MEDIA RELEASE

                     Thursday 22nd March, 2007                        
   
RICHARD CONOLE TRIBUTE AT GAWLER  

The Gawler Greyhound Racing Club is extremely pleased to be associated with the running of the first annual Richard Conole Tribute. Richard’s is a name not familiar to most but his work has had a massive impact on breeding in greyhounds and the show dog world with the development of the Camelot Farm’s semen preservation system.  

The vast majority of greyhounds bred today either as a result of frozen or fresh semen artificial inseminations have done so using the Camelot Farms technology developed by Richard Conole.  

Richard passed away in the new year as a result of a heart attack in his home in College Station , Texas , USA . He was known to many here in Australia including administrators, stud masters, veterinarians and breeders. On many occasions he travelled to Australia to participate in conference presentations, breeder seminars and to liaise with the state and national authorities during the development of the frozen semen program in Australia .

He had a passion and enthusiasm to promote awareness and improve the breeding efficiencies of the Greyhound industry and show dog world. At times he was frustrated trying to convince regulatory authorities to change their thinking on frozen semen rules. The Camelot Farm’s frozen semen system brought unheard of efficiency to dog breeding, so much so that new rules were introduced just to administer his innovations.  

His greatest pleasure was to see another litter of healthy puppies, and Richard did not seek awards. Despite this, the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association honoured Richard and his wife Sharyn with an award for "Outstanding Contribution to Knowledge" at the Australian Vet Association conference in 2005; a fine recognition for non veterinarians.  

Richard had a dynamic life that saw him achieve success in many realms from innovations in the printing industry, to a motor racing passion that materialized in him owning the Texas World Speedway, a high speed Nascar track near College Station . But his greatest satisfaction would come from the fact that long after his passing he will continue to help dog breeders world wide and will be remembered for eternity not only by those who knew him but also by the thousands of breeders that will benefit in the future.  

For the race to celebrate Richard's achievements, the stud masters involved had no hesitation in donating over fourteen thousand dollars worth of stud fees as prizes. The Richard Conole Tribute will consist of heats and a final. The stud services on offer include generous donations from the stud masters of Big Daddy Cool, Collision, History Lesson, Most Awesome, Elite State and Surf Lorian.  

A final and consolation will be held at Gawler on the Monday 30^th April 2007 with both winners also receiving a free insemination donated by Dr John Katakasi at his Two Wells surgery. Please note that heats will be run on Tuesday 24^th April at Gawler. The race will be run as an Open event for the best greyhounds nominated. Prize money for the Heats will be $750 and the Final will be worth $1,500. The Consolation will be run for $850 and greyhounds from the heats will have to re-nominate for this race.  

Those involved see this as a magnificent opportunity for South Australian owners to get amongst some of Australia ’s best sires.  

As a result of this new race, GRSA has agreed to swap the Monday & Tuesday meetings for this week. Therefore Gawler will race on Monday night 30^th April, and the normal Monday Angle Park program will swap to the Tuesday afternoon 1^st May.  

Further Information:
Peter Smith   (08) 8243 7100
Operations Manager
Greyhound Racing SA