent please telephone me Monday, “ What could be the problem? Perhaps Mr Hemory is coming over. Himself.
After two days Donul had gained sufficient strength of mind to telephone their office,
“Can I speak to Mr Hemory it is Patrick from Ireland.”

This is David Hemory, Pat, “I am sorry to say there is an urgent development at Oxford we have gone bankrupt and can no longer continue with the the contract, I have with you.”
“If you wish, you can take the puppies and ditch the contract, just send the Bitch back, I am very sorry.”

Donul was off the phone as quick as he could, before they changed there mind, he had got himself out of the mire, and ended up with to wonderful puppies. of his own.

It wasn’t long before Rachael the mother was transported back to England this time in much more suitable box, one were she could sit. It was a very sad day but it was just fate, that it was part of a plan hatched from above. And all would turn out well, in the end.

As for the puppies they were growing daily with the Dog, becoming enormous, but still the bitch half his size could out speed him over a 200 yard field.,
At twelve months they had both filled out and were showing brilliant speed, just playing, or when coursing a hare or rabbit.

Donul had purchased an old van, if he was to start flapping again, he would need transport, and they shouldn’t have to rely on Patrick to run all there errands. For them.

One-morning the two pups were let out, it was freezing cold, and a slight rain, as they scampered out, Donul.walked to his van,

After their usually fast sprint from one end of a spiny to the other,
The bitch picked up the scent, of a Hare, a dash from behind a large oak tree and it came into sight.
The first lunge missed and the Hare jumped 4 ft in the air, before setting off towards the fence running along the path. By now The Big Un and taken up the chase and had caught up with his sister,
The Hare seemed not to know were to go, and was running straight towards the 4 ft hedge..
As he arrived, so did the dog,first the hare jumped right through the top of the bush, onto the path, and was away,
The dog followed but hit the hedge half way up knocking a hole through, as big as his jest. Following on was the little bitch that jumped through the hole into the path, at the very same moment as the van arrived. As the Van arrived,
The scream was not from the bitch, as it was more like that of a banshee.
And it wasn’t the bitch for she had hit the vans wheel head on, breaking her back in an instant.
The scream had actually been from Cara, watching the fun of the chase,
The first to the bitch was Donul. If we ignore the Dog who was licking his sisters blooded face.
The shock affected the whole of the crew, including Pat and it was a months before the Big Dog was allowed more than a few feet from the run.

The little bitch was berried by the front door that was, until her brother started to dig her up again. It was then that Donul removed one of the sizeable slabs in the kitchen re-berried the poor puppy, which made one every happy certainly Cara.
One morning Donul got up early put a lead on the black dog and took him on a long walk, letting him off on the beech, were he ran in the sea, refreshing all his tendons and toes, this became a regular event, that the dog loved.
He was growing now at a pace, he was certainly going to be enormous, when at his peak.
It was reaching the time when he would have to decide if he was going to go the coursing rout or that of a track racer,
It only needed a hand sprint, at the nearest flapping track, to see he was a track racer.
He was 14 months when he had his first hand slip. Were Donul. Stood near the traps, and the mechanical hare was tenderly brought past.
Usually many pups do not know what to do, but in this case, Blackie, flew after the hare catching the controller off his guarded by the time it had speeded up and flew round the bend the dog was right behind, all the way,

2 week later he had his first sprint trial. 237 yards, although he came out of the box slowly he showed amazing speed. And manoeuvrability for one so young,
During the next two months he had a further 1 hand slip and then 3 sprint trails, improving each time.

It was April the time for the puppy events, and the dogs papers, had arrived, in the name Patrick, his racing name of All Black was chosen by Pat, as Donul had said, what’s in a name.
During his time he had had champions with stupid racing names, as far as Donul was concerned nothing would stop. “Blackie” certainly not a name.

A puppy event at Galway had always been a great passage for a young dog, and at 16 months, it was the time, to actually see how good he was.

A trip to the course with Pat, and the dog, was as entered Blackie for the early sprint. All the papers were in order but there was no way Donul could show his face, the name alone without the face, would start the drums how long it would be before MrB, his enemy would arrive, and this was something not worth contemplating.

This was to be the dog of a newbie, owner trainer Patrick, and that alone would be worth an extra 5 points, in the betting.

On the way back Pat seemed like a new school boy with his very first pair of soccer boots.
“You did enter the dog as a Wide Runner Pat?
Yes I showed him the 3 trails that he had, all out of trap 6.

The next few days it was all work, Donuls little Box of tricks was opened and these oils were rubbed into the dogs muscles, 3 times a day after his runs up the field and back.
His skin was beginning to shine, as bright as a Scots Guardsmen’s toecap.

One the way to the track, Pat stopped off to collect an evening paper; Blackie was in the last heat, of 4. race 24 dogs entered. semi finals and the final.

Staying in the car, locked away at the back of the car park, Pat was running errands, like a newspaper boy. After you have booked the dog in they will place him in a kennel. Remember the number you may be given a ticket to prove who you are.
Bring a race card back, with you.

Go and see if there is a Bookmaker betting long odds anti post, Pat, knew absolutely nothing about Bookmaking although he did know what a Bookmakers joint looked like. For he had backed a few of Donuls winners in the past.

Within 30 minutes he was back with the race card.
“Great Trap 6.”that was a perfect start.
By the way what price is our dog?
There is only one Bookmaker betting with all the 24 runners, it is Paddy Power.
And he has one dog at 2/1,
Shamrock Stone,
Yes-said Donul. A great connection they were one of my main competitors, when I was top dog.
What price is All Blacks?
25/1,
Are you sure?
Yes it is the last dog on the list. Trap 6 in races 4…
Donul, took a deep breath,

How much money have you got on you?
£200 I didn’t think we would need that much for his first run.

Yes but I didn’t know what price he would be,

Now we have to be careful. If the price remains at 25/1 and is not backed he could be a very big price to win his heat, but if we take the 25/1 to win the trophy we will be marking Paddy Powers card and he will shorten it. For its heat.

So I think we will leave that big price alone. And wait until our race

I am going for a touch Pat; opportunities don’t come around as good as this very often, this is the best puppy I have ever trained.

As the first of the heats commenced Donul was marking the times and some notes as to how they all run. He was already concerned that there were quite a few wide registered,that means that if a lot of wide runners, we could have a problem getting our favoured draw in the final.
This is the only problem I can see, for a dog as big as Blackie, in an inside box could be a disaster.
Donul then spent 10 minutes explaining what happens if there were 5 registered Pups in the final. All wide runners. would draw for places, and I will tell you now if our dog is flying you can expect to be handicapped for the final it always happens, The big Dublin teams will get all the advantages going.
In the seconds heat the ante post favourite Shamrock Stone, won, like good a dog,
Donul just smiled. He will have to be. Pat. “Good but not good enough.”

After the 3rd heat Donul gave Pat the whole amount that he had in the world, 350pnt. This he had managed to keep. Out of the original contract, money.

Pat placed the punts in his pocket, and strolled towards the betting ring.

As he arrived, he could hear the Bookmakers shouting the odds, and could see that they all had All Backs at 16/1.

He chose the Paddy Power team, first and asked for 250Pn @ 16/1, he was surprised that the bet was taken without a murmur,
The same bet was requested next door but only 100 was allowed. Panicking a little for this bookmaker not only shortened the odds to 8/1 he had 50 with the next bookmaker to him.
Seeing the price disappear caused Pat to panic a little but he noticed that Paddy Power was still going 16./1
The Bookmaker must have had eyes up his arse because he held his had out towards Pat and said,
“How much more to you have for your Dog”
200….
Ok you have that with me, 3200 to 200. Second bet.
Pat ran back to the car,
Donul you are not going to believe it I have all the 550 on at 16/1

Even Donul was shocked. But still smiled,
Pat was shaking like a tree in a Sligo tornado.

Come quick they will be off.

They were already a long way from the winning post, but Donul was content to stand by the bend,
We will know the result here not down there pointing to the finish.

The nose of the rattler became louder the faster it went,
As it passed the traps even from were they were you could see that All Blacks had been left at least 2 lengths,

Donul,s lips perched for the start of the work Fuck.

Followed a few seconds later by
My God.
Pat hadn’t a clue what was happening.
As they approached the only bend in this sprint, All Blacks had made the ground, up.
Flying round the bend like that Japanese, JR.
At the post it was 4 lengths clear, and the winner.

Don’t draw the winnings off, Power; it is safer in his odd (betting bag) than in our pocket until Wednesday and the semi final at least.
Just draw the one 1700 punts and I will see you down the main road outside the Public house. You will sure to be followed, when you collect the dog.

Chapter 2. (The Big Un)
Saved by a Sporting Life.

The radio is never as exiting as TV especially when it comes to a weather forecast, The one for the north west of this god-forsaken country, given by some retired beauty queen well passed her sell by date whilst still maintaining a little cleavage. so Donul wasn’t missing very much, with no television, But the radio was also complete waist, everyone knows that it will rain, like cats and dogs, but he did miss the board and easel telling him to wear a hat.

One of the beauty;s of this part of the world, is sitting in front of a coal fire, dreaming of nice things, still to come. in a different part of the world, Even if two feet from the warmth your dreams, would be frozen and lost.
Fortunately for Donul. He had been used to the cold as a young boy, for hours at a time, he would go camping on his own, in the many woods that surrounded his parent’s estate, looking for any injured animal the younger the better. If he could put them out of there misery and save them from being ripped apart whilst still alive, by one of there many predators, he would have been happy, if he could save there lives, all the better. He also learned what little animals were eatable, just by feeling, he knew that a door mouse was a tasty bite, and a hare was a feast.
As a child his interest was humanitarian, he just loved anything and everything, and life was most precious, but there were times when his life and that of his loved ones, would have to take precedence. over animal. welfare.
For hours he would delve into crannies, or deep ravines looking for a rabbit, in distress, or a bird that could no longer fly. But that was in the past,
At the moment, he was seeking food for his table, within an hour he would be at the coast and there he would find the many seafood that could convince you for a moment, that you were shopping at Harrods prime fish bar
This one particular, journey, took him towards Pats pub, it was sure to be locked up. Although Donul had the secret knowledge of how to enter.

From late September, there would be very little rock climbing, so no need for an ice cream vendor, and certainly not enough business for Pat to open up. To the general public.
As he walked to the bolted door, he noticed a plastic bag that had been blown against the window, and had become embedded. Between lock and handle.

As he took it down, it contained an empty bottle of linseed oil and a Sporting Life. obviously a sporting nut, the paper was still dry and what’s more readable.
Although it had been many years since he had collected this sports paper, from his newsagents, in person, he reasoned that the greyhound results would still be on the back page. Sure enough there was even a picture of a greyhound, this was like a message from god, telling him that all was forgiven, for whatever he had done.
The trip back to the cottage was completed a little quicker and with a jauntier step.
He had a hare having been dispatched, owing to a broken leg, a small trout that had found its way into some reeds and was to slow escaping. And not forgetting a bunch of seaweed, to think this would have been some executives dinner, and the makings of a £100 tab, if cooked correctly, and his wife was no mean chef.
All that was missing was a drop of scotch, or a bottle of wine and there 5th year in the wilderness could be toasted, royally. Donul had taken the liberty of collecting a bottle of Dry Irish Gin, before leaving the abandoned inn, leaving an IOU in its place.

Back at the cottage it was a good sign, the old mans remains that had been shaved and perfumed, had been collected, the smell of burning wood, and new baked bread had replaced the Rosemary.

Welcomed like a newly married bridegroom, Donul. placed his shopping on the table. “What a feast, we have my love,” what is it in aid of? Enquired the wife,
“The wonderful moment I first met you darling”,
They were both in a great mood; perhaps it was just the link to the past of even something as simple as a trade paper. For I doubt anyone would rejoice an anniversary of a bolt into the dark ages.

After the lovely meal. Donul and his wife settled down to a few hours of dreaming. Using old pictures of times gone by. For Clare,
His was reading that old Sporting Life. From cover to cover.
“Any thing interesting Donul?”
“Well yes what do you think of this?”

Irish based greyhound trainer required. to take care of a well-bred bitch, ready to whelp having been mated with an English Derby winner.
Owner prepared to pay substantial fee, for the bitch to be whelped and the pups reared until 12 months when returned to England.
Write to, David Hemery
C/o Motor Supplies Ltd.
Oxford, England.

Donul poured himself his second gin. Was this the moment when a life-changing event would return them to normality?
Showing his wife the paper, he was somewhat surprised by here remark.
Not the usual “will we be safe.”.
But “You will have to write to them”

Within a few days he had plucked up the courage to actually do what his wife had proposed. and wrote. All it required was a 10 mile walk and he was in the Finiskin post office he had taken a few liberties, claiming he was still a successful greyhound trainer when he hadn’t seen one for 5 years, and using his friend Pats name and address, was committing a slight fraud, but he owed it to Clara to at least try to get her back to the real world.

It was over 3 weeks, since sending the mail. and there little home was snowed in. like an igloo, in fact they had forgotten all about the application, after the first 2 weeks, so it was a massive surprise when a cry from afar. Broke through the wind. ,
“Donul is that you?”
So pleased to hear the voice of there friend, Pat, the couple ran out through the 2 feet of fresh snow, to welcome there only, link to life itself.
“Pat my friend how are you, and what are you doing so far west, 

“On my way to the USA,”
The laughter could have been heard as far as the coast even if it was doubtful it would have reached the states. unless in a bottle. But the Irish mentality is that everything is possible. Even the existence of leprechauns.

“Come on lets have a party, I am safe”,
“What are you safe from, Pat ?” , “I bet the middle aged spinsters, in Dublin don’t think so.”
Reminding him that his reputation as a ladies man still existed. After all it was his failure to keep his penis,in his trousers that had caused his run into obscurity.in the first place.

“I am no longer afraid of the Gun Runner”, a reference to the women’s husband who was seeking his whereabouts.
“He has passed away, God Bless Him”.

“I also have further good news; I have been offered a great contract, from England. So good I have said yes immediately.”
Donul had forgotten his letter sent to Oxford, so he was saddened to think that they may be losing their friend for good.
It was at that moment it dawned on him.
“You have a letter for me Pat”?
Quickly ripping the envelope open,

Dear Sir,
Mr Hemery is pleased to inform you that he is happy to send his Bitch. “Top Smile” for you to whelp and rear, for 12 months, a contract is enclosed. For you to sign,
The travel details must be confirmed and agreed by telephone. 0208 456 2345 as soon as possible as there is only 4 weeks before the puppies are due.

Donul had to sit down when he read the contract.
But not before a little more of the Dry Gin was consumed,

This is just a dream, £500 one off payment. Plus £10 per week per Puppy. For 12 months, vets bills not included.
Photos to be sent at Birth, 3 months, 6 and 12, and the end of the contract.
Mr Hemery will pay one visit, to your training establishment at 6 months,

Donul didn’t know if to cry, laugh, or just move further up the hills.

After a few moments of thought, Pat intervened, “just take your time to see what you can do after all you are not, lying you are a great greyhound trainer”. Even though using my name and business address. Will get you 2 years.in an English jail.
The next day Pat arrived to take them back to the Pub, for they’re historical telephone conversation .

“Can I speak to Mr Hemory my name is Patrick Day. From Ireland.” Well at least the destination was true.
The conversation was short but precise, and a date was agreed for the bitch to be shipped, from Holyhead to Dublin. time was of the essence.

The next day both Donul and Clara where running about like new parents awaiting there first child.
The day after they both climbed into Pats car, for the trip to Dublin.

All the way there, the three had calculated what the contract was worth.
£500, and if a normal, set of pups 6, it would be a further £240 Stirling per month
It needed Pat to bring them back to reality, by reminding them, of the time there Cruft champion only had one puppy.

“Nothing like support hey Pat.”
As soon as they arrived, they were shown to the holding bay, were the parcel was awaiting,
Some parcel. It was a cage like apparatus, the same size as a racing trap. So in fact the bitch would have stood up for her 8 hours journey.
Not surprising the bitch .collapsed onto the floor when let out, covered in filth, from the tip of here nose, to the white star on her tail.

Only a well bread greyhound like she obviously was, would react, by immediately licking Donul’s hand as he stroked her limbs, ignoring the shit,

What a beauty, I could have won a prize with her at Crufts for certain.
After fetching three bottle’s of clear water the bitch was soon, clean, and fast asleep, between Donul and Clara’s feet.

The next day once again Pat arrived this time to tell them he had banked their £500 check, and gave Donul the money in cash. Things were looking up.

Sitting in front of a fire was Rachel. A long legged Bitch, much to nice to race, but by just looking at here toes, it was clear that she had been in many running battles in her short life,
“She’s just over 3 years, Pat”
“But look at here blood, lines”.
After a further pause,
“Look at this Clara, she is the great grand daughter of Athenray” , Clara began to sniff a little only gently, not enough to alert Pat, but Donul knew exactly what was meant by here distress
Athenrey had been owned by her own sister, that many years before. But had formed a link to their happy life that once existed,

“Annie was a great Bitch Pat, so good she won the Cesarawitch with a broken hock. And to think here is her beautiful bloodline.” This is what dreams are all about”,
The next two week was spent keeping warm, the bitch was never let out the only exercise was from the godley hand of a master greyhound man,for two to three hours a day Donul would massage every inch of her body, the bitch showing wonderful calming characteristics.

“When do you think she will be ready Donul,”
“She could whelp in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Pat, or next week you can not be sure, will you stay over for a few days, I am a little concerned, after all she is a virgin, bitch, and could require help in an emergency. There is a Vet in Drumshinnagh, but it may not be required,”

“Is there anything you think I should bring when I return.?” Pat had very little to do, what with the pub closed and was relishing his participation,
“Yes a bottle of Brandy and a Bible the two B,s.”
Even now Clara was disappearing into their bedroom, no doubt, asking for a little help. from her beloved Mary.
This was more than a birth, to them, it was the possible turning point in there life,and yet some may say it was sacrilege to waist so many prayers over a dog.
That would be fine, other than the fact this was possibly there last hope.
By 12.0 the bitch was beginning to show concern, peeing every 10 minutes,
It could take days but I doubt that this bitch will be long,
Pat was most interested in the process, and willing to help in any way,

“You see this Pat, it is normal for her to start shivering that is a sign, and all is well.”
However I am concerned that the first-born may be breeched,

“What does that mean Donul. breeched.”
Let us wait and see I do not wish to worry you. Just go and pore us a brandy.

At 4.30 in the morning, the bitches water sack broke, leaving a stain as big as her self on the stone floor
15 minutes later her second water sac broke. Donul was now very concerned as he reached inside a little bright red blood oozed onto the floor Donul was trying to keep the bitch calm by talking to her in his wonderful soft tone of a true Dubliner.
Look Pat, this is the problem, just the tip of a puppies feet could be seen,
“What will you do? ”
I don’t want you to be upset Pat it may be bloody we have the first born trying to come out feet first.
This will take some time, give me a brandy,
Before he sipped it himself he dipped his finger in the glass and gently rubbed it onto the bitches lips.
It seemed like hours with Donul carefully manipulating his hand into the birth channel the bitch trying to squeal.
All of a sudden, Donul cried out sorry little lad,
The first-born was dead, but the path was now clear for the second,
This puppy a dog was causing as much alarm,not because of any problem, to its position but the size, he was by far the biggest puppy Donul had ever seen, and Rachael was beginning to show massive distress, instead of bighting and snapping between contractions, she was to weak to do anything,
“With a dog this size I fear we may lose the bitch”.
“Please call Cara,”

Pat didn’t have to go any were for
Cara was at her husband’s side within seconds,
Looking towards her he quietly mentioned
“Pray for an Act of Hope”.
With this Cara began to quietly chant, whilst holding her bible before her..

“Is it to late to get to the Vets, Donul.”.
There was no response.
There lying at there feet was a black puppy distorted from his fight to live.
The bitch seemed to have died for here loud whimpering had ceased.
It was a disaster, nothing could have been worse.

Was it the End, for there little dream?

Chaper 3.
The Beginning

A Greyhound story, in 5 parts.this evening, No 1. Escape to the Hills.
The Big Un. A Fictional Tale of Greyhound Intrigue, and Chicanery. Were the true Beauty of Hound. Versus, Human nature. Occurs.
——————————

Chapter one,
Escape to the Hills
——————————

No need to knock on the door, Clar knew who it was as there were only two people within a 5 mile radius.and the other 2 were vicars,
As Donul. Opened the door, he could smell that his wife had some work.
Any sort of work was a bonus.
The smell was of rosemary and that would only suggest one thing,
There was a dead body in the spare room of there hut.
How Donul and his wife, found themselves living on the foot of lost mountain, in a dwellers shack, is a long story,

Donul was one of Irelands greatest greyhound trainer, breeder, vet, what ever a greyhound lover wished to do, he could do it
Born the son of a great, horse trainer, Donul, loved Greyhounds and with the support of his father he was schooled to be a vet.
Winning a top rosette at crufts, was the start of a love affair that never left him,
After his father died, there were to many siblings around for him to have any in expectancies of a inheritance, so he was left in the big wide world, relatively poor, but with hands of a god, soft and gentle.
Fortunately for him his wife also, had the feel, but in her case as an osteopath.
As soon as he started breeding for a living, it wasn’t long before he was pulled into the racing side of the breed, although a non gambler, he became notorious, as a tricky customer, tricky more as an excellence than meaning a cheat. if he was asked to purchase a game, honest hound, he never let any one down.,
Donul didn’t know how to cheat, but as a judge, of a greyhound’s ability he was exceptional.
Within 5 years he had moved from winning flaps, (Unregistered tracks) for small silver cups, to winning some of the best flapping events in the Ireland, both north and south.
It came as a great worry the first time he realised he would need to gamble. If he wished to remain, doing what he loved, as his expenses, grew, so did a realisation that he had be more professional.
In 1975 he was approached by someone who is better to remain a secret, we will call him Mr,B as in Big,
Donul was religious, but never political. His new partner was non religious and very political.
So as not to beat about the bush, he was in fact a moneyman for the political wing of the Ira, during the 30.s he was very much part of the Irish Sweepstake. That became enormous, and made some very large fortunes.
B loved to GAMBLE but not in a small way, he always said to Donul. If it’s worth backing, then, act like a lion, and kill all in your path.
I assume he only meant that in financial terms.
The two together became unbeatable and carved new pages, in the history of greyhound racing during the period.
For over 5 years the few times that their big gambles were beaten, we may as well say they were unbeatable.
That was until. After Year 4, It had become obvious that non of there bets, would be accepted, any more, bets of 1000 punts were restricted,
Young puppies, would be priced up as very short favourite, in all of the anti post events, and if there were more than one litter puppy entered they would be joint favourites,
They had become defeated by there own success.

It was at this stage that the partnership reached it’s cross roads,
It wasn’t worth while, any more, if they could no longer get on, Mr Big, suggested plan b, “instead of gambling to win why not gamble to lose. No way would Donul ever contemplate, stopping a greyhound of his, but Mr B was a different, kettle of fish,. he hated to be beaten, in anything he did, he had no problem with stopping one of there dogs, for financial gain, it was a clash of morals, there relationship,began to flounder.

Over a month period, several of there top dogs were beaten, and although Donul didn’t know a great deal of the inner most, working of the gambling industry, it was clear, what was happening. The prices were drifting; someone was stopping their dogs, but how?

When they had started together it was a straightforward 50/50 arrangement,
All gambling would be conducted, by B,
All training matters by Donul
Any bills vets, or running cost would just be handed like any business, every month both the two would be given an equall wage, taken out of there winnings.
Within 3 months there float, was sizeable, running cost, and the purchasing of any new Dogs, Brood Bitches,, was taken out of the one float, and run like an accountant, would everything itemized,

By the end of the first 12 months, over £100,000 existed in the Account. That was net, and all though there was no mention of what would be done when or if the partnership, was broken, the money was all in B’s bank account.

Within a few months, Donul was passed a statement of running costs, the bad spell had reduced their winnings by 50%,
That weekend, they had entered their champion sprinter in an open event at Dublin,
This was the dog that Donul thought would create all new records, and it had sailed through the heats, entering the final as odds on,

At no way could Donul interfere with what MrB did in the Gambling side of things, and every day, he was notified, that they had backed there dog again. In fact by the time of the race they had over 25,000 punts running on their dog at an average price just above evens, .
What could Donul do, every time he was asked what he thought of the dogs chance, he would always answer in the positive. Even the unlucky patch was passed over as an unlucky spell, but luck was no hindrance to their sprinter, it would just be off and clear. On times alone he would not only win by 10 lengths he would break the track record,
That morning the telephone rung, it was from a local vet, the one who handled all the stable requirements out of his range owing to modern equipment, he had been asked to perform a private and secretive test on the greyhound beaten most recently.
Although it had only been beaten a short distance and had caused no concern, to the track security, he had made his own enquiry unbeknown to his partner.
The report was damming,
The greyhound had been stopped from winning. not enough to be seen by the naked eye, it was a sedative that caused, manoeuvrability, and not direct speed so it was the way a dog would run a bend that was the problem, usually running into trouble by checking.

That was impossible Donul had protected the dog at all times, and only he had keys to the kennels that were locked every evening.
There was only one spare set of keys. ?? the ones held at B’s office for emergency.

That night there was a telephone call from B, “How is the Dog” as positive as always Donul gave a glowing report, as to the health of there favourite, even telling him that he had switched, the dog out of its normal kennel, and into one right by the trainers door,just as a safety measure,
The next morning, Donul looked at the black dog, that had been substituted, what ever had been used it was impossible to detect without a full blood test, the dog was taken for a walk, and allowed to chase a few rabbits when he did everything appeared fine until he had to change course,
Donul, was distraught, the only good point was that the champ was safe for he had slept, at the foot of the couples bed.

When they arrived at the track, it was clear by all that the favourite was easy in the betting market, having drifted from evens to 6/4 someone was not as confidant as Donul.
The longer time passed the bigger the price, to every one who asked if there was anything wrong with the dog, all the trainer could say he was in great condition.
The race was as boring as was expected, hitting the traps, like the champion he was, clear at the first, taking the bend like a train on rails, it was home and dry. breaking the track record in the process.

Just a glance of B’s face sent a shiver down the trainer’s spine. and he was pleased to be off the track and home. safe, from any ramifications.

Just as he was getting into his Van, he heard the loud voice, of B.
“I will see you tomorrow at my office, 9.30 Sharp”
Not the response from a 25,000 punt success, Donul thought,
The next mornings, meeting was short sharp and to the point.,

“I want you out of the Kennels with your wife, by 12.0

Donul was not going to go anywhere without some explanation“What about the money we have won, it was 50,000 punt even before last night’s win.”

The sound of Mr B’s voice increased by several decibels. “I will repeat I want you out of the kennel by 12.0 you go out the same as you come in with nothing other than your life”, “and if I see you again, even that will be in jeopardy. Many of the people who did last nights business, are seeking retribution.”, and they are not the type of people to mess with”

Every time that Donul thought about That meeting, he went into a shiver, it did not require, a history lesson, on who he was dealing with, to know why the couple had bolted, and was the reason why they were living at the foot of Ox Mountain, known as the Hill of the Fairies, Before they had left Dublin, he had made a phone call to a school chum who could be trusted, many years before Pat, had been caught in the bed of an arms expert, known to have a nasty temper, coming to the conclusion that he had made a simple mistake, but one that was not simple to overcome, he had arrived at the same conclusion as Donul, one of survival. he had also bolted to Sligo. but in his case his family had enough to help him move. he now owned a small pub, open for the 4 month season, and a few hill climbers.
The only money Donul had was gained as a partime handy man, doing the patching up of property owned by people as hard up as them, it was a small community, of strugglers, his wife also helped as an unofficial nurse,there at hand for the arrival of babies, or the passing of the deceased, as was the case at that moment,
But at least they were Safe. from what was a different matter.

Chapter 2.
Saved by a Sporting Life.