{"id":493,"date":"2011-08-08T10:29:11","date_gmt":"2011-08-08T15:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/?page_id=493"},"modified":"2011-09-05T19:52:09","modified_gmt":"2011-09-06T00:52:09","slug":"lure-lore","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.greyhoundinfo.org\/?page_id=493","title":{"rendered":"Lure Lore"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Greyhound Racing Lures and their History<\/p>\n

<\/em>August 7, 2011<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Background<\/h1>\n

Greyhounds were originally brought to North America in the late 1800\u2019s to control the jackrabbit population that was destroying crops in the Midwest.\u00a0 Because of the greyhound\u2019s remarkable speed it wasn\u2019t long before amateur greyhound racing became popular. \u00a0Most of these races were run in a straight line, with the hounds chasing a lure (artificial prey).\u00a0 The lure was propelled forward ahead of the hounds using a pulley system.\u00a0 More sophisticated pulley systems that can turn corners are still used for amateur coursing today. \u00a0The lure on these systems is often a white plastic bag.<\/p>\n

In 1912, Owen Patrick Smith developed and patented the first mechanical lure in North America that that would run around an oval track. \u00a0\u00a0It took a few more years for the lure system to become reliable enough for commercial use, but in 1922 the Miami Kennel Club in Hialeah, Florida, became the first greyhound race track to use this system.\u00a0\u00a0 Many others followed in the US and on a much smaller scale in Canada.<\/p>\n

The lure mechanism has been the subject of invention and patents. Most consist of a motor that runs along a rail with an attached arm that holds an artificial lure. Lures have been suspended on a holder that looks an inverted \u201cL\u201d with the lure attached to the end of the short bar, over the track.\u00a0 Another approach attempted to use a system of lights to mimic the movement of a rabbit ahead of the hounds.\u00a0 Most commonly the lure is attached to a gate-like arm that travels along the track ahead of the hounds. The attached lure looks like a large dog toy in the form of a bone-shaped treat or a bunny.<\/p>\n

The photo below by the late Stan Platkin shows how the motors that drive the lures evolved from the 1930s to much later in the century:<\/p>\n

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(Biscayne Kennel Club closed in 1995.)<\/p>\n

Most lures were originally rabbit-shaped, but in the mid-1980\u2019s there was pressure from animal rights groups and some humane societies to change the lure shape because the rabbit shape allegedly implied or even encouraged hound blood lust.\u00a0 Many tracks changed to a bone shaped lure at that time. \u00a0\u00a0Certainly it is more intuitive to have an artificial rabbit with a name than it is a bone.\u00a0 As one reporter put it \u201c. . . \u00a0replaced their mechanical rabbit lure with a dog bone. It enhances the image of the sport, we’re told.\u00a0 But come on \u2013 \u201cHere comes the Bone?\u201d \u201c.<\/p>\n

Below is a bone-shaped lure from Melbourne Greyhound Park, donated to a recent fundraising auction for greyhound adoption:<\/p>\n

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Some tracks have used the bone shape ever since, others moved back to the rabbit shape. The rabbit lure below is from Wheeling Downs, and was also donated to a fundraising auction for greyhound adoption:<\/p>\n

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Lures with No Name<\/h1>\n

Just before the start of a race the dogs are loaded into numbered boxes, and the lure begins its journey behind them along the rail. As the lure moves ahead of the boxes it is traditional for the announcer to herald its arrival, and a moment later the hounds are released in pursuit.<\/p>\n

A couple of tracks, Apache and Phoenix, both in Arizona, chose a rather formal approach to their lures, announcing simply \u201cThe lure is in motion\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ebro Greyhound Park in Florida is a close second with the slightly less deadpan \u201cHere comes the Bunny\u201d, and the now closed Sodrac Greyhound Park in Sioux City, South Dakota, which had a double lure, announced \u201cHere come the Bunnies\u201d.<\/p>\n

Most lures have names that reflect recurring themes \u2013 local culture or geography, prominent current or historical figures, the appearance or speed of a rabbit, popular names for pet rabbits, and names from contests that may fit into any category.<\/p>\n

Local Culture \/ Geography<\/h1>\n

Gusher<\/h2>\n

Perhaps the most serendipitous of the lure names in this category is Gusher<\/em> at the now closed Interstate Kennel Club near Byers, Colorado.\u00a0 Near the end of the facility\u2019s construction in 1970, work began on the tote board. As the crew drilled holes for the support pillars they struck oil \u2013 so much oil in fact that a functioning oil rig was a prominent feature at the back of the parking lot.<\/p>\n

Rocky<\/h2>\n

Rocky<\/em> was the lure at the Post Time Greyhound Track in Colorado Springs, named for the beautiful mountains just to the west.<\/p>\n

Rocky<\/em> is also the name of the bone-shaped lure at Melbourne Greyhound Park in Florida.\u00a0 The track is located close to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The county is referred to as the \u201cSpace Coast\u201d, and the lure was named in honor of the rockets lifting off nearby.<\/p>\n

Breeze<\/h2>\n

Breeze<\/em> was the lure at the Corpus Christi Greyhound Track in Texas. It started out as a rabbit but was changed to a bone shape. Breeze<\/em>, as far as we know, was named for the light winds blowing in from the nearby Gulf of Mexico.<\/p>\n

Foxy<\/h2>\n

Foxy<\/em> seems like an ironic name for a rabbit, however, this was the name of the lure at the Fox Valley Greyhound Park near Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Kaukauna is one of the \u201cFox Cities\u201d along the Fox River in north-eastern Wisconsin.\u00a0 We believe the lure and the track were both named for the nearby Fox Cities and for the river that runs through the area.<\/p>\n

Bucky<\/h2>\n

There are two theories about how Bucky<\/em> at the Geneva Lakes Greyhound Track in Delavan, Wisconsin got his name. One, he was named after the mascot for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, the other, that he was named after the Indian mascot for the Lake Lawn Lodge which was located next to the track, and at one time was owned by the same company.<\/p>\n

Whether or not he started out this way we don\u2019t know, but Bucky<\/em> was shaped like a bone.<\/p>\n

Rhody<\/h2>\n

Lincoln Greyhound Park, later renamed Twin River, is located in Rhode Island. Rhody<\/em> was named for the State.<\/p>\n

Yankee<\/h2>\n

Although many people refer to Seabrook Greyhound Park, the official name was Yankee Greyhound Park.\u00a0 Sometimes the two were blended into Seabrook\u2019s Yankee Greyhound Park.\u00a0 The park was built and owned by Yankee Greyhound Racing Inc.<\/p>\n

It seems likely that Yankee<\/em>, the lure, was named for the park and its owner.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The term Yankee is popular in New England in reflection of its heritage, and Yankee references abound. The famous Yankee Flyer built during the Great Depression, or the power plant near the greyhound park run by New Hampshire Yankee are but two examples.<\/p>\n

The plant and the greyhound park were connected by an event in 1988. A chemical plant fire in the area caused the evacuation of nearby trailer park residents to the greyhound park.\u00a0 The fire had nothing to do with the power plant, which was under construction at the time, but it prompted questions about how quickly residents could be evacuated in the event of an accident at the power plant.<\/p>\n

Zephyr<\/h2>\n

The lure at the Shoreline Star Greyhound Park near Bridgeport, Connecticut was charmingly named Zephyr<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0 Derived from Zephyrus, Greek god of the west wind, a zephyr is a gentle breeze, or more metaphorically, something light and airy. We speculate that Zephyr<\/em> was named for the breezes coming from Long Island Sound (although technically those would be easterly breezes) or for the beauty of the racing greyhounds in full flight.<\/p>\n

El Tus\u00f3n<\/h2>\n

The lure at Tucson Greyhound Park in Tucson, Arizona is El Tus\u00f3n<\/em>, reflecting the Spanish pronunciation of the city\u2019s name.\u00a0\u00a0 El Tus\u00f3n<\/em> began life as an artificial rabbit, but was changed in the 1980\u2019s to a bone, and then later back to a rabbit shape.\u00a0 In more recent times he was definitely the \u201cbad hair\u201d lure \u2013 pun intended \u2013 as a mop-head was attached to the lure arm.\u00a0 From the hounds\u2019 point of view this was completely appealing, but some observers with a sense of humor thought the usual here comes \u201cthat rascally rabbit\u00a0 El Tus\u00f3n<\/em> \u201dor \u201cthat boundin’ bunny El Tus\u00f3n\u201d would benefit from a little tweaking to – \u00a0\u201cthat jolly janitorial item El Tus\u00f3n<\/em>\u201d or \u201cthat marvellous mop El Tus\u00f3n<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n

Harley<\/h2>\n

Harley<\/em> was the lure at Valley Greyhound Park in Harlingen, Texas.\u00a0 Harlingen was named after a town in the Netherlands, and Harley was named for his home town.<\/p>\n

See also Harley under contests.<\/p>\n

Topsy<\/h2>\n

The town of Topsfield in Essex County, Massachusetts holds a fair every year \u2013 claimed to be the oldest fair in the US. When nearby Wonderland Greyhound Park was operating, the fair would hold a 10 day race meet right after the Park closed for the season.\u00a0 The rabbit-shaped lure at the Topsfield Fair was Topsy<\/em>, named for the town and the fair.<\/p>\n

Woody<\/h2>\n

\u201cHere comes Woody<\/em>\u201d was the announcer\u2019s call at The Woodlands greyhound park in Kansas City, Kansas. Woody<\/em> started out as a mechanical rabbit, was changed to a bone, and eventually changed back to a rabbit before the track closed in 2008.\u00a0 \u201cWoody<\/em>\u2019s Walk\u201d, a fun and fundraising event in support of greyhound adoption was held annually beginning in 1991.<\/p>\n

The Woodlands itself was named for the beautiful oak, hickory and sycamore woodlands found in Wyandotte County where the track is located.<\/p>\n

Winnie<\/h2>\n

The Lodge at Belmont (Belmont Greyhound Park) was located in New Hampshire very close to Lake Winnipesaukee.\u00a0 Winnie<\/em> the \u201cwabbitt\u201d was named after the lake.<\/p>\n

Marky<\/h2>\n

Gulf Greyhound Park is located in LaMarque, Texas.\u00a0 Marky<\/em> is named in tribute to his home town.\u00a0 Unrelated but charming fact: when it opened in 1992 Gulf required semi-formal attire, a dress code that has since been relaxed.<\/p>\n

Dixie<\/h2>\n

Hollywood Greyhound Park in Florida originally called their lure Hollywood<\/em>, but later renamed it to Dixie<\/em>. We aren\u2019t sure why, perhaps because the track is located just off the Dixie Highway.<\/p>\n

Sparky<\/h2>\n

Sparky<\/em> was the lure at Pueblo Greyhound Park in Colorado. When the Park opened in 1949 the principal local employers were steel and iron manufacturing, which generate plenty of sparks!<\/p>\n

Ozzie<\/h2>\n

Ozzie,<\/em> in honor of the Wizard of Oz, was the lure at Wichita Greyhound Park in Kansas. As far as we know Ozzie<\/em> did not wear red shoes, if for no other reason than Ozzie<\/em> was shaped like a bone.<\/p>\n

Current \/ Historical Figures<\/h1>\n

Kellogg<\/h2>\n

The rabbit lure at the long closed Coeur d’Alene Greyhound Park in Post Falls, Idaho, was named after Hilde Kellogg, a long-serving and very well respected legislator in North Idaho.<\/p>\n

Julien<\/h2>\n

The bone-shaped lure at Dubuque Greyhound Park in Iowa was given a name for the first time in 2011. In keeping with local history, the lure was named Julien<\/em> in honor of Julien Dubuque who founded the town.\u00a0\u00a0 Feedback from the community on this choice has been very positive making it likely Julien<\/em> is there to stay!<\/p>\n

Dubuque lure trivia: In 1985 the lure machinery malfunctioned during a race and a hound by the name of Honored Roman caught the lure. According to a newspaper report at the time \u201cHonored Roman . . . was one happy guy . . . \u201d.<\/p>\n

Casey<\/h2>\n

Casey<\/em>, the lure at Mobile Greyhound Park in Alabama was named in honor of Maurice \u201cCasey\u201d Downing (1917 \u2013 1985), a war veteran, philanthropist, lawyer and legislator who worked hard to bring greyhound racing to Mobile. Following is a news clipping about the new-and-improved Casey<\/em>:<\/p>\n

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Buddy<\/h2>\n

Buddy<\/em> is the lure at the National Greyhound Association (NGA) track in Abilene, Kansas.\u00a0 He is named after Bud Rosch, a long-time NGA board member and greyhound enthusiast, who at 90 has the distinction of being the oldest NGA member. According to Gary Guccione, NGA Executive Director,\u00a0\u00a0 Buddy<\/em> was given his name by Bill Janecek, a veteran announcer known as the \u201cVoice of the NGA\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ikey<\/h2>\n

There was a pub in Plainfield, Connecticut that was so popular the lure at Plainfield Greyhound Park was named for its owner Ikey<\/em>. \u00a0\u00a0One can imagine that winners went to Ikey<\/em>\u2019s following the races for a celebratory beverage and lively discussion of the greyhounds\u2019 performances that day.<\/p>\n

Ikey was also the star of very amusing advertising cartoons for the track:<\/em><\/p>\n

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The Chief<\/h2>\n

The Chief<\/em> at Raynham Park in Massachusetts is a name with long historical roots. The park was operated by the Massasoit Greyhound Association, and located near the Hockamock Swamp. The Wampanoag Indians lived along the swamp years before and called it \u201cThe place where spirits dwell\u201d.\u00a0 Their Chief Massasoit was an important friend to the pilgrims and without him the Plymouth Colony might not have survived.\u00a0 The Chief<\/em> was named in honor of Massasoit and the 7\/16th<\/sup> course was called the \u201cHockamock Course\u201d.<\/p>\n

Raynham bought out the nearby Taunton track in 1981. Taunton\u2019s lure was called Rusty<\/em>, and going forward at the Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park the lure was called The Chief<\/em> from January through June, and Rusty<\/em> the rest of the year.<\/p>\n

The Colonel<\/h2>\n

See The Colonel under Contests.<\/p>\n

Quincy \/ Wishbone \/ Richie<\/h2>\n

The lure at Victoryland, near Shorter in Alabama began its career as Richie<\/em> though we don\u2019t know why that name was chosen.\u00a0 In 1992 Richie<\/em> became Wishbone<\/em> as a result of a contest, and assumed a bone shape.\u00a0 On New Year\u2019s Eve 2010, a ceremony was held at trackside to retire Wishbone<\/em> and introduce Quincy<\/em>.\u00a0 Quincy<\/em> is one of the nicknames for Victoryland owner Milton McGregor.<\/p>\n

Napoleon<\/h2>\n

Napoleon<\/em> reigned in recent times as the lure at Waterloo Greyhound Park in Iowa.\u00a0 His name was chosen in recognition of the last battle fought by Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo against a coalition of forces lead by the Duke of Wellington.\u00a0 We imagine that Napoleon<\/em> was not a bunny to be trifled with.<\/p>\n

Rabbit Appearance \/ References<\/h1>\n

Rusty seems to be a favorite rabbit name \u2013 probably a reference to the color of bunnies many of us see in the backyard.\u00a0 Ironically, in literature Rusty has been a fox and a coyote, both rabbit predators.<\/p>\n

It has also been suggested that the squeaking sound made by the lure as it travels resembles the sound something rusty would make.\u00a0 In Australia Rusty<\/em> is referred to as the \u201ctin hare\u201d.<\/p>\n

Rusty<\/h2>\n

Miami Beach Kennel Club in Florida had, hands-down, the most distinguished Rusty<\/em>. He was the star of edgy, popular advertising cartoons drawn by Florida artist Crawford Parker (1894\u20131947), each of which concluded with a predicted winner.\u00a0 Only one or two originals of these cartoons are known to have been preserved and they are not available to view online.<\/p>\n

It is possible to view some of these cartoons in the Miami Daily News online archives. Here are three of many examples:<\/p>\n

1932 Rusty Cartoon (See page 12)<\/a><\/p>\n

1934 Rusty Cartoon (See page 30)<\/a><\/p>\n

1935 Rusty Cartoon (See page 18)<\/a><\/p>\n

According to his family Rusty<\/em> liked to travel, and his wanderings led him to San Mateo, California, where the following cartoon appeared in a local paper:<\/p>\n

Rusty at Belmont Kennel Club<\/a><\/p>\n

Although not lure-related, Crawford Parker did other artwork for the greyhound parks, including this 1938 program cover image for Jacksonville:<\/p>\n

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Rusty \/ BB<\/h2>\n

The lure at now closed Biscayne Kennel Club near Miami, Florida was at one time called Rusty<\/em>, and at another BB<\/em>, presumably the first letters of Biscayne Bay.\u00a0 We don\u2019t know when the lure had which name.<\/p>\n

Other Rusty<\/em> lures travel the rail at:<\/p>\n