Rocking Ship*

“First” would best describe you, Rocking Ship–in more ways than one: America’s first and greatest marathon champion, the first Irish import in the Hall of Fame, and the first greyhound from the last two decades to be enshrined. You were also first in the hearts of the thousands who saw you conquer all.

Although born in a rural area in County Kerry, Ireland, you were a descendant of Australian and American, as well as Irish, bloodlines. You were raised in a thatched hut by an old man, eating “three squares” a day (usually round steak or a freshly caught fish from a nearby stream), sleeping on a mattress near a fireplace, taking orders in Gaelic. Not a normal upbringing for a greyhound.

You began racing in Ireland, at Tralee, then were purchased by a Chicago contractor, David J. Cahill, and sent to America. Under the guidance of Don Cuddy, you took the Miami circuit by storm in 1972, smashing three track records. You were practically unbeatable over the marathon courses, and the NGA awarded you its Flashy Sir Award as the Best Distance Greyhound of the Year.

It was the same story in 1973, setting records and winning stakes. Your greatest hour was in the fall of that year, capturing the Biscayne Irish-American Marathon Classic by 11 lengths in record time.

Then tragedy struck. On Nov. 9, you were taken in the prime of life, apparent victim of a venomous bite.

The NGA again awarded you its Flashy Sir Award that year. In 86 career starts, you had compiled a 53-11-8 mark, and your earnings were close to $100,000.

But the cold statistics do not reflect the impact you had on Miami race fans.

You were a hero in their eyes — the greatest distance greyhound in history, many contended.

You’ll not soon be forgotten, Rocking Ship.