Naming your race dog never an easy task. Having spent four years in the ANZGA / GA office we certainly had different rules to the ones that exist today. One of the best names ever was Brett Lee. Probably because he turned out to be one the best race dogs and sires of all time. However what a fantastic promotion for the Australian Cup it turned out to be. He was named before I got to the office by the delightful Paula Gray. Paula admitted to knowing very little about Cricket at the time and the name was passed. There was a rule banning well known names after celebrity French Chef Gabriel Gate complained about a dog in his name fair enough if you didn’t like it. However Brett Lee embraced in the best possible way. He had only played one Test at the time but went on to play 76 take 310 wickets and make 1451 runs at 20.15. The Wollongong boy was a Star from 1999 until 2012. He took 100 wickets and made 1000 runs in One Day Internationals as well for his country winning the Alan Border Medal in 2008. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Brett but my daughter Kellie and her mate Casey had drinks with Brett and his Cousin in Sydney one night 20 years ago and they told me he was a charming and delightful bloke. I certainly admired him as a Cricketer and enjoy his commentary. My funniest naming story was the late Terry Hill called me at the office wanting to name one of his dogs Marion Jones. I said you can’t Terry she is to famous he replied why not. I said well for a start your pup is a “Black Bitch” 
. You couldn’t help but love Terry.
Darren Leeson– The rules are far too strict in the greys. When it’s a free for all in the other two codes!
Shane Hookey – Geez he still holds the record at Angle Park doesn’t he !!!!
Ed Dickson – Always wanted to name one tihs tae never got through though
Bob Watkins – I remember years ago a dog got named PHALLIC SYMBOL and raced a few times before it came to the attention of authorities and it got changed.
Owen Edmonds an old greyhound trainer and poetic author of some fame was very adept at getting names through that definately had double meanings.
HOTTER THAN POTTER was one that got knocked on the head Because of infrence to a certain chief steward who resigned after being accused of swab tampering.
Helen Lamberton – Bob Watkins do you remember”Coominya Dreams” and ” Cunning Lingus”?🤣
Ricky Hassall – I’m disappointed with the ridiculous naming rules.
They have so much more freedom & fun with naming in the Trots & Gallops.
I got knocked back for the name Burrum Flo Jo. (Flo Jo is famous).
Yet there’s plenty of names out there that are contradictory to the dumb rules.
Surely it’s time to have some fun with names again…..
Ricky Hassall – I should add what a great article and it highlights the fact that under the current restrictions……that type of positive publicity has been lost.
Thanks for sharing Neil Brown.
Michelle J Warren – I remember Brett Lee the dog I was with my uncle and I said to him I am going to get his autograph he said to me what you going to get his paw print 🤦♀️🤦♀️ I thought the human Brett Lee was there at the track 🤣😂 Brett Lee the run well that night in a trail run
Dale Peardon – What a great dog
Marg Long – Brett Lee was an absolute gem to work with. He was chuffed that someone would name a greyhound after him.
Many celebrities are not so happy about it and that is their right.