Update on our gorgeous racing girl Hannah (All The Milk)

By Fatima |

Monday, August 26, 2013

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Cute Hannah (All The Milk)

So many of you who are not on Facebook often ask me about how our racing girls are doing. While we have many updates on them on our Facebook page , I somehow always run out of time to post a bit here on the blog.  :(
Little Hannah (All The Milk) is having the best time at Wanganui track - she has had a few starts there with overall awesome results! A few times she was unlucky and got checked or could not find racing room in  time, but her luck has been improving! She won her maiden race on 24th July there -  it was amazing! I don't think we have ever screamed that much -and I have to admit that lots of Moet was drunk that Wednesday lunchtime! There were a few happy tears too :)
Here is the photo finish:

Hannah winning! :) (you can click on the photo to see full size)

And even better -you can see the video of the race at the link below (Hannah is in the white and green striped rug ; the video should start at 1:24min -this is the time of her race):
http://youtu.be/AAaKeIJ9Sck?t=1m24s

Hannah also had the most AMAZING run for a second place on August the 14th - she did incredibly  well, happy little doggie coming from the back and pushing to the second place! We were so impressed , and so happy for this young dog, doing what she loves and having the best time. The video of this race is truly a must see (Hannah is in white rug number 3 in this race; this video should start at 10:35minutes):
http://youtu.be/gfTXdKDgazQ?t=10m35s

And last week - this happy little girl has had her first middle distance race (520meters) and she came third!!! It is an amazing result for a dog who has not had any experience racing over this distance (all her previous starts were sprints, over 305meters).
But whatever the distance she is racing on - Hannah is always smiling :

I just wish that all the dogs, of all breeds, had a chance to do what they love, to have a job and enjoy it, like this beautiful girl and her parents did. That is the biggest wish of mine - although somewhat farfetched, I know. :) But we are allowed to dream ...
We are very excited about Hannah's career (she is really still a puppy, she is turning 2yrs old at the end of October) and we look forward seeing her running for a long time to come. And we promise we will keep you posted, both on our Facebook page and on our blog.

PS: Hannah's sister Stella (All The Coco)  has not really started racing yet -she is chilling out in a greyhound paddock in Rangiora, as her trainer would like her to mature a bit more before starting racing. It is a bit too far to visit but we heard she is having a great time :)

Here is a picture of lovely Stella:
 

Our amazing racing puppy Hannah (All The Milk)

By Fatima |

Monday, April 1, 2013

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Hannah flying :)

It has been the most amazing weekend for the Nightrave team: our racing greyhound puppy Hannah (All The Milk) won both her races  at Taranaki Easter race meet!!  Not only that - but she also posted the best time for puppy races for this weekend meet too! (dont ask me what the time was -I have no clue! :)
Hannah and her sister Stella were both broken in and are being trained by the lovely Mike Lozell in Tokoroa. Stella could not come to these races as she has come into season - but Hannah certainly had the best time! She won both her races, and she also posted the best time for the puppy races for the whole meeting! And, for one of those races -I was there! :)

On Saturday, our good friend Sue and myself drove to Hawera, the home of the Taranaki Greyhound Club, where the races were held. Sue took most of the pictures in this post (thank you so much Sue, for both coming with me and for taking these gorgeous shots of Hannah's big day!).

This was Hannah's very first race. First time she wore her racing rug! She was a very excited little dog. I was with her handler Mike and her before the race and she was raring to go!!! A little young dog who cannot wait for some action (you can click on photos for full size):

OMG I can hear the lure! I want it! :)

Yes, I know I look great in my designer racing collar and lead! But I can hear the lure! Get me on the track! 

OMG!!!!!! In the kennel block, I met my litter brother Isaac! I have not seen him for a while!
Despite desperately wanting to get out there to race , I took a  second to say hello :)

YES ! We are almost there! I cant wait!!!!!!

 The race was amazing. Hannah flew down that track -with a smile on her face:

Hannah is on the far right   - having the best time !

 

Hannah flying to the winning post, with a huge grin on her face

And yes, she won! Sue and me jumped and screamed  - and I have to admit, I had a few tears in my eyes :)  I was just stunned, and so happy for this little dog who was doing what she loves , and having the time of her life! I was also happy for her lovely trainers and handlers, Mike, Maxine, Max and another Mike. It was so humbling to see how supportive and sweet other trainers at the meeting were of us and Hannah -trainers whom I met through my volunteer work at GAP NZ (Greyhounds As Pets). They were as excited as I was, and kept congratulating us on our very first racing doggie doing so well. I was very touched. It was amazing.
It IS a dream come through - we have wanted a racing greyhound or two for a few years now. We at Nightrave are passionate about the breed and the sport which they love -and this very first racing greyhound of ours and her very first races are very emotional for us. I have to say - last Saturday, with Hannah and Sue and my friends at that track was very very special. And I will be honest and say I will never forget it, as long as I live. 
Sue took these amazing pictures after Hannah's win:

Hannah, Mike (Hannah's handler) and me :)

Hannah and me :) Hannah looks happy and  gorgeous, I look stunned !!! :)

A very special photo: Hannah being hosed after her race, by her handler Mike. Looking on are me and the lovely Max Mathews, who also handled Hannah. Max has been in greyhound racing for 30 years, and is an amazing man, a true gentleman. He was also our Yellow's (Gold For Thys) trainer!

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Hannah loved the water :)

We are very excited about Hannah's future  - it will be a pleasure to watch her enjoy her racing career in the years to come. And it is a priviledge being able to be guardians of such an incredible racing dog. We will keep you all posted about Hannah's exploits via this blog! 
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'Fancy Tip' wins Auckland Cup :)

By Fatima |

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Pam and Denis with Tommy (Fancy Tip)

On Thursday last week,  our dear friends Pam and Denis Schofield won the Auckland Cup with their gorgeous greyhound Tommy (Fancy Tip).
Pam and Denis were also my Louie's trainers - Louie came second in Auckland Cup 2006. :)

There is a great article on this race on TheDogs website, here : http://www.thedogs.co.nz/News.aspx?NewsID=756 
I particularly like this sentence: " In fact Denis hadn't fully realized that he also had trained the third placed runner Koko Whiz until he arrived at the presentation podium." :)

Denis sent me some full size pictures so I thought to post them here - enjoy!

Fancy Tip and his kennelmate Koko Whiz, who came third

And last but not the least -Denis with the Cup :)

A lovely video to share

By Fatima |

Thursday, February 7, 2013

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MovingOn2 from Nancy L. Hudson on Vimeo.

This video was forwarded to us by one of our greyhound friends. It was shot in the USA -but applies to all greyhound lovers. Please watch and share, it is beautiful.

"Dedicated to greyhound owners, trainers, kennel and track staff. 

Before our hounds were our pets, they were your racers. It can't be easy to let them go but you do.

As adopters and stewards of the retired racing greyhounds we are now honored to stand where you stood.

THANK YOU"

Meet the Nightrave racing doggies!

By Fatima |

Saturday, January 12, 2013

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Hello, I am Hannah (All The Milk)

Yesterday I went to visit our Nightrave racing girls, who are currently in the 'racing school' in Waikato. It was a very exciting experience - we have been planning to add racing dogs to our pack for a while now - and finally, it is happening!

And I am Stella (All The Coco) !

Hannah (fawn) and Stella (black and white) are 14 months old litter sisters, who travelled all the way from Rangiora after they got accepted into the racing school run by the lovely Mike Lozell.We have already chosen their racing names too - Hannah's racing name is 'All The Milk' and Stella's is 'All The Coco' :)

Mike and Stella (who looks brown LOL :) Both girls still have thick fluffy southern puppy coats :)

Mike was a great sport helping me get some pictures

Hannah looks like a dingo -complete with EARS!

Yup -dingo!

 I took loads of pictures, however most turned out blurry - greyhound puppies are very energetic! I am always amazed how different young greyhounds are compared to a seasoned racing dog or a retired racer - they are like energizer bunnies, never standing still!
 Stella and Hannah love their training  - they have already been chasing the lure in the paddocks and loving it. Nothing as happy as young dogs with jobs :)

Most of my photos turned out like this!!

and this! :)

Girls have been amusing themselves by digging holes :)

Hannah's and Stella's Mum is gorgeous Felicity (Know Desire), an accomplished racing dog (98 starts for 16 wins and 31 placings).  Girls' Grandma is famous Love Of History. Here are some pictures of Felicity:

Felicity with Cate at the racing track in September 2009.

Felicity in retirement :)

Dad is Scotty (Scotexcited) - an amazing dog with a great personality, great looks, great racing career and a fantastic pedigree.

Scotexcited, the girls' Dad! (picture taken off Ashley's blog , link below)

 Scotty had 75 starts for 24 wins and 18 placings. He won over $64,000 in stake money. I copied some of Scotty's stats from Ashley's blog:
Winner of 2007 NZ Derby; Colin Gray Memorial 545m Ascot Park; 2006 Dunedin Cup;
2nd 2007 NEW ZEALAND SHOOTOUT 527m Auckland.
By top sire Excitability, Scotexcited is from the outstanding brood bitch Groovy
Jewel and is a brother to Australian group performer Indian Larry, NZ stayer Groovy Again , and a half brother to top performers Cool Groovy, Groovy Finance, Groovy Shot, Groovy Eye, Scott No Track etc. You can see more of Scotty's pictures on
http://twirlyberly.blogspot.co.nz/2010/08/scotexcited.html

We'll bring you more updates from the racing pups as they grow up and get closer to beginning their careers. Fingers crossed!

Picture of the day

By Fatima |

Sunday, October 21, 2012

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It was a warm day in Wanganui today, and racing greyhound Blackie (Chemically Free) took some time to relax:

Meanwhile, at greyhound racing tracks....

By Fatima |

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

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According to GAP Kennel Managers, this winter has been the best one for adoptions - ever since GAP began. So many people from all over New Zealand have had a chance to adopt a greyhound, and so many greyhounds have found their retirement homes.
It is so wonderful that New Zealand dog owners are becoming more and more aware of  racing greyhounds' superior breeding, soundness, pedigree and amazing temperament - and it shows, as adoption applications keep coming in! :) From all over NZ, from all sorts of families -which is great, as there is a greyhound out there for everyone :) Yes, some of them might have to wait a bit for their hound - but he/she will come :)

So it has been busy on this blog -featuring dogs for adoptions, pictures, videos, writeups, and then, uploading updates from newly adopted dogs. Sometimes I feel I am only doing this blog, all day long! :)
 For all of you new owners who have sent me updates - if your new greyhound has not been featured on this blog yet, please forgive me! I will get there soon, I promise! I must admit I have been slightly snowed under with updates -which is good :)

But this particular post is not about that....
Many of greyhound trainers (and their staff) help GAP transport newly adopted greyhounds all over the country  - and as I said, due to the sheer amount of material I have to post on this blog,  somehow I never managed to find  time to acknowledge them and thank them here on this blog.
But , for all it is worth, one post I have been planning to write for a long time is the one dedicated to our lovely trainers. And today, finally, here it is! :)

Tomorrow, I am off to Wanganui greyhound track to pick up some GAP incoming dogs , and also to drop off two newly adopted greyhounds, who are catching a ride with trainers to their new homes. Tomorrow, trainers helping with transport are Waikato trainer Ian George (taking one of GAP greyhounds to be adopted in Hamilton) and Auckland trainer Glennis Farrell (taking one to Auckland).
And how amazing is this: Ian George did not have space in his van initially, as he was bringing his racing dogs down to Wanganui track, to race and trial, and then driving straight back. But, when he heard that a GAP dog needed a ride, he scratched one of his racing dogs off the trials, making space for a GAP retired greyhound.  I thanked Ian and his lovely wife Natalie profusely -but I have to say again: thank you both SO much for all your help. You guys are wonderful -we are so grateful. 

I won't name all the trainers and greyhound handlers who help us transport dogs all over the place  - there are just too many. You know who you are - I just want you to know how much we appreciate your help. 

I do happen to have a couple of pictures I took of trainers/handlers picking up and dropping off dogs, so here they are (you can click on photos to see full size):
 

Luke, who works for Amberley trainer Rosemary Blackburn, brought young Mahal up -
 here he is with Irene , GAP Kennel Manager (this was at Palmerston North track, only a few weeks ago)
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And a GAP greyhound Ringo (Law's Hill) caught a ride down with Luke, to his new home in Christchurch. This is an odd photo - but you can sort of make out Irene putting Ringo in the van kennel in which Mahal came up :)
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Ringo all settled in the van. Btw, you can see the bedding hounds have in there -and why they are used to soft beds and whatnot :)

At this point, we heard that Ringo's trainer was there aswell, racing his dogs! We thought it would be lovely if he and Ringo caught up once more, before Ringo's trip to his retirement home. So here are Dave MacAuley and his ex-racer catching up again:

Hello stranger! :)

Some cute ads and the latest video from NZ Racing

By Fatima |

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

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I often get sent links to the cutest TV ads featuring greyhounds, both racing and retired ones, and I always promise myself that I would put them on the blog. Yet, with all the updates from recently adoipted dogs, updates from foster care etc, I somehow never get to do it!
So tonight, while watching the Olympics, I thought to compile the links to these ads and post them here. So, here goes:
First is Aviva Car insurance, Irish ad I think?


And of course, the FAMOUS Sketchers' Mr. Quiggly:


And a bit of trivia regarding Mr. Quiggly and Sketchers:

 On February 1, before the ad was aired, Skechers stock (code SKX) was $12 a share. After the "Mr Quiggly" ad aired during the Super Bowl, the stock popped to $14.25 in two weeks. This week, Skechers stock closed at $19.24 ! Coincidence...or?  (Data from http://www.dailyfinance.com/quote/nyse/skechers-usa-inc/skx/charts?source=esadlfltnal0001 )

Next is the ABSOLUT GREYHOUND Coctail ad -how realistic are these greyhound robots?



And last but not the least -this is a promo video done by New Zealand Racing Association recently, on employment in racing , aswell as community involvement. No robots here, but it does have some amazing statistics:

A very special greyhound up for adoption: meet beautiful Glorianna (Glorianna)

By Fatima |

Monday, July 2, 2012

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Beautiful Glorianna on the winning podium in June 2012

Very special greyhound just arrived to GAP is up for adoption: meet gorgeous Glorianna (Glorianna).
This beautifully bred, recently retired girl was given to GAP by Waikato trainer Arch Lawrence, who retired many of his dogs via GAP.
Lawrence, who bred and raced Glorianna and her siblings  in partnership with his wife Gloria,  won  Silver Collar on 10th June this year in Auckland with his greyhound Mr. Chino - Glorianna's litter brother :)
Here is lovely Mr.Chino:

Mr.Chino in June 2012, looking so like his sister Glorianna :)

Silver Collar is a trophy for 'stayers' - greyhounds who race on 700m track, which is the longest distance in greyhound racing.
Glorianna was an awesome racer (stayer) too and qualified and raced in this big race herself :) You can see the race on YouTube (it is a beautiful and VERY exciting race!):

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Mr.Chino after winning the Silver Collar, with Arch, Gloria, and sponsors :)

Also, Glorianna's and Mr. Chinos's litter sister Moccona was retired last year via GAP (as she did not have as much racing potential as her siblings) and she now lives in Waikato. Here are some of her pics -yes, she looks similar to Glorianna too!

Moccona :)

Greyhounds in motion -beautiful video

By Fatima |

Sunday, May 20, 2012

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A friend just fowarded this video to me , and I have to share it! It is beautifully shot in high definition, using a super-slow-motion camera.
I love the grins on greyhounds' faces are they are flying down the track - it is just a gorgeous sight :)

It is only over a minute long -do have a look:

Meet a true top athlete: Les (Les Baxter)

By Fatima |

Monday, April 9, 2012

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When I heard that amazing racer Les Baxter arrived to GAP - I was there at the kennels in a flash, I could not wait to meet him!
I love all greyhounds, but top racing doggies are my love and my passion. I love their temperament and their demeanor - they are extra special dogs and a joy to adopt.

Smiling Les :)

Les is a happy, waggy, gentlest cuddle monster, very affectionate big red and white doggie (he raced at 33kg).
He was having a great time running around and getting cuddles while I took these pictures. He is amazing with all dogs , and has had a great time making friends with boarding dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Making friends :) (you can click on pictures to see full size)

Les is also very very handsome, with lovely markings and gorgeous smile :)

Les was trained by South Island trainer John McInerney, and during his very successful career, he had 166 starts, with 25 wins and 67 placings! Impressive or what?! You can see his racing history here:
http://www.thedogs.co.nz/greyhounds/profiles.aspx?AnimalID=9834

Les's trainer emailed me with some very interesting facts from Les's career :
Les had his first race on 9 September 2008, for a 7th placing. But this did not deter big Les! Throughout his career he raced a massive 166 times at different tracks all over the country, from Manukau in Auckland, to the Southland track in Invercargill. All of those race starts resulted in 25wins, 40 seconds and 27 thirds, and over $57,000 in stakes earnings! He was a true professional.

 Les LOVED going to the races, he was so bouncy and full of himself that in some cases he was almost impossible to hold onto! He had his own special space at the front of the dog bus, I could always see his smiling face in the mirror looking at me as if to say "Are we there yet?!?"
Les's favourite race-day handler was Mick, he always put his best paw forward when Mick was at the races. Quite often he could be seen standing up on his back legs and waving his front legs around as if he was boxing with Mick, waiting for the walk to the boxes (or in Les's case, bounding!) :)
Right until the end of his career, Les raced in the top grade as a sprinter. His first ever win was on 30 September 2008, and his last win was 20 November 2011.  His last race was 10 January 2012, when he was retired due to age.
During his long career Les raced in 13 individual feature heats, as well as competing in 5 feature finals.
He was everyone's favourite at home and was a popular boy at the races, with the kennel staff greeting him each week with a big pat.
I doubt there are many dogs around who are a tough as Les, he was one in a million racer, and he will be one in a million pet :)
I have just done some research into Les's bloodline - he is beautifully bred, his  Dad is famous sire Big Daddy Cool - whose many offspring have been rehomed via GAP :) This is Les' Dad (who is almost completely white :)):

Les' Dad!

And these are a few pictures of Les winning his races (click on pics to see full size):