OXFORD DON... a story from birth to racing by Richard Coleman (Co Owner)

I had owned a couple of dogs before, bought when they were two years
old, but in October 2006 I decided to 'live the dream' and buy a pup. I
was aware of Dave Wood through the Internet, firstly on Betfair, also
on Greyhound Data, and I was a member of his puppy syndicate. So in
taking that first plunge he was the obvious choice. I knew that he had
Bred Gilbeyhall Josh who was doing flying times in Ireland, and also
that Josh's mum Knockeevan Angie had just whelped a litter, a repeat
mating to Larkhill Jo. I wanted a dog pup, and discussed everything
with Dave. His one reservation, which really impressed me (some people
will sell you anything with four legs), was the fact that I race at
Nottingham. Dave thought that if the pup took after Josh and his
siblings 500m might prove too far. I decided to take that chance.

In December 2006 I took the train to Berwick, Dave met me at the
station and took me back to the kennels where I was also privileged to
meet his mum and dad. It was immediately clear they were honest genuine
folk, and the kennels were in fantastic shape, even in the depths of
winter. I made my choice of pup, which involved very little judgment,
except he seemed to be the one that concentrated on Dave's squeaky toy
the longest. I decided to call him Monty, and also persuaded my best
friend Roy to join me in the venture. It's good to share with mates,
both the cost and the whole experience.

The next twelve months were probably the least interesting for us as
owners, just regular confirmation that he was doing fine and like his
litter mates, was 'a noisy bu**er'. However as we looked forward to
something actually happening, this period was the most important for
the pup himself, a time when whatever talent he had was being nurtured
by Daves skill and care. I am sure that the role of the rearer in the
career of any dog is the most underestimated, even a hound with a
decent engine can lose its way if not looked after properly in the
first year.

November 2007 saw Monty depart for Ireland for the next stage of his
education, schooling. He was sent to Dave and Marie at Savana Kennels
in Carrick On Suir together with a brother and sister. They were very patient
and slowly introduced him to the idea of racing. His unofficial times
were nothing special but they did show that he had some ability. Dave
told me not to expect anything amazing, he always leaves plenty for the
trainer to work on as the worst thing you can do is push pups in the
early stage while they are developing mentally and physically.

Finally in late February came the call from Dave, he's ready to come
over, let me know the name of the transporter that your trainer uses. He arrived at Terry
Munslows kennels early one Wednesday morning in March after a
horrendous journey on the ferry (Cheltenham Festival was called off due
to high winds , Roy and I ended up at Oxford BAGS instead). He came
with a letter from Marie giving Terry a bit of detail about him, not
least that he was called Questy. So Monty became Questy , I dont know
how many Questys there are racing today, quite a few I expect. We
decided his racing name would be Oxford Don. Despite my Nottingham
roots I have an Oxford connection and Roy, poor lad, is a big Oxford
United fan.

Trials went well, Terry doesn't rush them so it was May when he was
ready for his first race in A6. He was the 7/4 favourite but was a
little overwhelmed, broke badly, and finished 5th. Never mind, he'll
know more next week we thought. Next week came. Disaster. He turned in
the traps, they put him back in, and he turned again. As he was led
shamefully back to the paddock, I seriously wondered if that might be
the last we would see of Oxford Don on the track.

Anyway Terry did what he did (I never asked but I think it mainly
involved bribing him with food) and re-qualifying trials went without a
hitch, as did his first few races. The only problem was, with one
exception, he wasn't winning them. His early pace took him into the
lead almost every time, but he tired badly in the home straight. Dave's
original caution seemed to be justified. After every race, Terry
repeated the same words, 'he's still a baby, he'll get stronger'.

One night in September, the penny dropped. Last race, driving rain, he
forced his way to the front at the first bend and just kept going to
win in A4 by 7 lengths. By October he was in A1, and since then he has
won 8 of his 13 A1 races, including 6 of his last 7. He has also
developed a couple of habits which prove to me how much he loves
racing. Sometimes in the paddock beforehand he is literally shaking,
and I know it is with excitement and anticipation, not worry.

As to the future, who knows, but realistically, given good health, I
would like to think that he will win an Open or two. Most important is
that he keeps enjoying his racing and he comes off safe.

I would just like to thank firstly Dave who tuned up his engine
perfectly and has given me so much good advice since I first spoke with
him. Secondly Dave and Marie in Ireland, who did a cracking job
schooling him. Thirdly Terry Munslow and his family. Terry isn't high
profile and doesn't want to be, but he has been in the game for years
and knows all of his dogs (it amazes me how many trainers sit at the
bar watching the racing on the TV and never seem to be in the paddock
when their dogs are coming off the track). And lastly “The Don “(As hes known by Nottinghams Regulars)
himself, who has given us so much pleasure the last couple of years. Oi
Oi Questy!!!

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