THE GREYHOUND MAIL - AUGUST 2003 AUSSIE VET LEADS THE WAY
Newcastle Vet, John Newell, is a human dynamo who doesn't let the grass grow under his feet. After graduation in 1978, John established a mixed practice at Belmont (a Newcastle suburb) in 1979, where a couple of years later he was joined by Peter Yore, a greyhound specialist, and his present partner. These days the practice has grown to a staff of 4 vets and 8 lay staff. Peter Yore, well known in greyhound circles, is a past President of the Australian Greyhound Veterinary Association (A.G.V.A.). MANY VETERINARY INTERESTS JN’s professional activities are many and varied, although a special interest is improving the performance and recovery of athletic animals (horses and greyhounds) while at the same time showing concern for their well being. He just loves to know what makes them tick. One of his best known clients of earlier years is Paul Perry, a leading Newcastle horse trainer, whose track star, Choisir, took all before him at Ascot with two group one wins against the world’s best. While horses have been an important part of his success, his keen interest in greyhounds takes pride of place. A member of the AGVA for more than 20 years, John’s greyhound portfolio makes exceptional reading. For example, he was:- Track Veterinarian at Beaumont Park for 18 years. Is a great supporter of greyhound racing, especially at the grass roots level, including sponsoring of The Central Coast GBOTA, Gosford and Tuggerah branch, Cardiff greyhound Social Club, Kurri Kurri greyhound club, Newcastle branch GBOTA and more. Is an invited speaker at many greyhound conferences in Australia and overseas. In 2001 he presented papers at The World Greyhound Conference at Darling Harbour. However, a feather in his cap is the invitation to speak at The World Greyhound Racing Federation Conference at Cork in Ireland in September this year. Is a specialist veterinarian and recognised world authority on artificial insemination and the collection and storage of frozen semen. He was the first Australian to complete the Richard Conole system for collection and freezing of semen in the United States. This system maximises the chances of successful breeding by assuming responsibility of semen quality. I could go on ad finitum about the exploits of this talented Aussie Vet, but the above provides an incite into his capabilities. OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITY FOR AUSTRALIAN GREYHOUNDS In other ways John has extended the life on the track for many greyhounds, well away from our shores. He has been a consultant responsible for vetting and transportation of more than 400 greyhounds to race in Vietnam. He has also advised and trained overseas staff and veterinarians in the country about how to maintain health and vigour in these canine exports, including a “crash” course for overseas vets at the Belmont practice. The overseas opportunities don't end with chasers at the track, they extend to the availability and demand for the semen of our top stud dogs. Although the wheels of progress turn slowly and regulations cause frustration, the demand on the world stage for the advantages of quality semen from proven sires is never ending. John’s skills in the collection of frozen semen and the effectiveness of its use is unparalleled. In private discussion, he described how semen from the well performed Go Wild Teddy produced 14 pregnancies from 14 inseminations with an average of 8 pups a litter. Nice work if you can get it! He also elaborated on the demand for Brett Lee semen in the USA. This is one export benefit the economists will never know about. On the breeding side, John outlined the success of an insemination of a well performed bitch in New Zealand with the semen from the ill-fated Faithful Hawk. The bitch had eleven pups. Despite the professional and commercial success of this remarkable man, there is a softer, compassionate side. JN is the proud father of Amanda and Andrew and husband of Marianne, who assists him in the practice. Together with Peter Yore he was the mentor and veterinary carer of the well known and loved NADS, the TV dog who did so much for greyhound racing in recent years and for the children’s hospital. In fact under the guidance of Greg Wynn, his trainer, this little Aussie battler raised $200,000 for the hospital. Well John on a distinguished career and on a journey not yet completed, for as a man in your prime, who knows where the road will take you. We know you as a terrific Aussie vet, always to the fore and always leading the way. Allan Brown is a technical Journalist, Director of Performance Print and the Publisher of “The Greyhound Update”