Spectrum 205. Born to chase

Rights Information
Year
1976
Reference
24928
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1976
Reference
24928
Media type
Audio
Duration
00:26:19
Credits
RNZ Collection
POULSON, George, Interviewee
Riley, Stephen, Interviewer
Radio New Zealand (estab. 1989), Broadcaster
Perkins, Mary Jo, Operator

Spectrum was a long-running weekly radio documentary series which captured the essence of New Zealand from 1972 to 2016. Alwyn Owen and Jack Perkins produced the series for many years, creating a valuable library of New Zealand oral history.

Born to Chase, an audio documentary on greyhounds and their handler, George Poulson after his five years of experience .

Steve Riley looks at the training and racing of greyhounds. According to breeders the greyhound is thought to be the oldest and purest breed dog in the world with records going back to 400BC in Greece.

Greyhound racing evolved out of the sport of coursing. Now a dustman for Wellington City Council, George Poulson’s greyhound interest evolved from his work as a rabbiter when using lurchers, a greyhound collie cross.

Riley accompanies Poulsen on the dogs’ early morning training exercise programme and tells of racing preparation and dietary requirements. He shares the lifestyle sacrifices greyhound ownership requires and the virtues of the greyhound fraternity.

Cathy returns from a run with a cut on her toe, so back at home Poulson applies antiseptic ointment and bandages and anticipates Rebel Countess, as she’s known on the track, will be good to race in three days-time. The dogs are bathed, and their feet massaged with Poulson’s own oil blend.

At their home racetrack of Hutt Park in Wellington, Poulson admits to his pre-race nerves. He describes Rebel Countess’ technical and emotional preparations. He cheers her on and encouraged when placed second. The dogs are introduced and we hear the final race’s commentary. Rebel Countess loses pace but Poulson is not phased, saying it’s to be expected in her first race of her season.

Technical assistance from Jo Perkins.