Hara's Boots coursing to success in retirement

By Jordan Gerrans

Hara’s Boots competed in the last event of his career at Albion Park in January of this year and the former racer has been busy in retirement. 

Prepared by Brisbane trainer Jemma Daley in his racing days, Hara’s Boots is now living out his days with Aimee Wood.

Wood campaigned the brindle dog at the recent Ekka while he has also taken to the sport of lure coursing like a duck to water. 

Hara’s Boots won 11 races from 46 attempts in his career on the track, as well as 17 minor placings, and he has also been prolific in his newfound pursuit.

Wood says it is rare to see former racing greyhounds competing in lure coursing through the Queensland Lure Coursing Association.

The sport of lure coursing consists of a lure being tied to a 2mm rope that is pulled around low profile pullies by a specially designed stationary motor bike in an open field. 

The course is designed in an irregular pattern and organisers of events say dogs just love the thrill of it.

The sport is open to all breeds of dogs and results show that an array of different types of dogs regularly race in events in Brisbane. 

“He has competed in two sprint dog trials and got his novice sprint dog title out of two, which is almost unheard of,” Wood said of Hara’s Boots.

“Yes, he is a greyhound, but it takes most dogs at least three runs to get their titles.

“He blew it out of the ballpark. It is all about getting points for going fast. It was absolutely fantastic. I have only seen one other greyhound so far who I believe is a retired racer.”

The Queensland Lure Coursing Association will often showcase different breeds of dogs such as beagles, border collies, dobermans and labradors, among others, at their events.  

Ipswich was the track where Hara’s Boots excelled the most in his racing career, winning on seven occasions at the former racing venue. 

In retirement, Wood says she did not need to retrain or re-educate ‘Boots’ much for his second career in lure coursing.

“There isn’t overly a lot of education you need to do with a former race dog, he just needs to learn how to turn,” she said.

“Lure is a very engaging and changing course and they need to chase the lure.

“It is not just running around a racetrack; he needs to predict that it is going to turn and then be able to turn.

“He loves it and will chase it all day.”

Wood also breeds Australian shepherds and she says ‘Boots’ has settled into life smoothly with her.

“He is a very, very happy lounge dog when he is not out doing lure and sprint,” she said.