GEORGE CURTIS: TRAINING GREYHOUNDS. By Julia Barnes.

(1987) 1991 2nd edition. 8vo (152 x 237mm). Ppiv,220. B/w photographs. Blue boards, spine titled in gilt.

A good introduction to greyhound training for racing, distilled from the lifetime experience of George Curtis. Curtis "was taken on as a kennel lad at Portsmouth when he was 14 years old and from there he worked his way to the top of the profession. His unique record includes being a champion trainer three times, fielding 10 classic winners and guiding the great Ballyregan Bob to a world record of 32 consecutive wins". For the most part, the book is presented in George Curtis's own words. Chapters include: Early days; The first division; The champion; Choosing a greyhound; Breeding winners; Whelping; Rearing; Schooling; Diet; Exercise; Grooming and massage; The kennel; The open racer; Problem dogs; Common ailments; Racing injuries; A star is born; World-beater; Statistics.