Cursorial

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: CURSORIAL
CATEGORY: BREEDING GREYHOUND

Breeding: Which Chariot x Constitute
Whelped: 01/02/1967
Trainer: Bill Lecky
Owner: Russell Nash

When you look back through Cursorial’s history it’s all about quality not quantity. After injury restricted her to just two career starts, Cursorial made her mark as one of the most important broodmatrons in greyhound racing, leaving behind 13 greyhounds to carry her lines.

Cursorial’s story isn’t just about spectacular bloodlines. She also brought to life a story about luck, love, friendship and dedication.

Russell Nash and Bill Lecky shared a friendship through Geoff Dawson that was strengthened by the purchase of Cursorial. In 1967, Lecky approached Russell about co-owning Cursorial, a decision that almost 50 years later sees their names feature alongside Cursorial in GRV’s Hall of Fame.

Russell’s son Neville tells the story…

“Cursorial was my father’s first greyhound and naturally the intention was to race her, but unfortunately after her second race she got injured, so my father (Russell Nash) and Bill Lecky decided to retire her and breed from her,” said Neville Nash.

It wasn’t just Russel who held a great interest in Cursorial, as Russell’s wife Joyce Nash was besotted with her. The Nash family, who lived in the Melbourne suburb of Murrumbeena, would visit Bill Lecky’s place in nearby Ormond on a regular basis to handle the pups and visit Cursorial.

“She was a beautiful greyhound, very friendly and placid,” Neville said.

“My mother was emphatic to Bill to contact her when Cursorial was going to have the pups because mum wanted to be there. For the three litters she had in Ormond, mum was there no matter what time of day it was.”

Cursorial had three litters, two sired by Clay Moss and one litter to Black Top. Nine of her puppies went onto have very successful careers both on and off the track. The best of her progeny was New Mariner, who won the Melbourne Cup and National Sprint Championship in 1973.

“Three of her sons sired greyhounds that won the equivalent of group one races today. Eight of her daughters were bred on, most notability Zulu Moss, who was the dam of Chief Dingaan, a very successful sire in his own right,” Neville added.