The very best order is one that doesn’t have to be repeated over and over again.

The British Army, is a great example of how dominance exists, every one knows his place in the pecking order, and carries it out religiously.

The greatest, power base, for over 250 years until its demise, was the power that existed following the creation of the Jockey Club.

Horseracing had commenced as a way to improve the breed, of the Horse, gambling become a spin off, of the one to the other,
Members of Whites, and the Jockey Club, were usually one and the same.
As far as the Jockey Club was concerned, this club dominated Horseracing. It’s breeding its regulation, and its security,
But hidden in the dark rooms of these club’s were UN written rules, that bound them together,

It has been a fact that on a first born, Childs birth, the first person notified, officially was the secretary of his club, “Whites” followed by those of Eton, and Jockey Club.

These 3 clubs have been interwoven, for centuries,, but certainly after the formation of the Jockey Club in 1750.

The importance, of the horse in battle, was obvious. But when horseracing became, an industry, it was a necessity for a power base to be formed, with unwritten instructions, not unlike a Masonic order, to help. Each other, in the pursuant, of there interest. The horse.

The most important aspect was the breed, to win classical events, was imperative, known as black type, just to look at the amount of classical winners, by club members, during the period. of the Jockey Club, and its fade from dominance, nearing the 21st century, was clear for all to see.

In 1912 there was an incident, that brought out in the open the conspiracy that existed, ever since the formation of the CLUB,

On April 1912 a ship the TITANIC sank, on board were a very powerful individual Bruce Ismay the managing director of the Ships Blue Star Line.
After the ship struck an ice burg, it began to sink,

Reports abound, about the owner dressed as a women to gain a position on a lifeboat in front of women and children, this is certainly not true, however in all disasters there has to be a culprit, a whipping post, and Ismay, the elder was perfect, fodder. For that calling.

With many of the British newspapers, headlining the biggest coward in history, it was inevitable that he would bolt, and he retired to Galway in Ireland, to do some Salmon fishing, living on his fat, never to return.
The problem was that any one with the name Ismay, would also come in for the same battering,

Bower Ismay the 3rd son, had nothing to do with the great boat builders. Other than his inheritance,
He loved hunting and horseracing. And had never been any were near to the Titanic.
At the same time, the boat was sinking he had purchased a wonderful racehorses, .
Craganour, from Sir Tatton Sykes, a very fine racehorse judge,
He in his tern had brought the horses from the Uks greatest judge of a horse in the land,
When it was known that Major Eustace Loder, had unloaded both the horse and the dam, it could be assumed, that such a good judge as Loder undoubtedly was, he obviously didn’t fancy the line. That much.

The start of the horses 3 year olds, season, began with the 2000 gns, racing wide across the course from Louvous, every one on the track knew that Ismays colt had won by at least a neck,
It was a great surprise when the result went the other way.
In the winners enclosure, Cragnours jockey Bill Saxby had stated that he eased the horse after he knew he was the winner,
The trainer was distraught more with the jockey than the judge, giving Saxby the immediate sack.
Before the Derby the horse was given another trial beating the 2000 gns winner with a great deal of ease,
It was no wonder that he now became 6/4 favourite for the senior classic.

Even if we ignore the death and destruction brought about by the Suffragettes, for a moment,
The Blue Blood classic was as big a disaster that has been seen on a British racecourse. Before or since.
From a relatively calm pace, there was a massive increase after the Tattenham Corner mêlée took place the leader Louvour, increased the speed catching many of the horses off guard.
The next to make a run was the favourite Craganour, with less than a furlong left the two joined forces with others running on.
Although a bad pathie News film. People at the course saw the 100/1 chance, physically attack Craganour.
Jockey Reiff the USA light weight, seemed to be so unbalanced that he fell into Louvous. who intern rebounded
With only ½ a furlong left 3 other horses, running on, all across the course.
It was an amazing finish, but Craganour clearly the winner, some thought ½ a length at least.

For 5 minutes there was a deadly hush before the winner was announced,
Followed by a blue flag for ALL RIGHT.
!st Craganour.
Bookmakers all over the course began to pay out their winning clients.
And still no extra announcement was made,
What seemed ages, until a further announcement, that could only be heard in the tattersalls area,

“An Enquiry” followed by the red flag. For bumping and boring.

21st century race watchers would have been a little jittery, on the possible outcome, but in 1913 not so,

The stewards were
Lord Roseberry. Chairman. Educated Eton.
Lord Wolverton “
Major Eustace Cunliffe, “
And last but not least.
Major Eustace Loder, “
Every one of them were Etonians,
But there was worse to come,
Having replaced Saxby following the 2000 gns, Craganour was now in the hands of USA rider Rieff.

Johnny Reiff, was one of the American invasion, who had arrived with the American Invasion. During the early 1900s, this team had held the British Industry at ransom. Along with Tod Sloan and Lester, his brother, . He had been a little more careful than the others like and were Sloan had been warned off,
Reiff had stopped here, he was hated by our stewards, but had ridden 2 derby winners.

The result of the objection was outstanding, although the Etonians stated that Reiif had ridden a very dangerous race,
They still failed to reprimand the jockey for any breach of their rules,
When the announcement was made the riots that were taking place all over the Epsom Hill intensified.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Old school of Jockey Club, had ganged up on the house of Ismay. on behalf of the UK public.
The fact that the owner was Harrow educated, just a further point in the crossword puzzle. Of that day.

One of the most out spoken, in the enquiry, was Loder, he fully supported the objection. Many have disputed that it would not have been financially sound for the horse he bred to lose the race.
But if any one had looked carefully into the facts that the original owner had also sold the brood mare to Bower Ismay, he was in fact a very disgruntled man, and had a grudge stronger than the top hat he was wearing.

I personally feel that Charles Bower had a very bad pack of cards, to be second in two Nationals, be denied a 2000 gns by a bent judge, and to have the Epsom Derby to be stripped off him, by a conspiracy, of school chums,
Was enough, for any to stomach?

To be booed at every turn, your name was announced, was just too much,

Shame on the Jockey Club,

Cubone.

.

FONTWELL 5.30 £500 Starting Price.

Of all the Rooneys, through time, 99.9% have had nothing, born, to extreme poverty, lost through the Potatoes Famine, during the 1800s. Right up today even more so, with the extream poverty that will now exist from lack of employment. Having no chance to save their own loved one’s never mind their own. well being.

The day that a small dwarf type baby. But with a typical Rooney smile, conquered the world of stage, becoming a super star, with no more than that smile. Every thing became possible.
By the age of 18 He had Judy Garland asking him for dates,
Even the most beautiful girl. In the known world Ava Gardner, fell to his minute charm.
Never content, with his love life, Mickey married many times, but at least, never forgot his fortunate gift and in the longest career in acting history, he has done more good than harm,
Our new Rooney, equally as plain in natural looks, without the smile. Can claim to have more skill in his own chosen genre, than Mickey. However that boy with the Scottish blood, still making many of his fans, happy, just a signature or a printed image can put a Rooney smile on a Childs face, without any real cost.

As a football lover. I have an opinion that says, this 21st century Rooney is as good a football player as any, before, and although that is yet to be proven, his ability to carve open an opponent defence, with a pass, not even contemplated by other greats.

So who is the god that divides fortune and skills equally amongst, all? We accept, that all pluses must be followed by a minus. Ying and Yan type,

And in the case of Mickey, and Wayne their repayment, in accepting their plainness, is there for all to see,

But when alone in his bedroom, does Wayne ever see how fortunate he has become,
Just to do something that trillions would do for nothing, if there loved ones could be safeguarded from the poor house.
Every one in life suffers with uncontrollable urges, some minor some more serious.

Wayne for instance, cannot control his, sexual urges, and is prepared to seriously damage his loved one’s for a few moments, pleasure. Illicit in some cases,

A poor quality rubber doll. Or a small itune, strategically placed, not good enough. For him.

I advise our new sporting god, to rethink, his short-term future for he has no more than 12 years at best, and will have a long time, in the wilderness, reliving, a life style, that was forced upon all his previous forebears, without there wish.

If and I hope his wife, who appears to be both loving and honest, also forgives him yet again, there may be, some hope for this latter day saint.
But even if he is sliced into the long grass, he has a duty of repentance to all the young fans, that still idolise him, take advice, my ugly friend, accept, the wonderful skill that has been given, improve until he becomes the great, I feel he could. be

As for his wife, He should fight, for all his worth to be forgiven yet again. For his stupid ness,

If not go out and get a copy of a recent, soccer great, “Life Story”

For that is you will finish and sooner than you think.

Cubone

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 1/2-mile radius with one telephone, and he could discover every secret, taking place that day. The problem was that many of the the secret’s had nothing to do with a small time gamblng.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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