Dawn Bajada contacted me after she had I found this article on Trove (Dated 21/08/1884 in the Yarrawonga Mercury). It listed the office bearers for the Yarrawonga Coursing Club in 1884 and it mentioned the President Mr. Angus Grant. Angus Grant is Dawn's great Grandfather. Although born in the Tullamarine area, he spent considerable time at Bundalong where his father (John Grant 1812 to 1904) owned a considerable amount of land. Angus was also one of the first trustees of the Bundalong Cemetery. His wife is Elizabeth Ritchie, and at least three of his children were born at Bundalong. Because didn't know what Angus Grant looks like! she hoping a Club photo may turn up. It's a long shot but who knows it was certainly the oldest subject matter inquiry I have ever had let's hope something turns up. We wish Dawn all the best.

 

SPORTING.

COURSING.

YARRAWONGA COURSING CLUB.

President - Mr. Angus Grant. Vice-President and Treasurer — Mr. John M’Namara. Judge — Mr. John Fell. Slipper — Mr. George Abbott. Committee — Messrs. Samuel Butler, William Newton, John Reilly, A. Irvine, William M'Mahon, J. H. Pierce, James M’Leod and Albert Aston.

THE MEMBERS' PLATE.

A trophy presented by the Members, valued £1 10s., to the winner of the first prize. For an unlimited number of dogs (all ages) at 30s. each, the bona fide property of members; the club to receive 5s. on each entry. The balance of stakes to be allotted thus — the draw, as follows:
First Dog, £6; second, £3; third and fourth, £1 each.

A truly enjoyable outing came off on Messrs. Grant Bros.’ farm, Burramine, yesterday, and in every respect proved a most enjoyable affair. The arrangements worked without a hitch; Mr. Fell, of Tasmania, as judge, gave every satisfaction. Mr. Geo. Abbott slipped in his usual careful and steady manner; while the hon. sec. Mr. R. A. M’Carthy, was at all times up to his work.

First Round.

Spring led and outworked Sweep Boy throughout a course of moderate length. Sweep Boy led second few lengths, when the red dog put in some telling points, and eventually won with plenty to hand.
Attila ran round Bob for the turn, and, making a succession of good points, a clever end-and-kill on the part of the loser, failed to equalise matters. Cupid went great guns in front of Alice, but the latter’s well-known cleverness pulled her through as easy winner.

First Ties.

Section led and beat Spring decisively in a short course. Attila led Alice some few lengths, scoring rather rapidly, when Alice gained possession for a sequence of telling points; the red coming again too late, the blue passed.
Flush — In this Alice was drawn, and Section had a walk-over.

First Round.

Mr. A. W. Thomas’s b w d Spring (pedigree unknown) beat Mr. S. Bartley’s blk w d Sweep Boy, by Bashful Jerry — Tasmania.
Mr. C. Culph’s f d Section, by Bismarck — Lady of May, beat Mr. S. Bartley’s b w d Swift Boy, by Diddybird O’Kane — Brindle Lady.
Second Ties.
Alice beat Attila.

Third Round.

Section b w d 5th v Attila, by Warribee Hero — Sunset, beat Mr. C. Culph’s f d Section, by Warribee Hero.
Mr. J. W. Altwark’s blk w d Alice, by First King — Wooding Bird, beat Mr. James M’Leod’s blk d Cupid, by Cupid — Fly.

First Tie
Section beat Spring
Alice beat Attila


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One of the most exciting chasers to race of all time Big Energy has retired. Raced by Western Australian interests The Firing In Ten (SYN) and trained the most part of his career by the Greenough's in Victoria. He first started at Cannington in a qualifying on 24 of August 2022 and ran second finishing his super career at Wentworth Park winning the Group 3 Ambrosoli on the 12th of April 2025.

Big Energy retires by Jason Adams

Big Energy has retired after an amazing racing career.

He won 23 of his 56 starts and amassed almost $700,000 in prize money.

He farewells us as the only greyhound to have broken 29-seconds five times at Sandown Park. He owns five of the top 11 times at the track since January 2023 and three of the top four – only Flying Zulu has gone faster (28.838) in that period.

He’s the only greyhound to have won two Shootouts. He was a dual finalist of the Melbourne Cup and The Phoenix. He was also a finalist of the Topgun, Temlee, Adelaide Cup, Sandgroper, Cranbourne Cup, McKenna Memorial, Ambrosoli and Speed Star.

Benny, as Big Energy is affectionately known as, will transition to stud duties.

* Aston Rupee also broke 29-seconds five times, however one was in a Speed Star trial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGP1nJGhUDY&t=31s

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Greyhound Racing is saddened by news of the passing of champion greyhound and GRV Hall of Famer, Dyna Double One. He leaves us not long after his 12th birthday in April 2025. A great race dog he will be remembered for his battles with Kennel mate Superstar Fernando Bale. A GRV Hall of Famer below is tribute penned by Gerard Guthrie. 

Dyna Double One

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: DYNA DOUBLE ONE

CATEGORY: RACING GREYHOUND

Breeding: Barcia Bale x Crystin Bale Whelped: 14/03/2013 Trainer: Andrea Dailly Owner: Brendan Wheeler

Career Record: 54 starts, 31 wins, 15 placings. Career Prizemoney: $1,160,316

Notable Achievements:
  • Won 2016 Group 1 Australian Cup (525m)
  • Won 2016 Group 1 Rookie Rebel (600m)
  • Won 2015 Group 1 Brisbane Cup (520m)
  • Won 2015 Group 1 Melbourne Cup (515m)
  • Won 2015 Group 3 Perth Cup Consolation (530m)
  • Three-time track record holder
By Gerard Guthrie

Dyna Double One’s career-defining moment fittingly came on arguably Australian greyhound racing’s greatest stage, the Group 1 Melbourne Cup Final, in 2015, where he claimed an epic victory over an almost invincible rival.

In one of the most memorable finishes in Melbourne Cup history, Dyna Double One ran down champion kennelmate and long-time nemesis Fernando Bale, with only half a length separating the superstar duo in a scintillating 29.17sec.

After spending much of his career in Fernando Bale’s giant shadow, Dyna Double One emerged as a champion in his own right and now deservedly sits alongside his former sparring partner in GRV’s Hall Of Fame.

A son of super sire Barcia Bale, Dyna Double One becomes the fourth GRV Hall of Fame inductee bred by the legendary Paul Wheeler, who sadly passed away in October 2021, and his family, following Fanta Bale, Fernando Bale and Kantarn Bale.

Dyna Double One’s magnificent career was highlighted by four Group 1 victories, over both sprint and middle distances, he broke three track records and earned $1,160,316 in prizemoney.

Dyna Double One won 31 of his 54 starts, finishing unplaced on just eight occasions.

Dyna Double One burst onto the scene in December 2014, winning his first four starts in brilliant fashion, including near-record victories in the heat and semi-final of the G1 Silver Chief at The Meadows, clocking 29.55sec and 29.52sec.

He then ran third as favourite in the Silver Chief Final, the first of his 11 career appearances at G1 level.

Prior to his unforgettable Melbourne Cup triumph, Dyna Double One had contested six G1 finals without tasting the ultimate success, including placings behind arch-rival Fernando Bale in the Topgun, Maturity Classic and Peter Mosman Classic.

But his Melbourne Cup victory burst the dam wall, as he won four G1 trophies in his last 14 appearances, including two in his final three starts during the 2016 Australian Cup Carnival.

After stepping up to 600m to win the Rookie Rebel Invitational, Dyna Double One ended his career on the highest possible note in the Australian Cup Final, becoming only the second greyhound after Tangaloa to win both the Melbourne and Australian Cups.

Late in his career, Dyna Double One demonstrated that he could have been unstoppable over middle distances, had the Wheeler and Dailly families opted to pursue that path.

He was unbeaten in four assignments at The Meadows and Sandown, eclipsing the best middle distance performers in the land in the Rookie Rebel, and breaking both the 600m record at The Meadows and 595m record at Sandown.

In all, Dyna Double One appeared in 17 Group finals, also winning the 2015 G3 Perth Cup Consolation at just his eighth start.

Dyna Double One was retired to stud, with his progeny headlined by dual G1 winner Tiggerlong Tonk, winner of 42 races and $766,440 in prize money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzhkCWNKstU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUa1KG_-CPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ph3x8GHEmg

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It's with deep sadness I acknowledge the passing of Doug Scott at 90 years of age. A greyhound man to the core Doug was active in the sport from way back when he was a young man until his recent passing. Doug was one of the most active members of our group and he commented on most of what got posted on here. His memory never failed him and their wasn't much Doug hadn't done or seen over a lifetime of commitment to the greyhound, greyhound racing & Coursing. Our condolences to Doug's wife Coral and his extended family. He was the ultimate family man with many, many friends throughout of industry. Rest In Peace Pop.
A Tribute from long time friend Kerry Chalker
Sad to see the passing last week of long time greyhound trainer Doug Scott-90
Back in the late 60’s Doug trained top class greyhound Whitchurch.
Among others was coursing classic winner Lebinski & Warragul champion handicap greyhound Swagman who won approx 20 races at that track. Doug celebrated his 65th wedding anniversary with Coral just before his passing
He is survived by a large family of daughters & grand/greatgrand/children. Daughter Mandy keeps the greyhound connection alive with regular number of winners. The stories Doug had about greyhound racing from the late 40’s on were worth putting in a book but I could never convince him to do that
RIP DOUG
Lesley Green - He was a good guy and a great trainer RIP
Edwin Caruana- Sad to hear, farewell Doug RIP🙏🙏🙏
Howard Culph- RIP Doug
Marg Long - Sad news. RIP Doug
Trish Richards - RIP xx
Shane Gordon - RIP Doug great bloke
Dennis Huxley - Condolences to,thee
Gary Smith - My Condolences to his Family 😪⚘️
Gwen Ennis - Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Condolences to all the family. A great greyhound man.
Alan Marum - Sad news...condolences to family.
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Former Victorian Lesley Green from Copmanhurst near Grafton in Northern New South Wales was kind enough to send me a host of documents, Newspaper stories and Stud Cards. All of which belonged to Lesley's famous Father the one and only, the late Les Foran. An iconic Greyhound man from way back Les was President of the GOTBA, former Director and Chairman of the MGRA, an Owner and long time trainer, plus Editor for the OTBA Greyhound Gazette. Les was a stanch supporter of the rank and file and stood up for them on all occasions. Perhaps not giving the recognition he dissevered I enjoyed a number of chats I had with him. One night at Sandown it was not quite harmonious for Les. Sandown Chairman Henry Harrison famous for his quote “My way or the Highway” got into a heated argument with the popular MGRA Chairman. To say the two gentlemen had different backgrounds would be an understatement. Henry took offence and was not going tolerate any more talk from his counterpart and ordered Security to remove him form the course. Now Les a resourceful character at the best of times scoured the packed Lightwood Road Carpark until he found an Electrical sub-contractors van with a long ladder. He removed it from the roof racks and placed the Ladder up against the outside fence. Scaling to the top he hurled abuse at Henry. He would not come down until removed after the local Springvale Police were summoned to put a stop to the incident.. Quite a character was Les. Here are some amazing stories he kept.

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Greyhound Racing has a great tradition and among the many interesting stories that emphasise its heritage we have found this article on the first 64 All Aged stake event every run on the plumpton in Australia and the unique story of the trophy that was presented for it.  

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Milton Hammon recently dropping in to Sandown with trophies and a host of artefacts pertaining to his mighty little chaser Labyrinth. She was a Fawn bitch bred in the purple by Head Honcho from Goddess Of Fire whelped August 1997. She raced 52 times for 17 wins 9 seconds and 4 thirds for $115,285. She won the 1999 Laurels, was nominated for Greyhound of the Year 1999 & 2000 (2nd Aust Cup, Won Warragul Cup, 2nd SA Oaks and 2nd Ball Cup). Labyrinth loved Sandown she also won at the Meadows and Angle Park. She will have a display feature in the Sandown Museum and here are some extra pics of "Yoko". I particularly like her visit to the Oakleigh South Primary School as usual she was a big hit with the Grade 2 pupils.

 

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Here are two rare photos sent to me again from Milton Hammond. The first is of VFL-AFL Superstar Bob Skilton OAM addressing a packed crowd at North Melbourne Greyhounds in 1958, the year of Bob's first Brownlow win. I had the privilege of seeing Skilton play on a number of occasions, and he was an absolute champion in every sense of the word. Here are his stats to verify that. 2023 Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend. Robert John Skilton "Chimp" 8 November 1938 (age 86) South Melbourne Under 17s. Debuted for the Seniors at 17. Height 171 cm (5 ft 7 in) 76 kg (168 lb) position Rover. Playing career Years Club 1956–1971 Games South Melbourne 237 Goals 412. Representative team honours Years Team Games (Goals) Victoria 25 (47). Coaching career 3 Years Club Games (W–L–D) 1965–1966 South Melbourne 35 (16–19–0) 1974–1977 Melbourne 88 (28–60–0) Total 123 (44–79–0).
Career highlights Club 3× Brownlow Medal: 1959, 1963, 1968, 9× South Melbourne Best and Fairest: 1958–59, 1961–65, 1967–68, 3× South Melbourne leading goal kicker: 1959, 1962–63, South Melbourne captain: 1961–71,Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend Status: 1996, AFL Team of the Century (rover), South Melbourne Team of the Century (rover, captain) Representative. Australian National Football Carnival Championship: 1958.
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An amazing find by Sandown CEO Adrian Scott buried deep in an old safe in the clubs office. It's the orginal Napier Park Racebook of the very first running of the Melbourne Cup 1933. The Cup was won by Footlight Flashes as the page is marked Owned by T.E.Denison and trained by T.Healy. 2nd was Romping Andy and 3rd Macaladin. The field of six were handicapped and the margins were 1 and 1/2 by 1/2 in the time of 21 seconds even for the 400 yards. I have included the back page pic of the hurdles they jumped in those days. Plus some interesting notes on a couple of other pages from the 92 year old document.

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Former Victorian and Bookmaking Guru Gerard Daffy now a Queenslander kindly sent his copy of the Race book form opening night at Cranbourne. A Warrnambool boy back in those days he made the long trip with some mates for the big night. I remember the night well Saturday August 31st 1974 over 50 years ago. It was so packed we parked over a kilometre away. As you can see from the inside cover the great names associated with the club in those days. My uncle the late Gordon McPherson was a judge and of course The Hawk was in the Broadcast Box. I loved the way Daff recorded the results for each race. Speedy Goldie won the first for Arnold Porter he put the polish on the best Hurdle dog of the modern era Odearo. A Free For All the Presidents Trophy was won by Kim Karoo who beat two stars Top Runner & Zulu Moss in the fastest time of the night 30.37. Amazingly the 1974 Melbourne Cup winner Kwik Metal for Cap Abbott was a reserve in race six. Thank you Gerard your book will forever be on display in the Sandown Museum.

Brian Paxton - Great reference. Note prize money. Had a dog bred by Roman Earl 1970 ,won maiden at Young 18 pound for winning. . No photo on course ,paid 30 pound to Bickleys race photographer ,put a 3 rug on. Callan Park as background. Still holds pride of place at home . Great memories .
James Wilding - Zulu Moss '
Sharee Wyatt - I remember seeing these books at home . My dad was on the committee and trained Purple and Gold .
David Plumridge - Plus 1 bag of Skippa 😲👍
Lindsay Joyce - Wow great history

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