Dec 2009
Rounding Up 2009
20/12/09 21:49 Filed in: Stories
This year has seen, what I would consider, the “Best Looking” Crop of pups as an entire and really fills me up with alot of hope.
Firstly the Droopys Kewell x Jazz Hurricane(Apr 08) pups left us in April and after very limited schooling they very quickly established themselves in high grades, as such we have not hit an Open Race success with any of them but I am as certain as I can be that not only will there be A Open race success but that there will be “A Few” next year.
The Hondo Black x Miss Wonderful(May 08) pups left us in May and whilst it is early doors with them and Hondo Blacks are renowned for getting better with age, they do, in truth, look average racers, my dog pup sadly done his stifle at 10 months old and even with the required rest he didn’t hold up to any runs and is awaiting a home, The pup in Ireland may yet prove me wrong and I can honestly say that these pups looked stunners but it just goes to show that looks win you nothing.
Next to leave where the Droopys Maldini x Droopys Lena (July 08) pups, they left us in July and the dog pups have not been rushed but have completed their schooling, they have showed up very well and I am eagerly awaiting 2010 to see them race, the bitches have been held back further with seasons but all have nearly completed their schooling, 1 of them has had 5 races on the Independants with 2 victorys( 1 a final) and looking quite promising, I am certain these pups will do me and their mother proud.
October was to see the Westmead Hawk x Score Legend(Oct 08) pups leave us, very strange litter as I was as happy as I could be with them for the first 6-7 months and then for 2 months I honestly thought they had stopped growing and was getting very worried, however a late spurt was to see them leave fine looking, sturdy pups, I am led to believe that they are chasing crazy for it but thats all I know.
Final pups to leave this year where the 2 sets of Premier Fantasy pups by Droopys Rosari(Nov 08) and Millies Award(Nov 08), both these sets of pups look the business and I am really excited to see how they get on, this will not be till next year as they will not be rushed as they are all quite big lumps, in the field they were very very bolshy and at times they were quite hard work but in all honesty I would not have swapped them for anything.
All in I can honestly say that next year could be very interesting and hopefully all the time and effort myself and my father put into all the pups will bring home the just rewards.
Westmead Hawk x Jazz Hurricane born March 09 have blossomed into lovely looking pups, dogs weigh in the region of 30-34kg and bitches 26-29kg and truly full of it, I must admit that at the beginning I was not overly impressed but the last 2-3 months has seen a complete turnaround in my thoughts.
Droopys Maldini x Miss Wonderful born June 09 are very sturdy and compact pups that are so full of energy its untrue, dogs weigh around 28kg and overall I am very happy with how they are progressing.
Hondo Black X Baby Marge(Aug 09) and Hondo Black x Droopys Lena(Sept 09) are both doing very good, too early to be jumping up and down, but still showing the right attributes you like to see.
Winners this week Questhouse Alexi, Questhouse Misty, Lenn Swartz and Andreas Quest x2 at Newcastle, English Rose, Regale Savana, Smoking John and Sugar Fix at Hove, Questhouse Leigh at Monmore, Bonjour Paula at Nottingham.
This brings our Kennel Total to 893 and makes it 293 winners this year alone, whilst we have lacked on Opens which is, of course, disappointing, we have sent out plenty of winners that I am sure has pleased their many owners, with a little bit of luck we will improve the Open wins next year as well as hopefully sending out as many winners.
On the general racing front I must admit to being very disappointed with our current board GBGB, nothing but doom and gloom has arisen from their offices and quite what 2010 will bring is beyond thinking about, hopefully GOBATA will be allowed a voice on the board and with the wealth of experience on side it can surely only go to serve our industry well, if the GBGB have any hope for our future they will embrace this knowledge on board.
The standard of racing this year has been very high and shining through were, for me, a few major highlights.
Charlie Lister on winning the Trainers Championship at Sheffield, the display his dogs put on that night was truly remarkable and it is a night I will not forget in a hurry.
Kinda Ready winning the English Derby, whilst I felt pig sick for my friend Simon Wooder and Charlie on Fear Zafonic getting nailed near the line, I was very happy for Mark and his team at Imperial Kennels on winning the biggest prize our sport has to offer, I know just what this meant to Mark and his team and I was delighted all his hard work has paid off.
The “ Charlie Lister” east anglian Derby with an unbelievable 10th success and a 1-2-3 on the night, truly amazing feat and 1 that I know Charlie is proud of, it was also small compensation to the owners of Fear Zafonic.
The Mark Wallis 1-2 St Leger, truly fantastic race and a Dead heat would have been more fitting but it was not to be, I was though very happy for Kinda Easys owners as they are a superb bunch of people who put their dogs and their morals first.
Eye on The Storm winning The Eclipse, the Race title was fitting as that is what that dog done, he “Eclipsed” his field and looks a proper prospect for next year, good luck to John who deserves any good fortune that comes his way as he puts enough into the sport.
Wee Gangus ( Rab Mcnair) winning The Gymcrack and Oaks, both very fast and professional racers and both sure to be highlighted many times in 2010, Rab himself has put many a smile on peoples faces this year and I find him totally infectious, perhaps the GBGB should have him fronting a trailer for Greyhound Racing.
Imperial Kennels achievement on the number of Open wins this year, it is truly astounding and shows the complete dedication shown by this kennel, never frightened to get on the road and I know that Mark n Co are proud of what they have achieved.
Final highlight has to be the Invitational race I sponsored on Juvenile night in memory of my late mum, the whole field was packed with the highest quality greyhounds and me and my father were extremely proud to have my mums name associated with these greats, looking back it was fantastic to see “The Causeway” in the flesh and to watch Ninja Jamie put on a proper display for Terry and Geoff, it truly was a magical night.
Firstly the Droopys Kewell x Jazz Hurricane(Apr 08) pups left us in April and after very limited schooling they very quickly established themselves in high grades, as such we have not hit an Open Race success with any of them but I am as certain as I can be that not only will there be A Open race success but that there will be “A Few” next year.
The Hondo Black x Miss Wonderful(May 08) pups left us in May and whilst it is early doors with them and Hondo Blacks are renowned for getting better with age, they do, in truth, look average racers, my dog pup sadly done his stifle at 10 months old and even with the required rest he didn’t hold up to any runs and is awaiting a home, The pup in Ireland may yet prove me wrong and I can honestly say that these pups looked stunners but it just goes to show that looks win you nothing.
Next to leave where the Droopys Maldini x Droopys Lena (July 08) pups, they left us in July and the dog pups have not been rushed but have completed their schooling, they have showed up very well and I am eagerly awaiting 2010 to see them race, the bitches have been held back further with seasons but all have nearly completed their schooling, 1 of them has had 5 races on the Independants with 2 victorys( 1 a final) and looking quite promising, I am certain these pups will do me and their mother proud.
October was to see the Westmead Hawk x Score Legend(Oct 08) pups leave us, very strange litter as I was as happy as I could be with them for the first 6-7 months and then for 2 months I honestly thought they had stopped growing and was getting very worried, however a late spurt was to see them leave fine looking, sturdy pups, I am led to believe that they are chasing crazy for it but thats all I know.
Final pups to leave this year where the 2 sets of Premier Fantasy pups by Droopys Rosari(Nov 08) and Millies Award(Nov 08), both these sets of pups look the business and I am really excited to see how they get on, this will not be till next year as they will not be rushed as they are all quite big lumps, in the field they were very very bolshy and at times they were quite hard work but in all honesty I would not have swapped them for anything.
All in I can honestly say that next year could be very interesting and hopefully all the time and effort myself and my father put into all the pups will bring home the just rewards.
Westmead Hawk x Jazz Hurricane born March 09 have blossomed into lovely looking pups, dogs weigh in the region of 30-34kg and bitches 26-29kg and truly full of it, I must admit that at the beginning I was not overly impressed but the last 2-3 months has seen a complete turnaround in my thoughts.
Droopys Maldini x Miss Wonderful born June 09 are very sturdy and compact pups that are so full of energy its untrue, dogs weigh around 28kg and overall I am very happy with how they are progressing.
Hondo Black X Baby Marge(Aug 09) and Hondo Black x Droopys Lena(Sept 09) are both doing very good, too early to be jumping up and down, but still showing the right attributes you like to see.
Winners this week Questhouse Alexi, Questhouse Misty, Lenn Swartz and Andreas Quest x2 at Newcastle, English Rose, Regale Savana, Smoking John and Sugar Fix at Hove, Questhouse Leigh at Monmore, Bonjour Paula at Nottingham.
This brings our Kennel Total to 893 and makes it 293 winners this year alone, whilst we have lacked on Opens which is, of course, disappointing, we have sent out plenty of winners that I am sure has pleased their many owners, with a little bit of luck we will improve the Open wins next year as well as hopefully sending out as many winners.
On the general racing front I must admit to being very disappointed with our current board GBGB, nothing but doom and gloom has arisen from their offices and quite what 2010 will bring is beyond thinking about, hopefully GOBATA will be allowed a voice on the board and with the wealth of experience on side it can surely only go to serve our industry well, if the GBGB have any hope for our future they will embrace this knowledge on board.
The standard of racing this year has been very high and shining through were, for me, a few major highlights.
Charlie Lister on winning the Trainers Championship at Sheffield, the display his dogs put on that night was truly remarkable and it is a night I will not forget in a hurry.
Kinda Ready winning the English Derby, whilst I felt pig sick for my friend Simon Wooder and Charlie on Fear Zafonic getting nailed near the line, I was very happy for Mark and his team at Imperial Kennels on winning the biggest prize our sport has to offer, I know just what this meant to Mark and his team and I was delighted all his hard work has paid off.
The “ Charlie Lister” east anglian Derby with an unbelievable 10th success and a 1-2-3 on the night, truly amazing feat and 1 that I know Charlie is proud of, it was also small compensation to the owners of Fear Zafonic.
The Mark Wallis 1-2 St Leger, truly fantastic race and a Dead heat would have been more fitting but it was not to be, I was though very happy for Kinda Easys owners as they are a superb bunch of people who put their dogs and their morals first.
Eye on The Storm winning The Eclipse, the Race title was fitting as that is what that dog done, he “Eclipsed” his field and looks a proper prospect for next year, good luck to John who deserves any good fortune that comes his way as he puts enough into the sport.
Wee Gangus ( Rab Mcnair) winning The Gymcrack and Oaks, both very fast and professional racers and both sure to be highlighted many times in 2010, Rab himself has put many a smile on peoples faces this year and I find him totally infectious, perhaps the GBGB should have him fronting a trailer for Greyhound Racing.
Imperial Kennels achievement on the number of Open wins this year, it is truly astounding and shows the complete dedication shown by this kennel, never frightened to get on the road and I know that Mark n Co are proud of what they have achieved.
Final highlight has to be the Invitational race I sponsored on Juvenile night in memory of my late mum, the whole field was packed with the highest quality greyhounds and me and my father were extremely proud to have my mums name associated with these greats, looking back it was fantastic to see “The Causeway” in the flesh and to watch Ninja Jamie put on a proper display for Terry and Geoff, it truly was a magical night.
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Pay by PAYPAL
18/12/09 14:13 Filed in: Stories
Its simple and fast and completes the purchasing process having had your order confirmed by Questhouse Kennels prior to paying.
The payments page is a sub page of At Stud and is called SHOP MERLIN just choose the number of vials and you are taken to paypal processing department. All transactions are in Australian Dollars for convenience.
Any questions just pop me a line using our new contact form.
Oh and you don’t have to have an account with paypal any longer to make payments, credit and debit cards are fine.
Important GOBATA announcement
13/12/09 23:07 Filed in: Stories
GOBATA Inaugural Meeting Time, Date & Location - 7.30pm Start on Wednesday 16th December at the Hilton East Midlands Airport Hotel, Junction 24 of the M1.
Please note the time has changed from 8pm and the meeting is now scheduled for 7.30pm. Help us to inform as many people as you can for the best possible turnout at the meeting.
Please note the time has changed from 8pm and the meeting is now scheduled for 7.30pm. Help us to inform as many people as you can for the best possible turnout at the meeting.
Christmas has come early
08/12/09 08:22 Filed in: Stories
On the back of my recent Free Draw for a pup, and a suggestion by one of my owners, I have decided to hold another draw.
This time the winner will be one dog pup fully reared to 12 months old, the winner can visit as often as they like and it could make an absolute fantastic Christmas present for someone.
I am looking for 98 Entries at a Cost of £20 per Entry, the draw will be run the same as before only this time each Lottery number shall have 2 names beside it, the winning number( Bonus Ball) will then see the 2 winning names go head to head in the following Lottery Draw.
This should be looked upon as a bit of fun with the chance to own a very well bred pup at 12 months old for the sum of £20, as said it could be an absolutely fantastic Christmas present for someone.
The breeding is Hondo Black x Baby Marge born 20th August 2009, Marge won multiple Opens including 2 of the fastest ever times around Hove for a bitch over the 695 Metre Trip, she was part of a litter of 10 that seen 7 in total win opens including Foulden Special who won The Group 1 Grand Prix at Walthamstow.
Please e-mail questhousekennels@googlemail.com or phone 07795 554199 if interested in taking part, the intentions are for this to be drawn 19th Dec and Final Draw 23rd Dec.
This time the winner will be one dog pup fully reared to 12 months old, the winner can visit as often as they like and it could make an absolute fantastic Christmas present for someone.
I am looking for 98 Entries at a Cost of £20 per Entry, the draw will be run the same as before only this time each Lottery number shall have 2 names beside it, the winning number( Bonus Ball) will then see the 2 winning names go head to head in the following Lottery Draw.
This should be looked upon as a bit of fun with the chance to own a very well bred pup at 12 months old for the sum of £20, as said it could be an absolutely fantastic Christmas present for someone.
The breeding is Hondo Black x Baby Marge born 20th August 2009, Marge won multiple Opens including 2 of the fastest ever times around Hove for a bitch over the 695 Metre Trip, she was part of a litter of 10 that seen 7 in total win opens including Foulden Special who won The Group 1 Grand Prix at Walthamstow.
Please e-mail questhousekennels@googlemail.com or phone 07795 554199 if interested in taking part, the intentions are for this to be drawn 19th Dec and Final Draw 23rd Dec.
Moving
06/12/09 18:57 Filed in: Stories
The time came to say goodbye to the majority of the 2 sets of Premier Fantasy pups on Monday and whilst at times they were hard work, I will still miss them, they have developed into fine looking animals and if looks can win you races then these pups will win bundles, I wish all their owners the very best of luck with them and I know they are in safe hands with Dave and Jane Houfton at Dunham Greyhound Centre and I hope it is the start of a great working relationship.
I have kept two of the Droopys Rosari pups back as I intend doing these myself, not quite sure whether I will race them or not as they are both cracking specimens and should make great broods in the near future, watch this space for developments with them.
Sadly I have to report that Rosari has missed with her mating to Boherduff Light, having been scanned twice, just to be sure, it was conclusive that she has not taken, sad as she would have been due on Christmas Day.
The Jazz Hurricane pups are really flourishing and filling out big time as each day goes by, as said already I thought they were going to be less bulky than the Kewell pups but boy have they changed over the last 6/8 weeks, I am very excited about these.
On the note of Jazz, sadly 1 of her Droopys Kewell pups had to be put to sleep on Thursday as he had developed some form of brain malfunction and this caused him to start losing his eye sight as well as other various ailments, it would have been very cruel to have kept poor Diesel alive and I know that his owner Jill and the kennel of Derek Knights are all truly devastated, they gave him the love and attention he deserved but sadly it was not enough.
R.I.P Diesel
The Droopys Maldini pups x Miss Wonderful are doing great, always on the go and full of the joys of spring and I am more than happy with how they are coming along.
The 2 young sets of Hondo Blacks( Droopys Lena and Baby Marge) are doing fantastic and boy can they eat, absolutely devour whatever is put down to them which makes life so much easier, I am gaining more and more respect for this sire as it looks like he produces a fine stamp of a pup with great hardiness.
Congratulations to Lynn Canham on winning the Baby Marge pup, Lynn is very passionate about her dogs and has all the dogs with the “ Opening” prefix at Wimbledon including Arty( Opening Artist) who won the Puppy Derby a couple of years ago, I sincerely wish Lynn all the best with her new pup and hope she goes onto great things.
I would also like to say thanks to the people in Australia that are willing to take a chance with Farloe Merlin, the response has been great and all being well we will have the first consignment in Australia by End of Jan and hopefully a few bitches mated soon after.
Good news is that Merlins first bitch Lislevane Minx has been mated this weekend and he was more than up for it which is great considering it was his first ever go, fingers crossed we see a nice healthy litter of pups in around 9 weeks time. Must also thank Mick and Sam for looking after him the last couple of weeks.
The update on Daisy is that she has settled in the house very well and overall been very good, odd occasions have seen her being a pain in the backside but considering what has happened we cannot really complain, the original cast that was put on had not had enough padding at the top, this caused it to cut into her skin and I had no option but to get it taken off, it was replaced with a splint and within 10 days she had managed to split this in 2, my vet who has been doing his job for over 30 years has NEVER had a splint break and says you actually have to saw it to cut it down to size, nothing really surprises me with Daisy and I think she has been sent to test my patience as well as my wallet.
Recent Winners: English Rose x2, Smoking Shady, Smoking John, Pick and Micks x2 and Adios Amigo at Hove, Advantage Jonjo at Cork, Bellpac Philly at Newcastle, Pendle Whojo at Crayford, Opening Quest at Wimbledon
Bringing the Kennel Total= 882
I have kept two of the Droopys Rosari pups back as I intend doing these myself, not quite sure whether I will race them or not as they are both cracking specimens and should make great broods in the near future, watch this space for developments with them.
Sadly I have to report that Rosari has missed with her mating to Boherduff Light, having been scanned twice, just to be sure, it was conclusive that she has not taken, sad as she would have been due on Christmas Day.
The Jazz Hurricane pups are really flourishing and filling out big time as each day goes by, as said already I thought they were going to be less bulky than the Kewell pups but boy have they changed over the last 6/8 weeks, I am very excited about these.
On the note of Jazz, sadly 1 of her Droopys Kewell pups had to be put to sleep on Thursday as he had developed some form of brain malfunction and this caused him to start losing his eye sight as well as other various ailments, it would have been very cruel to have kept poor Diesel alive and I know that his owner Jill and the kennel of Derek Knights are all truly devastated, they gave him the love and attention he deserved but sadly it was not enough.
R.I.P Diesel
The Droopys Maldini pups x Miss Wonderful are doing great, always on the go and full of the joys of spring and I am more than happy with how they are coming along.
The 2 young sets of Hondo Blacks( Droopys Lena and Baby Marge) are doing fantastic and boy can they eat, absolutely devour whatever is put down to them which makes life so much easier, I am gaining more and more respect for this sire as it looks like he produces a fine stamp of a pup with great hardiness.
Congratulations to Lynn Canham on winning the Baby Marge pup, Lynn is very passionate about her dogs and has all the dogs with the “ Opening” prefix at Wimbledon including Arty( Opening Artist) who won the Puppy Derby a couple of years ago, I sincerely wish Lynn all the best with her new pup and hope she goes onto great things.
I would also like to say thanks to the people in Australia that are willing to take a chance with Farloe Merlin, the response has been great and all being well we will have the first consignment in Australia by End of Jan and hopefully a few bitches mated soon after.
Good news is that Merlins first bitch Lislevane Minx has been mated this weekend and he was more than up for it which is great considering it was his first ever go, fingers crossed we see a nice healthy litter of pups in around 9 weeks time. Must also thank Mick and Sam for looking after him the last couple of weeks.
The update on Daisy is that she has settled in the house very well and overall been very good, odd occasions have seen her being a pain in the backside but considering what has happened we cannot really complain, the original cast that was put on had not had enough padding at the top, this caused it to cut into her skin and I had no option but to get it taken off, it was replaced with a splint and within 10 days she had managed to split this in 2, my vet who has been doing his job for over 30 years has NEVER had a splint break and says you actually have to saw it to cut it down to size, nothing really surprises me with Daisy and I think she has been sent to test my patience as well as my wallet.
Recent Winners: English Rose x2, Smoking Shady, Smoking John, Pick and Micks x2 and Adios Amigo at Hove, Advantage Jonjo at Cork, Bellpac Philly at Newcastle, Pendle Whojo at Crayford, Opening Quest at Wimbledon
Bringing the Kennel Total= 882