Racing Legends: Westmead Hawk: The Greyhound Who Captivated a Nation

Westmead Hawk, born in May 2003, was a greyhound whose name became synonymous with greatness in the world of greyhound racing. A black greyhound with remarkable speed and a heart-stopping finishing style, he left an indelible mark on the sport, not only for his extraordinary track performances but also for the influence he wielded on the sport's popularity. His story is one of tenacity, thrilling races, and a lasting legacy that extends far beyond his own achievements.

Early Life and Training

Westmead Hawk’s journey to becoming one of the greatest greyhounds in history began in the legendary Westmead Kennels in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. He was bred by his trainer, Nick Savva, and was the product of a strong pedigree, his sire being the accomplished Sonic Flight and his dam, Mega Delight, who would go on to be known as the ‘Million Dollar Mum’ for her success as a brood. While Mega Delight had produced several winners, it was Westmead Hawk who became the star of the litter and the jewel in Savva's kennel.

Savva, a well-respected figure in the greyhound racing world, was known for breeding and training top-class greyhounds. However, even he couldn’t have predicted the rise of Westmead Hawk, who began to show immense promise as a young pup. Early on, the greyhound's exceptional track craft and ability to perform in longer distances caught the eye of his trainers. His first races were run at Hall Green in Birmingham, under the guidance of Gary Bakewell.

The Rise to Prominence

It wasn’t long before Westmead Hawk's immense talent became apparent on the track. His early performances were marked by thrilling late surges and a unique ability to pass competitors in the latter stages of races. His track intelligence, coupled with his blistering speed, made him a fan favourite. But it was in the 2005 William Hill Greyhound Derby that the world truly began to take notice of the young greyhound.

Starting as a 66-1 outsider for the prestigious Derby, Hawk surprised everyone with his off-the-pace style. Despite being initially caught in traffic and trailing the pack, he made a spectacular late charge, eventually capturing the Derby title in one of the most dramatic finishes the competition had ever seen. His victory not only secured him the £100,000 prize but also placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of the rising stars of the sport. This victory was particularly sweet for his owner, Bob Morton and trainer Nick Savva, who had been striving for this triumph for years, having narrowly missed out with other dogs in the past.

Dominance in 2006

Following his Derby win, expectations for Westmead Hawk were high, and he lived up to them in 2006. That year, he entered the English Greyhound Derby once again as the clear favourite, after having run undefeated in the five qualifying rounds. In the final, Hawk faced fierce competition from the likes of Mineola Farloe, Blue Majestic and Blonde Mac, but his remarkable racing style, characterised by powerful and calculated late surges, saw him clinch victory once again.

His performance in the 2006 Derby was nothing short of spectacular. In the final, he was behind early in the race, with Mineola Farloe setting a blistering pace. But as the race progressed, Hawk’s superior stamina and track intelligence allowed him to close the gap. By the final turn, he powered past the leader to win by three-quarters of a length, securing back-to-back Derby titles - a feat only a few greyhounds had achieved before him. With this victory, Westmead Hawk solidified his place in greyhound racing history and became the fourth dog to win consecutive Derby's in the competition’s long history.

The People’s Champion

Westmead Hawk’s appeal extended far beyond his victories on the track. His racing style, marked by dramatic, last-to-first finishes, captivated fans and earned him the title of the "People's Champion." His ability to defy expectations and perform under pressure endeared him to racegoers, who flocked to see him race. It wasn’t just his victories that made him a legend, but his ability to entertain and thrill with every race. Westmead Hawk became a fixture at Wimbledon Stadium, where his loyal fanbase would cheer him on with every stride.

His popularity was not confined to the racing community. Westmead Hawk's name became a part of the wider public consciousness and he was even immortalised in a waxwork at Madame Tussauds. His story was so compelling that a documentary was made about him, capturing his rise to fame and the drama of his races.

Injury and Retirement

Despite his extraordinary performances, Westmead Hawk’s career was ultimately cut short by injury. In 2007, while preparing for a third attempt at the Greyhound Derby, Hawk suffered a severe hock injury during a race at Hall Green. This injury forced him into early retirement, and the hopes of a third Derby title for Hawk were slashed.

Legacy as a Sire

After his retirement, Westmead Hawk’s influence on the sport did not end. He became a sought-after stud dog and passed on his remarkable racing abilities to his offspring. He sired several top-class greyhounds, including Taylors Sky (2011 English Greyhound Derby winner) and Sidaz Jack (2013 winner). His progeny continued to excel in major competitions, ensuring that his legacy lived on in the next generation of greyhounds.

The End of an Era

Westmead Hawk passed away on 26 May 2014 at the Westmead Kennels in Dunstable, ending an era in greyhound racing. His death marked the end of a truly remarkable career, one that had captured the hearts of fans around the world. Hawk was not just a champion on the track but also a symbol of the spirit and excitement that greyhound racing could offer.

While his racing career was relatively short, Westmead Hawk’s impact on the sport was immeasurable. His thrilling victories, his unique track intelligence, and his status as a "People’s Champion" ensured that he would be remembered as one of the greatest greyhounds of all time. His legacy lives on through the greyhounds he sired, as well as the countless fans whose lives were touched by his unforgettable performances. In the world of greyhound racing, Westmead Hawk remains a true icon - one of a kind and a legend whose name will forever be linked to the sport’s most cherished moments.