We all have come to know the importance of the dam in Greyhound Breeding here is a fascinating article written back in the 1930's by breeding expert Jack Fitzpatrick.
One of the Great chasers of the late 80's into the early 90's was Eureka Man. Raced and trained by Healesville stalwart Ken Pattison. He was judged the 1990 Victorian Greyhound of the Year. The black chaser by Preety Fearless won the award in controversial circumstances due to the rules set maintaining contenders had to have a set number of starts at both city tracks with Superstar Highly Blessed due to injury late in the year unable to fill that part of the criteria. She had an exceptional 1990 winning the Winter Cup at Cranbourne, The Gold Collar at Olympic Park, the State National Sprint final at Sandown finishing third in the National final. She won the Shepparton Cup and the Melbourne Cup. Went to the Gabba on that ridiculous seven left hand turn track without a trial got lost and dead heated with No It's Not in the Four X Trophy heat came back for the final and beat the same dog by 10 lengths. She had rounded the year off winning also every feature she contested. The rule was correctly scrapped in 1991. Perhaps his best win was the 1991 Cranbourne Cup he beat an outstanding field.
Here are some more pics and stats from Sire Guide 2006.
Here are some more pics and stats from Sire Guide 2006.
Came across the Sire Guide from 2006 sponsored by Blue Paws. It is beautifully presented with some great race dogs that were standing at that time. Given it has most there stats I have included a number of them from a historical point of view.
Brennan Ryan penned this tribute in the Greyhound Recorder. Highlighting Tasmania's only National Sprint Championship winner Busy Vintage and his legendary trainer David Crosswell.
DAVID Crosswell and Busy Vintage remain legendary names in Tasmanian greyhound racing history following their heroics in 1984.
It's been 41 years since Busy Vintage's incredible victory in the Group 1 National Sprint Championship at the now-closed Harold Park circuit in New South Wales, and 81-year-old David still enjoys reminiscing about that unforgettable moment.
He, along with late wife Margaret, were inducted to the Tasmanian Greyhound Hall of Fame in 2019.
“Every year when the National Sprint Championship rolls around, it always comes to mind,” David said.
Busy Vintage's victory in the 1984 National Sprint Championship was a proud moment for Tasmania, marking the first ever time that a dog from the Apple Isle claimed victory in one of the country's most prestigious races.
He came from box two defeating a stellar line up over 457-metres, beating Victoria's Eaglehawk Star and Western Australia's Blue Echo.
Bookmakers listed Busy Vintage as the third favourite at 6/1, reflecting their respect for his talent and current form.
“Busy Vintage didn't actually jump well for the first time until the National Sprint Final,” said Crosswell.
“He was a powerful dog, capable of running the 580 metres at Devonport with ease.
“There was nothing much going to run him down once he went to the front.”
David and wife, Margaret, bred Busy Vintage (Highland Summer – Tiny Port), affectionately known as Collis, with Steve Coleman owning him throughout his 46-race career, during which he won 26 times collecting $44,676 in prizemoney.
Although his exceptional career was shortened by injury, he went on to a career at stud.
The pedigree of Busy Vintage was one of David's greatest accomplishments in his six decades in the sport. It all began with his first stud dog, Summerdown Chief, and his first broodbitch, Arkle's Girl, which together produced Highland Summer.
Highland Summer later produced Busy Vintage, which became the sire of David's other champion, True Vintage.
Early on, Busy Vintage's career could have been tragically cut short due to a Parvovirus outbreak in Tasmania in the eighties, which severely affected Crosswells former Sandford property.
“We cared for them tirelessly night and day, in the end they all made a full recovery,” David said.
Winning the National Sprint was a proud moment for David, as he felt honoured to represent his home state.
Busy Vintage remained unbeaten throughout the Tasmanian Sprint Championship, clinching the final victory in Hobart.
David and his champion dog flew to New South Wales not long after, staying with the late, great Les Harper.
“It was an amazing field with an impressive lineup of dogs from all over the country,” he said.
“We put Busy Vintage through several trials on Harold Park's U-turn track, and it really paid off in the end getting familiar with the track. We gave him every opportunity, especially in such a big race, and everything worked out great for us.”
David, Margaret, and Busy Vintage gained plenty of attention from local media upon returning home to Tasmania, bringing with them the prestigious National Sprint trophy, a $27,500 cheque, and immense pride for the small state.
Busy Vintage also competed in the 1985 Hobart Thousand, finishing second to the legendary Brother Fox.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=couCHV_YjEU&t=18s
He also featured in a $60,000 Match Race at Hobart against Victorian star Super Max.
Track records were also set at the Showgrounds in Hobart over 497-metres and in Devonport over 580-metres.
It's no surprise he earned the title of Tasmanian GOTY in 1984-85, later inducted to the Tasmanian Greyhound Hall of Fame in 2011.
Stud duties called for Busy Vintage, starting in Sydney, then moving on to Melbourne before returning to the Crosswells.
Collis lived to the remarkable age of 14, passing away peacefully while being cared for like the star he was.
“The National Sprint is a tough race to win, and Busy Vintage was the only dog from Tasmania to do it,” David said.
With the 2025 National Sprint happening in Queensland at The Q later this month, David will stroll to his trophy room near his kennels and admire the iconic National Sprint trophy, a reminder of the race that brought him such cherished memories.
I was delighted to receive an email from Greg Moore of Cessnock in the Hunter Valley of NSW. Greg had found the History Website and it brought back memories of his family's involvement in Greyhound Racing in the 60s-70's. His family operated resting and rearing yards at Mt Vincent, plus a Straight trial track on the property. His Grandfather was George Harris, and his mum, Gloria Moore, 90 years old, still loves and cherishes her memories of Greyhound racing and often talks about her dogs. Gloria's best dog was Local Linen. Gloria is struggling a bit now, but is still at their family home of 70 years at Mt Vincent, Greg's Dad is 95 years old. Greg recalled that the family were friends with popular dog muscle manipulator, the legendary Jack Irwin, then of Wyong. Greg spent many school holidays at Jack Irwin's property at Wyong, where he was friends with son John. Mother was Dawn the other children are David, Stephen and Sue. As we know, David continued racing dogs. Greg used to be amazed by the number of dogs each Sunday that lined up for treatment from Jack.
I have included a couple of Local Linen's winning photos and a first for the Website, some recordings from Bakelite Records of him winning back in the late 60's.
Breeding guru David Brash wrote this well-constructed very detailed article back in August 2022 for the Greyhound Recorder. Given it's two years on the only change may be that Fernando Bale may have come up the ranks a spot of two and perhaps to number one. His retirement from the Stud Services was announced this week with only frozen left to carry on his massive legacy into the future. It makes for great reading and I might check with David if there is any change to his list.
WHEN asked to put together a list of the "top 10 stud dogs" Australia has produced in recent times, the task is greater than most would accept.
WHEN asked to put together a list of the “top 10 stud dogs” Australia has produced in recent times, upon reflection the task is greater than most would accept.
Is Phar Lap better than Winx, or Vain better than Black Caviar, or would Bradman's “Invincibles” beat the Aussies from the Chappell/Lillee/Thompson era?
We all have our thoughts and most will agree to disagree.
But, some thoughts first.
Aussie legends like Chief Havoc, Tumble Bug and Tell You Why, all of them members of the US greyhound racing Hall of Fame, deserve a spot in any such list simply because of their worldwide influence.
Tell You Why is the damsire of Sand Man, the US galloper which went to Ireland to become a sire legend.
How do we leave out Frightful Flash who was sold to Ireland and established a dynasty and paved the way for an influx of Aussie stud dogs to that country.
And, any such list of Aussie greats should certainly contain Top Honcho which was eight times leading Irish stud dog, success never before even contemplated in that nursery of all things greyhound racing.
UK greyhound great Floyd Amphlett once described him as the most influential stud dog ever seen there.
Also, the Australian greyhound racing Hall of Fame has four more recent stud dogs, Temlee, Black Top, Brother Fox and Brett Lee, in their ranks. How does that help any list making?
But, where there is a will, there is a way … and here it goes.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
COLLISION (Awesome Assassin-Rumble Spirit)
A G1 winner and TR breaker. Sire of High Earner, Good Odds Harada and Feral Franky, Dyna Tron, Dyna Villa, Thrilling Boris, Dyna Willow, Bogie King, Buckle Up Wes, Sergio, Good Odds Cash, Smooth Fancy, Mister Twister … how did he get left out of the top 10?
His daughters have produced Black Opium, Burn One Down, Whiskey Riot, Pantera Nera, Dyna Patty, Ando's Mac, Bewildering, Equalizer, Moreira, Jagger Swagger, Bandit Ned.
BENJAMIN JOHN (Take A Bow-Rebel Wayne)
Fabulous race dog who clashed so often with legend Zoom Top and came out the best. Won 33 of 64 starts including the Aust Cup.
Sire of such 1970s greats as Ungwilla Lad, Woolley Wilson, Camden Glider, Busy's Chief, Benny McGrath, Osti Too, Mercia Bale, Village Swallow, Alpha Brava, Fantasy Lady etc.
His daughters delivered Sandown Cup legend Bold Trease, Chariot Supreme, Glider's Son and Peter Glider, Hopeful Doll and Key Dancer, Tesoro Mio, Turbo Top, Swift As Light, City Skopos, Cavalier Queen etc.
MALAWI'S PRINCE (Malawi-Duchess Marina)
The Olympic Park TR breaker he sired some greats like Tenthill Doll (Hall of Fame), Malawi Law, Placard, Westend Prince, Amazing Dancer, Shayne's Champ, Cattle Drive, Trewking, Flash Joan, Prince Of Tigers and of course Token Prince who would go on to become champion sire and a broodbitch influence.
Daughters of Malawi's Prince came up with Bombastic Shiraz, El Galo, Modern Assassin, Go Wild Teddy, Collision, Puzzle Prize, Excite Ability, Miss Hot Gossip, Kumta Chase, Dancing Habit, Awesome Machine, Nimuay, Springtime Magic etc. He was a much better broodbitch sire.
TOKEN PRINCE (Malawi's Prince-True Temptation)
A multiple feature race winner he got his chance at stud and delivered.
His best included Queen Lauryn, Pororoca, Pure Octane, Mandagery Man, Best Quoted and Last Quoted, Malfoy, Pure Burst, Shanlyn Prince, Springvale Jinx, Total Denial, Black Enforcer, Buckingham Chuck, Edie Beauchamp. Despite that success, many considered his progeny “soft”.
His sons generally failed at stud, but his daughters delivered “to a degree”. The best were Fear Haribo in the UK, Miagi, Cosmic Chief, Forty Twenty, Kalden Athena, Magnifique, Frosty Fruits etc. BUT, Token Prince is still found in many pedigrees of today.
Number 10
BRETT LEE (Gun Law Osti-Sobbing Sal)
That 28.88 TR at Angle Park will always define Brett Lee as one of the greatest greyhounds the world has seen. Nothing EVER came even close to that. He swept through a multitude of G1s and obviously was going to be swamped by matings.
Brett Lee became a “world” sire. His semen went everywhere which can be seen by the number of greats he sired O/S. He is the sire of Betty's Angel, Trewly Special, Hallucinate and Where's Pedro, Superman, Cromlah Bale, Meticulous, Cosmic Chief, Black Bear Lee, Shared Equity, Over Flo. But around the world he boasted Geordie Parker, Dragon Fire, Tyrur Lee, Ballydoyle Honey, Razldazl Billy etc.
His daughters produced He Knows Uno, Striker Light, Oaks Road, Lithgow Panther, Octane Show, Cosmic Rumble, Lochinvar Marlow, Smooth Fancy, Perfect Fancy, Mepunga Nicky, and O/S Mill Bling Bling, Killer Dare, Thrilling Boris, Skywalker Farloe etc.
He was nearly replaced by Collision in spot No 10. His worldwide influence made the difference.
Number 9
NEW TEARS (Pretty Short-Starfire Lady)
An incredible race dog who won 24 of 32 starts including the G1 Maturity, the Ipswich Gold Cup and multiple track records. He was the dominant sprinter of his time.
But at stud, he became the most sought after stud dog of his time and a great, great success. His progeny included Roanokee, Sobbing Sal, Light Of Fire, Northern Legend, Silver Pageant, Henry Hand, Trojan Tears, New Fox, Proper Tears, Cecilia Bale, Gallant Ruler, Zazziam, Dagenham etc.
His daughters too stood up producing the legend Brett Lee, as well as Carlisle Jack, Hotshow Vintage, Texas Gold, Big Daddy Cool, Quidame, Tonight's Wish, No Intent, Tears Of Jupiter, Great Wish, Moonamble Prince, Spring Secret, Kobble Creek, Fibba, Zealous Guy, Best Of Bev, Tricky Creek, Tar Dinn etc.
If New Tears was a great sire, he was maybe even a better broodbitch sire.
Number 8
HEAD HONCHO (Walkabout Sid-Fitzroy Lass)
He won 18 of 20 but became a super sire in Victoria, topping the sires list six times. He had an incredibly in-bred pedigree, 2×3 to littermates and four crosses 4x3x3x4 of Temlee.
His progeny chased and they sprinted and stayed. He got Carlisle Jack, Bentley Babe, Go Wild Teddy, Monsters Inc, No Intent, Brookside Red, Wine Glass, Many Tricks, Fibba, Honcho Classic, Dave's Mentor. His son Top Honcho established a siring dynasty in Ireland.
His daughters came up with One Tree Hill, Superman, Malfoy, Turanza Bale, Star Witch, Sergio, Jimmy Neutron, Hotshow Lil, Black Enforcer.
Number 7
CHARIOT SUPREME (Waverly Supreme-Mixed Blessings)
A high class sprinter who was given his chance by a leading studmaster and he sired champion Highly Blessed and her litter sister Wee Sal who is in the Hall of Fame as a broodbitch. He is also the sire of Bomber Gleeson, Franklin Deano, Wild Pirate and the great Shining Chariot, a huge breeding influence himself, Floodgate, Hay Dinney, Famous Portrait (another bloodlines gem) etc.
His daughters were goldmines. They produced Flying Amy and Tenthill Doll, the first two entries into the Australian Hall of Fame. Others included Floodfawn, Pete's Boss, Keon Star, Questions, Sobbing Sal (mother of Brett Lee), Light Of Fire, Iceni Princess, Dashing Eagle, Ashlee Jeannine … where do we stop!
Number 6
BOMBASTIC SHIRAZ
(Black Shiraz-Bombastic Blonde)
An awesome race dog and very strong, winning the “triple crown” of Victorian sprints. Any stud dog capable of siring legend Miata, as well as such greats as Cindeen Shelby, Flashing Floods, Velocette, Bobby Boucheau, Ritza Hattie, Spud Regis, Lochinvar Marlow, Kiss Me Ketut, Regal Thyme, Bit Chili, Metz Magic, Spring Gun, Cintiarna (the list goes on and on) deserves a spot on any such list.
But, his daughters have been goldmines as well, producing Glen Gallon, Aston Dee Bee, Ring The Bell and his great littermates Bells Are Ringin and Blazin' Bomber, Lady Toy, Neo Cleo, Thirty Talks, Pinny Mack etc.
Number 5
BROTHER FOX (Little Blade-Pitstock Park)
A phenom from the moment he started racing winning 12 of 19 and setting the world alight with world records and amazing feats.
At one stage he was such a stud success, he had almost 40 sons at stud around the country. His stars included twice Aust Cup winner China Trip, the best greyhound I have ever seen in Worth Doing, Pilgrim's Star, Clover Chief, Gun Law Osti, Key Dancer, the litter of the century Amerigo Man, West Cape etc, Daisy Clover, Farmer Wilson, Fox Hunt, Osti's Idol.
His daughters came up with Star Title, Henry Hand, Stately Bird, Prince Of Tigers, Ultra Desire, Bobniak, New Fox, Smooth Rumble, Proper Tears, Silver Chisel, Billy Binjang, Indian Dance … where do we stop?
Like Temlee … there are few dogs, at least in Australia, that do not have Brother Fox somewhere in their pedigree.
Number 4
FERNANDO BALE and BARCIA BALE
A joint listing and with their stud careers still going, it is easy for them to continue to climb even further, especially as broodbitch sires.
FERNANDO BALE was the sensation of his time on the track, his deeds still in the memory of all. At stud, his best are awesome, including Tornado Tears, Tommy Shelby, Wow, Ferdinand Boy, Whiskey Riot, Sennachie, Poke The Bear and Out Of Range, Poco Dorado and Blue Moon Rising and Veloce Nero, Dyna Patty, Here's Tears, Mepunga Ruby, My Redeemer, Kooringa Lucy it keeps going on and on.
It is WAY too early in Fernando's broodbitch sire career but his daughters have already left English Derby finalist Priceless Jet, and local stars Good Odds Cash, Miss Ezmae, Substantial, Slingshot Hooks and Slingshot Jonsey, Plaintiff and in NZ staying star Claws In Leo. How good is that already! Expect one day he tops this list as is profound influence continues to flourish year upon year.
BARCIA BALE has kept pace with Fernando with the number of racetrack greats. Names like Dyna Double One, Shima Shine, Aston Dee Bee, Simon Told Helen, Jungle Deuce, Barooga Brett, Bago Bye Bye, Raw Ability, Hooked On Scotch, Zack Monelli, Flying Ricciardo, Christo Bale, Fast Times, Mystic Riot etc.
Barcia's daughters are goldmines as well. Their offspring include Aston Rupee and Wow She's Fast … not a bad top two. They also include Stanley Road, Catch The Thief, Start A Riot, Tyler Durden, Sequana etc.
Number 3
BLACK TOP (Top Linen-Classy Jane)
The superstar of his time and sire of the immortal Zoom Top. If Black Top never achieved anything else in his career apart from siring Zoom Top he would be a legend. Zoom Top was not only that good, she brought greyhound racing a world of popularity. Black Top was so successful, and so popular, that greyhound racing officials brought in a 14 matings a month rule just to halt his relentless charge. He also sired Cheltenham Lass, Rokoko, New Mariner, Millimsimbi, Rose Moss, Busy's Charm, Holding, Fullock, Bill Moss etc.
His daughters produced greats like Woolley Wilson and Busy's Chief, as well as Dynamic Dean, Bristol Sue, Aaron King, Shapely Escort, Striding Ahead etc.
Number 2
WAVERLY SUPREME (Supreme Fun-Octum)
An Irish star and litter brother to a Derby winner. He ran a TR over 700m at Shelbourne Park. He came to Australia unheralded but from his first litter was siring superstars like Chariot Supreme, Royal Rumpus, Buka Sunset and his brother Malawi, Pancho Country, Dashing Disco, Tesoro Mio, Admiral Lynch, Rapid Supreme, Kalimna Boy, Regional Wave, Midnight Hour, the list goes on.
But, Waverly Supreme is best known as a broodbitch influence. Such greats as National Lass, Worth Doing, Golden Blessing, True Temptation, Miss Crisp, On The Payroll, Jessica Kate, Sonic Wave, Farmer George, Storm Glade, Maggiore, Hug The Rail, Bjorn, Coven Miss all came from daughters of Waverly Supreme.
Number 1
TEMLEE (Tivoli Chief-Temora Lee)
A superstar sprinter and still described by many (veterans most of them by now) who saw him as their best ever.
The stars he sired included Satan's Legend, Tangaloa, Winifred Bale, Promises Free, Tempix, Monica's Mist, Riviera Tiger, Winston Lass, Drop Of Wine, Relle Louise, Kate's A Scandal … where do we stop!
Glen Welsh wrote to me late last year asking if it would be possible to find the replay of the 1999 Adelaide Cup won by his parents greyhound Young Harrison. With plenty of help from long time South Australian administrator Shaun Mathieson the replay is now online for all to see. Young Harrison was a 1996 whelp by On The Payroll from Dashing Monarch. A fawn dog he had 60 starts for 16 wins five seconds and eight thirds. Earning $72,450. He first raced for a win in a maiden at Shepparton on the 31 of August 1997. He won at Cranbourne three times, Sandown five times including four in a row in July 1998, his best winning time there was 29.95. He also won at Healesville up the straight. His other impressive win was a heat of the Perth Cup at Cannington in 1999, he had no luck in the final. Young Harrison retired in November 1999.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcgfBVgij-I