Traces the American Greyhound Derby from its inception in 1949 up to the last race in 2012, using photographs, illustrations, articles and actual American Derby racepages. Source of material provided from the private collection of David Jeswald.

Chapter One Greyhound Racing Comes To New England Before pari-mutuel greyhound racing came to New England in the mid-1930s it had a long uphill battle to overcome the regions puritanical resistance to gambling and what many felt was a moral injustice inherent in the sport which was promulgated by the image of dogs hunting down rabbits in what was known as coursing. With these objections in mind it is necessary to write a brief history of the reasons why the greyhound first came to America and how greyhound racing came about and evolved into a flourishing sport. Later chapters will explain in depth how its critics and changing consumer tastes eventually brought the sport down. A Brief History With the great western migrations of the mid-nineteenth century and the increased use of farmlands to feed the growing populations came the problem of protecting the crops from jackrabbits was paramount. The solution came from the railroad workers and settlers, many of whom emigrated from England and Ireland and were familiar with the greyhounds and their hunting skills. They began importing greyhounds and selling them to the farmers where they became valuable economic assets by keeping the rabbits away from their cash crops. Another purchaser was the U. S. Cavalry, including George Armstrong Custer, who utilized their skills for scouting enemy movement and hunting down game. Sources say that Custer coursed his greyhounds the night before the 1876 Battle of Little Big Horn and that the dogs survived the next days battle. Meanwhile, the farmers, looking for entertainment diversions, started racing their greyhounds in what were called coursing meets in which the greyhounds chased a live rabbit. Gambling at these meets was extensive. Coursings popularity spread rapidly, and not just in the farmlands. There even were meets in such locations as the mill towns of Lawrence and Lowell, Massachusetts and, of course, gambling was part of the action. There was also a spreading humanitarian backlash to coursing . As Frank G. Menke wrote in the 1942 edition of The Encyclopedia of Sports, Opposition to this form of sport developed. The humane people of the state rebelled at the idea of killing of the rabbit just to perpetuate a gambling diversion. They implored officials to make coursing null and voidand this was accomplished. The Mechanical Lure The next giant step to overcoming these objections and turning greyhound racing into a sport that quieted many of the humanitarian objections was accomplished by a gentleman named Owen Patrick Smith. He is one of the key figures in the history of the sport and was profiled in a long Aug. 27, 1973 Sports Illustrated article by Robert Cantwell. O. P. Smith (1869-1927), as he came to be known, was once hired to organize a coursing meet to promote the city of Hot Springs. He then turned his full attention to the invention of a mechanical lure for greyhound racing and in 1910 was granted a patent for the Inanimate Hare Conveyor. His breakthrough came at Emeryville, CA where a boxing promoter and businessman named George Sawyer built a track in 1919, utilizing the new device. In his Sports Illustrated article Cantwell writes of the 1,600 pounds of machinery to carry a one-pound rabbit which at times jumped the rail. Smith had another problem with the dogmen, Cantwell relates. They were of the belief that their greyhounds would feel deceived once they knew they were not chasing a live rabbit and never run ag

The true story of a racing Greyhound's tumultuous, injury-plagued, journey to domination during the 1980s. Hairline fractures and bone chips, subterfuge and jinxes, among other things, threatened Keefer's path into the history books, but he ducked and dodged, staking a claim on the come-back trail time after time, breaking records, reeling in fans and journalists with aplomb and charisma. Besides being a triumph-over-adversity narrative, the book provides a candid historical view of Greyhound racing in America--a view that has too often been ignored, or skewed, by the contemporary media machine.

Whittingham is an outstanding biography of an extraordinary man. As a thoroughbred trainer, Whittingharn has scored two triumphs in the Kentucky Derby-both achieved after his 73rd birthday. The story of Charlie Whittingham is also the story of modern thoroughbred racing. Hovdey captures excitement of Thoroughbred racing at its best!

The regal history of a revered, elegant breed They were one of the first wild animals to come under the protection of humans. They have sat at the feet of the Pharaohs. Their likenesses have graced coins, stamps, seals, and coats of arms. And they have won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide with their sweet nature, intelligence, and grace. Beautifully illustrated with more than 100 black-and-white reproductions and photos, The Reign of the Greyhound is a rich, historical testimony to the breed, celebrating its extraordinary place in canine history and human civilization. Passionately written by Greyhound expert Cynthia Branigan, this updated edition features new information on the history and current state of ex-racer adoptions, which save the lives of thousands of Greyhounds each year. From ancient Egypt to modern times, from the temple to the show ring to the track, you'll see how this noble breed has evolved from a royal pet to a racing dog to a loving companion-and you'll no doubt deepen your understanding and appreciation of this fine animal, whose regal history has been too long ignored.

"From ancient beginnings to modern institutions and innovations, from prestigious races to famous faces, discover the stories and fact behind today's multi-billion-dollar racing industry."--Publisher's description