Lure Coursing
Lure Coursing Day Sunday 23rd May 2010
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We had over 40 beagles compete at the annual Beagle Club of Queensland Lure Coursing day. The weather was very kind for most of the day and it ideal conditions for the dogs to run. We had 24 novice beagles who had cometed at no more than three lure coursing meets before, 10 open competitors, 2 veteran beagles who were 7 years of age or over, and about 6 puppies out for their first lure coursing day. Our first event was to try out the novice beagle to see how they would run. Sometimes we get a few beagle who aren't too sure what it is they have to do but today we had almost all the novice beagles wanting to chase the lure. Our first run confirmed this. We had some outstanding novice beagles who just wanted to catch the lure. It was fabulous to see and I would encourage those whose beagles did run well to consider attending the regular lure coursing meets. The Open class proved there are some excellent beagle lure coursers who can compete with the best dogs out there. After the first run we had our regular puppy pack run. While this is often just a free-for-all of puppies going every which way, there were a lot of the babies who were keen to chase the lure - some future field champions - although there were a couple of the puppies that just wanted to tackle the other puppies (and succeeded). The course was then reversed and the dogs had their second run. Again, we were very impressed by the quality of many of the runs, particularly from the novices. Finally we had our pack runs where the beagles do what they are bred to do - run in a pack. And they showed how well beagles do this and what a great sight it is to see beagles running together. Thanks to all those who helped out on the day and to those who provided prizes and trophies. I am sure all those who attended the day appreciated your support. For more details on Lure Coursing, visit the QLCA web site at www.qldlurecoursing.com. |
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Below are the scores for all the dogs that completed two runs on the day. If you would like a breakdown of the scores, please feel free to email Jeff at culorgair@hotmail.com.
| DOG | SCORE |
|---|---|
| VETERAN | |
| BO | 149 |
| CLEO | 121 |
| NOVICE | |
| HUGO | 171 |
| SALLY | 170 (countback) |
| PRADA | 170 |
| BUSTER | 170 |
| DREAM | 169 |
| CINDY | 169 |
| LEIA | 169 |
| PEMBA | 168 |
| BELLA | 168 |
| MEG | 166 |
| JACKSON | 160 |
| KIT KAT | 153 |
| MAX | 150 |
| LAIFOR | 114 |
| IKE | 110 |
| DARBY | 102 |
| COACH | 102 |
| CHINO | 100 |
| CAIRO | 89 |
| BEN | 40 |
| OPEN | |
| RADAR | 174 (countback) |
| KOFFI | 174 |
| RORY | 170 |
| BOB | 169 |
| RILEY | 169 |
| STAR | 167 |
| ARTHUR | 166 |
| WHISPER | 162 |
| MACEY | 113 |
About Lure Coursing
There is nothing like seeing a Beagle running freely and happily. Often this is not possible in small back yards or when they are taken for a walk. Apart from dog parks which may be set up by the local council, or having someone with a large area of vacant and fenced land, there aren't too many other opportunities for Beagles to run free.
In southern Queensland (and other places around the world), lurecoursing is an activity that allows Beagles to run freely. Basically it is where the Beagles (and other breeds) chase an artificial lure (eg. a plastic shopping bag) around a course. The course may be anywhere from 300 metres to over 500 metres. The course will have turns and corners in it that the dogs must negotiate.
[Photos by Rod Scott - Petographer]
It is surprising just how fast Beagles can run (as I'm sure people have often found out when trying to catch them for a bath). They are also very agile on the run and can change direction and speed very quickly. This makes them a good dog for lurecoursing. They demonstrate a great deal of enthusiasm when chasing the lure - they can make a hell of a noise before the run and can often be heard sounding around the course.
Once or twice a year the Beagle Club of Queensland holds a club lurecoursing day for its members and any other Beagle enthusiasts. The day is held at the QLCA grounds at Kuraby in Brisbane. Club members gather together and run their dogs. We also have some novelty events after the runs such as the best behaved Beagle, the fastest eater (you have to be quick) and the best trick. The Beagles usually run in pairs as this often increases their enthusiasm.
[Photos by Rod Scott - Petographer]
The highlight of the club's events is the pack run. We will often have up to 20 Beagles chasing the lure around the course while barking, sounding and singing. When you see them running in a pack, you can certainly appreciate their ability to hunt, chase and track.
The next Beagle Club of Queensland Lurecoursing day is proposed for the 18th of May at the Kuraby Lurecoursing grounds in Brisbane. Contact the club for more details.
The Queensland Lurecoursing Association runs lurecoursing events every month. Look up the Associations web site for more details.