Where it all began.

The roots of our sport orginated in coursing and that is not only how greyhound racing commenced in Australia but the World over.  There were no tracks as we know them today and it was a case of out to vacant land where there were hares a plenty and organise a slipper, who by the way walked most of the ‘course’.  The judge followed the course on horseback, as did many of the participants that were fortunately enough to own this form of transport.  “On foot” was the general mode of transport along with horse and jinker.

Did you know that Coursing and the Kelly Gang have ‘connections’ click here to read about the connection

Here is an extract from the Australian Greyhound Stud Book Volume No 1(1940). (Reproduced by the kind permission of Greyhounds Australasia).

 

EARLY DAYS COURSING IN VICTORIA.

Coursing was introduced into Australia, in the State of South Australia shortly after the year 1860, the game coursed being wallabies.  Commencing in the year 1868 Waterloo Cups were run in that State with this form of quarry.  It was during this period that hares were introduced into Victoria, and, thriving well, were soon in sufficient numbers to permit coursing in the form we know so well.

One of the first clubs formed in Victoria was the Victoria Coursing Club, which is still in existence.  The officials of the opening meeting of the club were: Patron Sir George Bowen; President, W. J. Clarke, Esq.; Vic-President W. McCulloch, Esq.; Mr. Thos. Haydon; Judge, R. Tattersall; Slipper, M. Whelan.

On 28th May, 1873, and the following days, the first public coursing meeting held in Australia in which hares were the quarry coursed took place at Sunbury, Victoria.  The principal event was the Sunbury Stake of 32 all aged greyhounds at 3 guineas each, and was supported by the West Bourke Stakes of 32 all-aged greyhounds.  Amongst the subscribers to these stakes we find the names of. Hepburn, J. Capel, G. Plant, W.J. T. Clarke, W. McCulloch, W. Watson and many others, who were found supporting the sport throughout the early days of its inception.  On the morning of the opening day a vast crowd witnessed the arrival at Spencer Street Station of owners, supporters and greyhounds, all eager to board the special train which had been chartered to convey them to Sunbury.  Owners of the more valuable greyhounds had sent their candidates to Sunbury two or three days before the meeting.

The first pair of greyhounds slipped were Dr. Barker’s ns Comet and Mr. Richardson’s Riff Raff.

The winner of the Sunbury Stakes proved to be Mr. G. Plant’s Nicodemus (Prince – Day Star), whilst the West Bourke Stakes was divided by Mr. H. J. O’Farrell’s Victor (Hookey – Blanche) and Iona (Hookey – Blanche), which ran in the nomination of Mr. Gee.

The match between Mr. W. McCulloch’s Comloden and Mr. J. Harper’s Celerity took place on the farm of Mr. Cameron, 12 miles from Melbourne, on the 26th June, 1873.  The stake was for £100 aside, and three courses were to be run.  Cumloden winning the first and second courses, was declared the winner.  Two months later the same owners again matched representatives from their kennels for a stake of £100 a side.  The time Meg Merrillies was running for Mr. W. McCulloch, and Mr. J. Harper again relied on Celerity.  After each greyhound had won a course, the final went to Meg Merrillies.

At about this time meetings were also conducted by the Grant, Polwarth and Ballarat Clubs.

On August 14, 1873, the Victoria Coursing Club conducted the first Waterloo Cup in Victoria.  The Stake closed with 32 nominations at £12/10/- each.  The Judge was Mr. D. Bantock, and the Slipper, the peerless Dick Banner.  The meeting extended over four days, with Mr. W. Watson’s red fawn bitch, Miss Heller (Seaman- Fly), defeating Mr. D. G. Clark’s fawn dog. Pilot (Pretender – Lady), in the final course.

In April of the following year, 1874, the Grant and Polwarth Clubs inaugurated the season.  They were closely followed by Ballarat.  It was in the year that the Victoria Coursing Club decided to bring to Victoria the English Waterloo Cup Judge, Mr. G. Warwick, to officiate at their Waterloo Cup meeting.  The Cup of this year attracted an entry of 64 greyhounds at £12/10/- each, and the deciding coursing between Mr. W. McCulloch’s red dog, Royal Water (Cauld Kail – Rose Water), and Mr. G. F. Brind’s red and white dog Sandy (Maser McGrath – Medal), was on of the bet of the meeting, and worth of description.  Slipped to a trimmer of a hare, Royal Water drew out for a two-lengths lead to the hare, turned, and with a kill of merit, and thus earned the coveted trophy of 1874.

During the running of the Cup an amusing incident occurred.  The owner of a defeated candidate, whose greyhound had fallen during the course, approached Mr. Warwick, and demanded to know what he allowed for his dog falling.  Without batting an eyelid, Mr Warwick replied: “I allowed him to get up.”

The decisions of Mr. Warwick were received with the utmost satisfaction, and his visit assisted in establishing the sport on a sound and proper basis.  The shipping of Banner was also favourably commented upon by all present, and Mr. Warwick expressed the opinion that his abilities were unsurpassed.

The year 1875 saw the addition of several fixtures and the growth of many new clubs.  Those now coursing were the Ballarat, Grant and Polwarth, Williamstown and Wyndham, Maryborough and Carisbrook, Victoria Fitzroy and Collingwood, Western District, West Bourke, Mortlake, Heathcote and several private clubs.

During the season Mr. W. H. Jagan’s red and white dog Tannhauser competed in two matches, each of £100 aside, and was victorious in both tests.  In the first on June 15, she defeated Mr. J Harper’s ns black dog Ebor (Celerity – Zillah),  and in the second, on July 16, Mr. W. Pitt’s white and brindle dog Lavender Water (Wharfinger – Avon Water).  The Waterloo Cup of this year was fully subscribed with 64 nominations at 25 guineas each.  The draw was conducted on the Saturday evening before the Cup commenced, and was made the occasion of the first Waterloo Cup dinner held in Victoria.  The draw, which aroused the greatest interest, resulted in all the favourites being drawn together.  Mr. W. McCulloch called the card, and in the betting was most spirited.  The deciding course of the Cup was on-sided as Mr. G. Watson’s nomination, the red and white dog Sandy (Master McGrath – Medal), who had run-up for the cup of he previous year, had no difficulty in defeating his lame opponent, Mr. R. Scott’s nomination, the form bitch Lucy (Pell Mell – Fly).  In this year the entries for the Cup included no fewer than 24 imported greyhounds, and one of their number was successful in carrying off the prise.  The judging saw Mr Frank Gardiner officiate at this first Waterloo Cup, whilst Dick Banner was in great form with the slips.

Further interest during the year 1876, was created by Kilmore, New South Wales, Echuca, Sandhurst, Melton, Hamilton, Clunes, Ararat, Essendon, and amateur clubs coming into operation.  Again we find 64 subscribers at 25 guineas each for the Waterloo Cup.  The winner proved the good-looking bitch Miss Walker (Pell Mell – Nellie), running in the nomination of Mr. H. Green , and bred and owned by Mr. J. Wagner, who had previously run-up for the second Waterloo Cup and won the third with Sandy.  Miss Walker’s, task was made easy by the fact that Mr. E. M. James’s red and white dog Cockatoo (Prefit – Jessie), had to be withdrawn from the final through lameness.  Once again the judging was in the hands of Mr.Gardiner, and the slipping was capably carried out by Dick Banner.  On May 7 of the following year, 1877, which will always be known as the National Coursing Club year, a meeting of delegates from all clubs was held a the offices of the Victoria Coursing Club, Melbourne.  The object of the meeting was to consider the advisability of forming a National Coursing Club of Australia.  On the motion of Mr. W. McCulloch, seconded by Mr. F. Woodhouse, it was unanimously decided to form a National Coursing Club of Australia.  The expressed opinion of  the meeting was, that the formation of such a club would promote the interest of the sort in the Colony, inasmuch as that any disputes that might arise could be settled here, thus saving the delay occasioned by having to wait for the decisions of the English National Club.  Mr McCulloch thought that as they had now affirmed the desirability of establishing a National Club they should now settle the number of representatives to be appointed to the National Club from the different clubs.  He moved that each club having 50 members should have one representative; 100 members; two representatives; and 200 members, three representatives.  The motion was seconded by Sir Samuel Wilson, and was unanimously carried.  It was also agreed that the various clubs be written to, asking them to appoint representatives in accordance with the motion passed, and that their selected representatives should be present at the meeting of the National Club, to be held at Scott’s Hotel, Melbourne, on may 20, at 2 p.m.  Mr John Munday was appointed Secretary pro tem, and the meeting adjourned.

The first meeting of the National Coursing Club of Australia was held on Tuesday afternoon, May 20, at Scott’s Hotel, Melbourne.  Sir Samuel Wilson occupied the chair, and there were also present the following representatives of clubs; Hon. Phillip Russell (Ballarat), Mr. W. J. Clarke (Victoria), Dr. Fetherston (Victoria), Mr. M. K. Thompson (Victoria), Mr. H. W. Slaughter (Melton), Mr. M. Brown (Sandhurst), Mr. D. Jones (New South Wales), Mr. J. T. Smith Williamstown and Wyndham), Mr. J. W Fleming (New South Wales, and Mr. W. Moule (Fitzroy).  After the minutes of the preceding preliminary meeting had been read and confirmed, the election of offers was proceeded with.

On the motion of Dr Fetherston, seconded by Mr. W.K. Thompson, Mr. W. J. Clarke was unanimously elected President of the National Coursing Club of Australia.  It was decided to hold two meetings a year one the day of the Waterloo Cup draw, in July, and the other the Tuesday of the Melbourne Cup week.  It was decided to adopt the latest English national Coursing Club rules, and the secretary was requested to telegraph for a copy to be sent out at the earliest convenience. (This copy of the rules, with marginal notes, is still in existence).  A Sub-Committee consisting of the President (Mr W. J. Clarke),  Messrs. D. Jones, W. K. Thompson,  J. T. Smith, W. McCulloch and Dr. Fetherston, was appointed to revise the rules and draw p a report for approval.  It was decided that the annual quote from each club represented at the Council Chamber of the National Coursing Club of Australia be fixed as follows: Each club having 50 members, £2; over 50 and under 100 members, £3; and over 100 members £4.  Mr J. Munday was asked to continue the honorary duties of Secretary, pro tem and the meeting then terminated.

Throughout the year, a continuous list of successful meetings were held.  We find new clubs in Kyneton, Australia, Beaufort, Runnymede, Gisborne, North Western and Stawell staging splendid programmes.  The Waterloo Cup again attracted 64 subscribers at 25 guineas each.  The draw took place on Saturday afternoon at the Union Club Hotel, Collins Street.  There was an increased attendance of the public when Mr. Barnard officiated at the barrel for the draw.  In the evening, several gentlemen sat down to dinner, and, on the removal of the cloth, the doors were thrown open to the public and the large room soon filled.  The individual courses were first proceeded with, and some heavy wagering ensured’ in fact much heavier than in former years.  Although the sport had only been in operation five years its growth, has been marvellous.  The result of the Cup was a surprise, as the last four were bitches and all outsiders.

In the final Mr. H. Core’s black and white bitch Gitana, by Cashier – Colleen Bawn, defeated Mr. D. M. Bryde’s ns fawn bitch Vigorous, by Red Rover – Rise.  This year saw Mr. J. Johnson as Judge and Mr. W. Wilson acting as Slipper.

The years1878 and 1879 witnessed the continued growth of clubs, which had sprung u like mushrooms.  Meeting after meeting saw all stakes fully subscribed.  The Cup winner of 1878 was Mr. F. O. Robertson’s ns fawn and white bitch Young Bezique (Nutlad – Bezique), and the runner-up Mr. W. J. Clarke’s fawn bitch, Peri (Red Rover – Glencoe).

For the 1879 Cup meeting the club dispensed with the usual Waterloo dinner.  The betting at the call of the card caused matters to assume a lively appearance and many runners were well supported.  Five greyhounds of Mr. Rounsevell’s kennel, from Adelaide, stood their ground, and competitors from New South Wales were also nominated.  Injuries in running brought about the downfall of many favoured candidates.  In winning the final, Mr. J. W. Fleming’s ns black and white dog Lelix (Barnaby _ Sea Wave), took the coveted trophy to New South Wales.  Although defeated, Mr. T. Chadwick’s ns black and white bitch Haste was not disgraced.  Lelix defeated in turn Weigelia, Radiant, Silver Stream, then a bye, Rosy Fawn being withdrawn, Rippling Avon, and finally Haste.

Probably no season opened so full of interest as the year 1880.  Meetings were being held throughout the State and the sport was now firmly established in popularity.  Owners were now looking further a field to secure a greyhound worthy of their nomination.  Various owners placed commissions in England for the purchase of first-class greyhounds.  New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania threw down the gauntlet to their Victorian cousins, but to no avail, as Mr. S. Burgess’ ns bd wd Spring Water put paid to the account of Lucifer, Rosy Fawn, Castor, Maid of Athens, Hilda, and Bash Maid, t win the Cup of 1880.

The system of plumpton coursing was introduced into Victoria in the 1881.  For several years past the accidents to greyhounds had become so numerous that many owners were prepared to try out the system of enclosure coursing introduced to England by Mr. Case.  Through the press, the public learnt of the innovation, with the result that large crows flocked to the oval at Diggers’ Rest on the opening day, and great excitement prevailed.  The Victorian ring was largely represented, and double, treble, and straight-out books were opened to big business.  That those controlling the meeting had not got the grip of providing sufficient escapes and well-schooled hares was soon evident, for the mortality of the hares was great.  However, the experience gained was useful, and when the time for the next Blue Ribbon came round all these faults were remedied.  The winner proved to be Mr. M. Adamson’s fawn and white bitch Lady Maryborough (Robin Hood- Princess Alice), who defeated in the final Mr. A. Smith’s ns bk wb Bashful Maid (Bashful Joe – Wallflower).  Those to go under to the winner were Proserpine, Erin, Bashful Lady, Colleen Mohr, Fadette, and Lady Maryborough.  The trophy of a silver collar won by Lady Maryborough is still in the possession of the Adamson family in the Maryborough district.

The year 1882 may be ranked as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.  The previous year, it was vividly remembered that the Sunbury oval was on its trial as a coursing ground, and the hares ran so weakly as to render the great event, on the whole, the reverse of satisfactory.  Trials had shown that most excellent coursing would be witnessed, therefore it was no surprise that, for the first time, it was found necessary to despatch to Diggers’ Rest two special trains, both crowded and of great length.  Visitors were astonished at the improvements made.  Telegraph office, refreshment room, ladies’ cloak room, and enormous luncheon tents had now been erected on the grounds.  The Sydney division won a big stake by the victory of Mr Le Lords’ Capri, red or fawn dog by Canute – Little Star, who, in winning the Cup defeated Reform, Rhodanthe, Gunilda, King Jester, Giroffa II and Maid of Oborne.

Capri was one of the previous season’s English puppies, whelped in May and purchased by Mr. Cooper, when on a visit to the Old Country, from Mr. George Lister, of Leeds.  Capri and other greyhounds purchased by Mr. Cooper were sent to Australia, and his kennel was taken charge of by Mr. McDougal, a young trainer from Scotland.  To win a Waterloo Cup at the first time of asking was a feather in the trainer’s cap.

The runner-up, Maid of Oborne, was also an imported greyhound. and what breeding – Misterton from Coomassie, two Waterloo Cup winners.

Whichever way one looked at the 1882 season, one was forced to the conclusion that it was the most successful in the annals of the Australian Leash.  With the success of the imported greyhounds it was no surprise that unlimited commissions were placed on the Old Country for further importations.  Money was of no object, in procuring the very best greyhounds.  Over £10,000 was distributed in stakes throughout the season and it was possible to back a greyhound in the Waterloo Cup for fabulous sums.  This year saw the disposal of the Hon. W. B. Rounsevell’s kennel at Tattersall’s Horse Bazaar.  Many bargains were secured, but one of the greatest was Rhodanthe, purchased by Mr. J. Wagner for 76 guineas.

The first act in the Waterloo drama of 1883 took place at the Athenaeum Hall on July 17, when the Victoria Coursing Club held the time honoured banquet.  Nearly 100 guests sat down to dinner, and the company included most of the leading coursers of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania.  In the absence of Sir. W. J. Clarke, the President, Mr. Harvey Patterson presided.  At the call of the card Kingfisher was favourite at 7 to 1, but his kennel companion, Rent Charge, pressed him hard at 100 to 14, taken and offered. Last year’s winner, Capri was in demand at 10 to 1, while Milford receded to 100to 8, which figure was offered and accepted at the finish.

Again two special trains were required to convey passengers to the Oval, and the attendance was the largest yet seen on a coursing ground.  The 64 candidates comprised the elite of the greyhound world, Gossoon, Kingfisher, Milford, Capri, Proserpine, Rhodanthe, Lady Maryborough, Miss Risy and Captively.  All were drawn close together, making the task of selecting the winner a difficult one.  After magnificent coursing, the winner proved to be Mr. J. W. Crosbie’s ns Rhodanthe, white and black bitch by Rebellion – Wisteria.  To secure the trophy this 49 lb. bitch had to defeat Cowslip II, Proserpine, Queen Bee, Capri, Legerdemain, and Shrewd Girl.   This made Mr. Warner’s third Waterloo Cup victory.  The first was in 1875, when Sandy nominated by Mr. Watson, was successful.  The second was two years later, when Miss Walker was named by Mr. J. Grace.  The previous year Mr. Wagner had purchased Rhodanthe for 76 guineas.  The bitch was heavily back, and the owner and nominator (Mr Crosbie), relieved the bookmakers of a goodly sum.

Over £10,000 was again distributed in stake money during the season.  The principal winning owners were Messrs. Wagner & Janning, with £1,268, and the Hon. W. McCullloch taking £1,110.  The principal sire of the season was Chester (by Cashier – Cutter), whose progeny won £761.

That the 1884 Waterloo Cup was due for decision was easily seen by the arrival of so many coursing men from sister colonies.  The draw and banquet were held at the Union Club Hotel.  The betting that followed the dinner was full of animation, and good prices were easily obtainable about the outsides.  On the opening day, the attendance was greater than the previous year.  In the Cup patrons saw the imported Melfort give a dashing display throughout and it was no surprise to see the coveted event go to this greyhound.  The first greyhounds he defeated were Philistine (winner of the Purse) and Real Grit (winner of the Plate), and then Wrangler, Thrift, Castenel, and in the final, Hon W. McCulloch’s Monsoon (Chester – Mint).  Monsoon had previously won the Sydney Waterloo Cup.  The win was a most popular one, as Mr. Robert Chirnside had been a consistent supporter of the sport.  Melfort, an imported dog, had won the Victorian Waterloo Cup.  Before being imported to Australia he had divided the Gosforth Park Derby of 97 dog puppies, whilst his litter sister, Melody, divided the Oaks of 79 bitches.  This was Melfort’s only appearance in England, he having been purchased by Mr. R. Chirnside for 400 guineas, and shortly afterwards he was shipped to Australia.  In the 1883 Waterloo Cup, Melfort was drawn through lameness from the Purchase.  In his trials before this Waterloo he had not pleased his trainer.  It was this fact that induced Mr. Chirnside to refrain from backing Melfort until the draw.  Outsiders stepped in and took the best of the odds offered.  Mr. Chirnside backed the dog to win £1,000, and laid the trainer, Walter Melrose, £500 to nothing.  South Australia had two greyhounds in the last four.  At this meeting the New South Wale division ran poorly.  Melfort was bred by Mr. Thomas Melville, whom I had the pleasure of meeting each day of the 1923 English Waterloo Cup, which Lord Lonsdale won with Latto.  Even after the lapse of so many years, Mr Melville still waxed enthusiastic over the merits of Melfort, whom he described as one of the best greyhounds ever bred in England.

To show what a hold coursing had on the Victoria public, at the conclusion of the 1884 meeting Mr. Morris Jacobs, the well known fielder, was operating on the 1885 Waterloo Cup, and laid £1,000 to £5 against the nominations of the Hon. W. McCulloch and G. Whittingham, and £1,000 to £75 against Mr. Chirnside.  So concluded the twelfth Victorian Waterloo Cup.  Looking back over the years, from the commencement in 1873, one can only marvel at the growth of the sport, despite its early drawback.  In that space of time we had seen the English Waterloo Cup Judge brought to Australia to officiate at the Blue Ribbon, Whilst Australia had produced on of the finest Clippers the world had seen.  I refer to Dick Banner, who again officiated in that position, and slipped as well as ever.  The inception of the Mooney Valley and Sherwood Park plumpton hit the popular fancy to a nicety when the proprietors conceived the idea of bringing the sport earlier to Melbourne than ever it was previously.  The advantage these enclosures had over the oval or Werribee was that they could course earlier.  Moonee Valley is still fresh in the memory, but how many recall Sherwood Park, where that fine old courser, J. B. Scott, conducted many meetings.  Sherwood Park was situated at Burwood, close to what is now the Ashburton railway station.  Horse racing was also conducted there.  After the grounds had been closed down to coursing and racing, I leased the property for some time, and many a course I enjoyed after the descendants of some of Mr. Scott’s original hares.  The opening meeting at Sherwood comprised three 16-dog stakes.  The principal state, the Sherwood Cup, was won by Mr. R. Chirnside’s black and white bitch Werribee Dove, by Go As You Please – Ecca.  The first meeting held at Moonee Valley took place on July 31 of that year. Two 16-dog stakes were run, the Ho W. McCulloch winning the Moonee Valley open stakes with his black and white dog Manifesti, by Tumult – Gazette and Mr. M. Hardiman the Ascot Vale stakes with his white an fawn dog Gambler, by Jock – Weind Eye.  The second Moonee Valley meeting was held on August 19, Mr. Hardiman winning the principal stake with the blue and white dog Carbineer, by Grenadier – Bertha.

For your info:

This symbol  £   is used to denote a pound in old Australia currency.  One pound equates to $2.00 in Australian decimal currency.

Guinea equates to one pound, one shilling.  i.e. 20 guineas would equate to 21 pounds.