Sports Books: Dog Days | Sport | The Guardian Share on Messenger Close We sigh for him, we cry for him, We had to say goodbye to him, But blimey!! What a Dog!!! The Sunday Despatch best put into words the sentiments of greyhound racing fans up and down the country when Mick the Miller's retirement was announced. It was December 1931 and Mick, the greatest greyhound who ever lived, was still favourite for the following year's Derby when his owners decided 'it would be cruel to let him go on until he was past his best'. 'The retirement of Mick the Miller will be deplored by a multitude of human admirers,' wrote the Despatch. 'There will be a blank in the world of entertainment, just as there is when an actor takes his last curtain or a sportsman plays his last game. In this country we are not ashamed to make friends of animals.

Mick the Miller was not the first, and it is certain he will not be the last animal hero of the British public, but there will be none greater.' The British public did not know how lucky they were to have Mick, who won dozens of races, two Greyhound Derbys (some would say three, given what happened in his final year of racing) and drew record crowds of up to 70,000 to tracks all around the British Isles. Mick the Miller was born in Ireland at a time when track racing did not exist in that country, and barely in England, and was trained with a view to winning the top Irish coursing prize. He might even have ended up in America, but his prospective sale to a trainer across the Atlantic, where track racing had already taken hold, fell through at the last minute because of a tornado. 'The hand of God is warning me against greyhounds,' wrote the prospective buyer, Moses Rebenschied. 'A tornado struck St Louis and blew the roof off my kennels, killing 27 dogs including Lugnagun [a successful dog bought in Ireland].' Another four dogs died when a van being driven by Rebenschied's son was turned over in the storm.

His son escaped with a broken nose but Rebenschied finished his letter: 'I repeat, the hand of God is warning me against greyhounds.' The Church, too, warned against greyhounds. Mick the Miller raced at a time of severe economic hardship. A time of general strikes and, by July 1931, 2.7 million unemployed. Britain came off the gold standard, there were riots in Whitehall, poverty became endemic, triggering a 10 per cent rise in the crime rate, principally theft. The 10-per-cent pay cuts in the public sector caused a two-day mutiny involving 15 warships. Britain's position as a bastion of economic power had reached rock bottom. How was the urban man to survive this unremitting misery? Sport could ease the working man's burden like nothing else on earth (as has been shown in the recent book and film about another sporting hero from the animal world of that period, the 1930s American horse Seabiscuit). Reading about it, listening to it on the wireless (both the Grand National and the Derby were first broadcast in 1927) - but preferably watching it in the flesh.

There was Dixie Dean popping in goals for Everton; 46-year-old Jack Hobbs continued to knock the cover off a cricket ball; six-figure crowds congregated on Epsom Downs on Derby Day. nfortunately, many of the country's racecourses were out of town and out of reach to the urban working man on a regular basis. He longed for excitement and betting opportunities closer to hand. Yes, wages were low, but when did that ever stop a man from having a flutter? What he craved was a racetrack just down the road from his factory or his terrace. What he needed was a greyhound track. Within weeks of Mick's birth, greyhound racing was on the way to becoming one of the sporting and social phenomena of Britain in the 1920s and 1930s, attracting huge crowds, most of them working men, and vilification from certain members of the clergy. The trailblazing English season of 1926, inaugurated at Belle Vue on 24 July and restricted to the Manchester track, drew total attendances of about 400,000.

In 1927, racing took place at 30 venues with crowds soaring to a staggering 5.6m; a year later it was more than double, with more than 13.5m, as ovals sprouted from Brighton to Edinburgh and Ramsgate to Cardiff. In London alone, with meetings every day of the week bar the sabbath, the number of spectators clicking through the turnstiles reached 6.45m. 'It is so popular that it threatens to become a social evil and should be discouraged,' said a church spokesman gravely. The Churches' Committee on gambling published a pamphlet entitled Dog Racing highlighting its inherent dangers ('a threat to Sunday dinners'), and painting a picture of the 'unhappy type' who followed what Winston Churchill described as 'animated roulette'. 'People in ragged clothes, on a cold winter night shivering without an overcoat or a pullover, who go short, or let their families go short, of basic essentials, who are desperate gamblers. They often behave like small children, complaining bitterly about their bad luck. People of this type very often enjoy more moments of agony than joy; they are frequently emotionally unbalanced.

These are the recruits of secondary poverty.' On average, the report suggested, five people out of six headed home from a dog meeting beset by feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction. In addition, it was morally and socially repugnant to discover: 'The distribution of losses and dividends had an anti-social character because the poorest, the most unhappy, the physically and emotionally handicapped, are made to pay for the professionals and semi-professionals who get hold of intimate knowledge.' The greyhound racing world was quick to respond with a pamphlet of its own, Actual Facts About Greyhound Racing , with an eloquent series of testimonials from all walks of life as to the sport's social benefits. Police and magistrates had not reported any increase in public disorder or drunkenness as a result of greyhound racing, nor were there records of a single case of misery or want caused by excessive betting on greyhounds. There had been an increase of deposits into National Savings Association accounts, not a flood of withdrawals to cover betting losses. Some members of the Church of England and Roman Catholic clergy even broke ranks to give the sport ringing endorsements. 'I regard the programme you present as being something which even a Bishop could see without being provoked to gamble,' wrote one East End vicar.

A priest in Leeds testified: 'The Catholic clergy are very much in favour of dog racing. It is a clean sport for the public, equally as interesting as horse racing, if not more so, as it caters for the working class as well as the rich.' A Catholic priest, indeed, was the first owner of Mick the Miller. Father Martin Brophy, who first brought Mick across to race in England, had very nearly sold Mick as a sapling to a fellow priest, Father Maurice Browne, who later became a Monsignor. The church in Ireland held no qualms about greyhound racing. It was mostly working-class people who made their way to White City, in west London, for Mick the Miller's first, sensational Derby victory on Thursday, 25 July 1929. Many had had their imagination fired by this new dog from Ireland who seemed to race as if he possessed a radar, so cleverly did he weave his way through any trouble spots. Mick had broken the track record in his first solo trial at White City, and his odds had tumbled from 25-1 before the first round to 4-7 favourite on the night of the four-dog final.

In the first round of the Derby, despite being badly away and meeting trouble at the first bend, Mick unleashed staggering speed down the back stretch to thrash Captured Half by eight lengths and smash through the half-minute barrier in a world record of 29.82 seconds. The dog changed hands in the immediate aftermath of that heat for a staggering sum of £800, with Father Brophy also keeping any prize money he might win - nearly as much as the sale price again. It was a working day, but on the evening of the final 40,000 pilgrims travelled by tube, by tram numbers 28 and 30, or by Shanks's pony toward the greyhound mecca that was White City. It had been another sweltering day in that hot summer. By the time the bugle announced the arrival of the four finalists on to the track a little before 8.45pm, the evening would have done credit to the tropics. Leading the parade in the red jacket of trap one was Beadsman, a red-fawn dog and the outsider at 20-1.

Behind him came another red-fawn, Palatinus, a 3-1 chance, wearing the blue. Then Entomb (4-1), his shining fawn coat set against the white jacket of trap three. Bringing up the rear was the 4-7 favourite, the only brindle in the race, sporting the black jacket of trap four. Into the boxes they go, one by one. Mick the Miller is eager to walk into his box, bursting to run. At the signal, the hare controller flips the switch that triggers the hare's journey round the outside of the track. As soon as they hear the familiar sound of the machinery hissing into life, the four prisoners begin to howl with excitement and the noise of the crowd changes from a buzz to a threatening roar, which detonates the split second the hare scoots past the traps and the lids spring upwards. Palatinus makes the best break. The favourite lan guishes fourth of four, having made one of his characteristically sluggish exits. Into the first bend, and having weighed up his options, Mick tries to find the rail from his outside berth. Entomb has the same idea.

Unfortunately, Beadsman is moving in the opposite direction and, unable to control his speed, he smacks straight into the pair of them, sending all three sprawling. The 'No-Race' klaxon is whining even before Palatinus completes the course in isolation. Pandemonium ensues. Panting dogs are retrieved; rules and regulations checked, an official decision delivered and stressed. Had the race been in Ireland, the result would have stood since reruns were ordered only if the dogs cease chasing the hare. However, this is England. There will be a rerun at 9.15pm, until which time all dogs must remain in the centre of the track. Under cover of all this bedlam, Mick Horan, Mick the Miller's handler, spies the handler of Palatinus attempting to escort his dog from the infield, doubtless in search of some cooler spot or even a sip of water. In weather like this a greyhound's temperature could rise to 105F immediately after a race; and heat stroke can kill a greyhound inside 30 minutes. Horan seldom, if ever, lost his temper. But in the prickly heat of a sultry evening, feelings are now running high.

'Where's he think he's going?' Horan growls at the nearest steward. 'If he's going to bring his dog off, I'm going too.' With an outstretched arm, the steward prevents Palatinus from leaving. 'There you are, Horan. No harm done. Everything all right now?' Glancing at his dog lying by the side of the track, tongue lolling and flanks heaving, Horan extricates a large white handkerchief from his pocket and politely says to the steward: 'Could you go and soak this in cold water for me, please?' When the hankie is returned to him, Horan slowly squeezes it over Mick the Miller who licks every cooling droplet. Horan looked around him. None of the other three dogs was enjoying such a restorative. He was content. The rerun initially appeared akin to a case of déjà vu because Palatinus again got away by far the quickest. But, unlike the original, this attempt was not marred by a snarl-up at the first bend and an unhindered Mick the Miller was soon giving hot pursuit.

Lowering and lengthening his body with every stride, he made a magnificent sight down the back straight as he cut down the leader way before the third bend. The final 100 yards amounted to a victory parade, with Mick crossing the line three lengths clear of Palatinus, with Entomb a further two lengths in arrears. Despite this being his second race in half an hour, Mick's time of 29.96sec was a fifth of a second faster than that clocked by Palatinus in the 'no race'. When the news of Mick's victory reached his home town of Killeigh in County Offaly in Ireland, the villagers lost no time in organising their own party. Barrels of beer were rolled out, a celebratory bonfire was lit and dancing and singing commenced. There would be more parties. Mick won the Derby again the following year, watched by, among others, King Alfonso XIII of Spain in a crowd of 50,000. His victory, in a six-dog final and at odds of 4-9, was his eleventh in succession, a run that went on to 19 before it was ended by injury during a race at Wimbledon.

Four world records fell to Mick during that run, and having grown tired of using the 'Wonder Dog' headline, sub-editors resorted instead to 'Invincible!' In February 1931, Mick returned to the track, having overcome his Wimbledon injury - torn shoulder muscles - only to suffer another setback, a torn dewclaw, in a trial at the same venue. That further delayed his comeback until March, and his aim of winning a third successive Derby in the summer looked far from straightforward. Perhaps those injuries, Mick's age, and the emergence of promising younger dogs meant he was no longer invincible. Mick suffered a surprise defeat by Mick's Fancy in Heat XI of the Derby, and was beaten by five lengths in the second round by Ryland R, an 80lb monster of a dog from Ireland who had been burning up the track in Dublin. Mick was favourite for that race but only at 7-4, the first time in 25 races that he had not been odds-on. Ryland R immediately became all the rage to win the competition outright. Fate decreed he and Mick should meet again in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday, 20 June Mick entered his box for the first time in 41 races minus the public accolade of favouritism. On only one other occasion in 48 races since leaving Ireland, a match with Back Isle in Wales in 1929, had he not been favourite. Mick was inspired. Fifth coming off the first turn, he was bumped and carried so wide that he was all of 15 lengths behind Ryland R at one stage. But one after the other, he reeled in his rivals until just the leader remained. If Mick could pull this race out of the fire it would surely be his finest achievement. He just failed, Ryland R hanging on by half a length. 'Mick has never run a better race,' said the Evening News . Nobody argued. Mick had made the final and gone part way to redeeming his reputation. Nevertheless he had lost three consecutive races, something that had never before happened in England. Was this lapse a sign of deteriora tion? After all, Mick was soldiering through his fifth year of competition. The five dogs waiting to test him at the White City (it was a six-dog final this time) would surely settle the issue.

'I am very, very hopeful,' said his trainer, Sidney Orton, before the final. 'Mick will win if he escapes bumping and boring.' Saturday 27 June turned out to be a typically oppressive English summer day. Temperatures had hovered round the 80s all day and humidity levels were unbearably high. Staying cool, calm and collected might become a problem to anyone put under stress inside that steamy cauldron otherwise known as the White City. Inside the stadium the pipe band of the Irish Guards earned its fee, puffing and sweating away in a valiant effort to entertain early-comers. Outside the stadium, however, the scenes were chaotic. The public-transport network was nearing overload thanks to the confluence of 70,000 people - an increase of 20,000 on 1930. Every bus, tram and tube was jam-packed. They were bumper to bumper, and buffer to buffer. The system was on the brink of meltdown. And all because of one dog. If the heart pleaded for Mick, though, the head spoke for Ryland R. There was no reason why Mick should reverse semi-final form with 'the black express'.

The White City faithful clung on to their belief in the old warrior, though, and as the Derby fanfare commenced shortly before 9pm the market could not separate Mick and Ryland R at 13-8. In they go. Golden hammer into trap one, Ryland R in two, Mick's Fancy into three, Seldom Led in four, Brunswick Bill in five, and finally Mick trots into the outside box. The hare starts its run. The Derby roar begins to swell. The lids bang. Thirty sensational seconds have begun. Ryland R is out and off like the train he has been nicknamed. He puts daylight between himself and the rest before the first bend. Mick is stone last. Nothing changes down the far straight. Mick is still trailing. Into the final turn. Seldom Led, in the orange jacket, is closing on the leader. The two dogs swing wide and appear to make contact. One man among 70,000 thinks he has spotted something: the steward specially appointed to monitor proceedings on this bend. He believes Ryland R has turned his head to snap at Seldom Led.

The chief steward is instantly informed and before the dogs have even crossed the line the 'no-race' klaxon is blaring. No one can hear this raspingly distinctive noise, because another equally distinctive sound has been building, a deafening chant. 'Mick's coming through! Come on Mick!' Mick had stealthily made up most of the lost ground. Although cannoned into by Seldom Led, he had slipped through on the inside rail and fixed his sights on the one opponent ahead of him, Golden Hammer. Mick had beaten him in the past and threw himself at Golden Hammer up the home straight. The black-and-white jacket began to merge with the red. One last sinew-stretching dive for the line. He'd got him. Mick had won by a head. The White City is engulfed in a tide of delirium. The spell is broken by the sight of the red light shining out from the results board, the red light announcing 'no race'. The buoyant mood is rudely shattered. Ryland R was deemed guilty of 'nosing and impeding' another dog who was in a challenging position, which warranted disqualification and the race being declared void.

As the grim message of hooter and red light gradually sank in, communal numbness turned to shock. Phiddy Kempton, Mick's owner, broke down and wept uncontrollably. 'Mick has won!' she sobbed. 'My darling Mick has won!' her dumbfounded husband, Rundel, was unable to console her. 'Scandalous,' he mumbled. 'Disgraceful.' Down in the public enclosures, the decision was greeted with open hostility. Fists began to fly. The main beneficiaries, as ever, were the bookmakers. One of the biggest 'losers' in their ante-post ledgers was safely out of the way. They stood to pay out £25,000 had Ryland R won. If Mick the Miller got beaten they would save another £30,000. And the old boy couldn't handle two Derbys inside an hour, could he? The rerun was ordered for 9.55pm. Kempton was adamant that Mick would not run, that he had won his third Derby and that was that.

The powers that be had their work cut out: refusing to start Mick the Miller might tip the atmosphere on the terraces the wrong side of respectability. Greyhound racing could do without such negative publicity. The church would have an 'I told you so' field day. The directors of the Greyhound Racing Association swung into action. Major-General Lord Loch, Brigadier-General Critchley, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore Brabazon and Lieutenant-Colonel Cameron had fought many a battle and between them had three DSOs and a pair of MCs to show for it. Now they had another; they had barely half an hour to persuade Kempton to change her mind. They told her the good name of the sport, its very integrity in the eyes of the public, was at stake. Eventually she caved in. Mick entered the traps for what was in effect his fifth Greyhound Derby. At 10.09pm the lids rose on the most miserable 30 seconds in Mick's career. After slipping at the first bend in an unavailing bid for the inside, he never showed as Seldom Led overhauled Golden Hammer to race clear and win unchallenged. Mick was nearly six lengths back in fourth place.

In winning the void race he had clocked a time of 29.89sec, two-and-a-half lengths faster than Seldom Led's winning time. He had been asked to achieve the impossible, and in doing so had been cruelly exposed to the kind of humiliation he, above all dogs, did not merit. Mick had lost four races in a row for the first time in his life, and the cup was presented to Seldom Led's owners amid a chorus of boos. The circumstances of that race ensured that few thought any the less of Mick, though. Mick the Miller, racing greyhound, was gone. In his place was Mick, public icon. Mick was greyhound racing. Mick was extra special. You had to be a non-newspaper-reading, non- wireless-listening recluse to be unaware of Mick the Miller in the summer of 1931. 'Greyhound racing is still in its infancy,' declared the Greyhound Mirror and Gazette , 'but already it has produced a popular favourite as idolised as any horse, cinema star, footballer or boxer in history.' Mick was featured in articles in Welt im Bild in Germany, in The Melbourne Herald and The American Weekly .

He raced on for a short while, winning the St Leger on a memorable October evening at Wembley, watched by 40,000. That was his last race; a glorious way to go out. His retirement was announced in December. A career at stud, and as a film star, awaited. Mick was the star of Wild Boy, a 'clean and light' pot-boiler that opens at Altcar, with a bankrupt general dying of a heart attack as his dog wins the Waterloo Cup. His daughter must sell off everything to pay her late father's debts, and keeps only a pup, offspring of the Waterloo Cup winner. Mick is that pup. A dashing racing driver falls for the general's daughter; there's an unscrupulous baddie who will stop at nothing to realise his sole ambition in life: winning the Greyhound Derby. There is bribery, kidnap, a crash, a brawl, and a great run through the traffic down the Westway on race day by Wild Boy, so he can get to White City just in time to thwart the villains and win the Derby. A lingering kiss at the trophy presentation. The End.

'Just the stuff to give the audiences,' said the News of the World . The film has since sunk seemingly without trace. No box-office records exist to confirm or confound the Evening News ' view that this would be 'one of the most popular British films of the year' in 1934. Wild Boy has seen neither the light of day nor the light of a projector since the 1930s. The six cans containing 7,808ft of film remain tucked away in the bowels of the British Film Institute. The death of that film, and of Mick himself in May 1939, failed to dent the enduring legend of Mick the Miller. Wimbledon, home to the Greyhound Derby since the closure of White City in 1984, has its Mick the Miller Stand. In the 1990s, Royal Doulton produced 7,500 limited-edition sculptures of Mick, and in 1995 the 'real' Mick was transferred to a new home. In the week of Mick's death, the Kemptons accepted an invitation from the Natural History Museum in South Kensington to have Mick's stuffed and mounted body exhibited in the central hall.

Mick was on display by July, and eight years ago he was moved as result of the Natural History Museum's policy to no longer display 'personality' animals. Mick was transferred to the Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum in Tring, Hertfordshire. He is still there. Blimey!! What a Dog!!! -To order a copy of The Legend of Mick the Miller, Sporting Icon of the Depression by Michael Tanner for £15.99 plus p&p (rrp £17.99) call the Observer Book Service on 0870 066 7979. Published by Highdown You've read the piece, now have your say. Email your comments, be as frank as you like, we can take it, to sport.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk , or mail the Observer direct at sport@observer.co.uk Mick The Miller Mick The Miller Mick The Miller is the most famous greyhound of all time. He was born in 1926 in the village of Killeigh, County Offaly, Ireland at Millbrook House, the home of parish curate, Fr Martin Brophy .

When he was born Mick was the runt of the litter but Michael Greene, who worked for Fr Brophy, singled the little pup out as a future champion and insisted that he be allowed to rear him. With constant attention and regular exercise Mick The Miller developed into a racing machine. His first forays were on local coursing fields where he had some success but he showed his real talent on the track where he won 15 of his first 20 races. In 1929 Fr Brophy decided to try Mick in English Greyhound Derby at White City, London. On his first trial-run, Mick equalled the track record. Then, in his first heat, he broke the world record, becoming the first greyhound ever to run 525 yards in under 30 seconds. Fr Brophy was inundated with offers and sold him to Albert Williams. Mick went on to win the 1929 Derby. Within a year he had changed hands again to Arundel H Kempton and won the Derby for a second time.

Over the course of his English career he won 36 of his 48 races, including the Derby (twice), the St Leger, the Cesarewitch, and the Welsh Derby . He set six new world records and two new track records. He was the first greyhound to win 19 races in a row. Several of his records went unbroken for over 40 years. He won, in total, almost ï¿½10,000 in prizemoney. But he also became the poster-dog for greyhound racing. He was a celebrity on a par with any sports person, muscisian or moviestar. The more famous he became, the more he attracted people to greyhound racing. Thousands thronged to watch him, providing a huge boost to the sport. It is said that he actually saved the sport of greyhound racing. After retirement to stud his popularity continued. He starred in the film Wild Boy (based on his life-story) in 1934 which was shown in cinemas all across the UK.

He was in huge demand on the celebrity circuit, opening shops, attending big races and even rubbing shoulder with royalty (such as the King and Queen) at charity events. When he died in 1939 aged 12, his owner donated his body to the British Natural History Museum in London. And Mick`s fame has continued ever since. In 1981 he was inducted into the American Hall of Fame (International Section). In 1990 English author Michael Tanner published a book, Mick The Miller - Sporting Icon Of the Depression. And in 2011 the people of Killeigh erected a monument on the village green to honour their most famous son. Mick The Miller is not just the most famous greyhound of all time but one of the most loved dogs that has ever lived. Mick the Miller - Immortals of British Sport Immortals of British Sport Bronze - Elizabeth O’Kane - 2011 Killeigh, County Offaly View gallery 1 2 3 4 5 Greyhound racing arrived as a major new spectator sport in the late 1920s, offering a comparatively cheap opportunity for an evening out and a small gamble.

New purpose-built tracks (such as White City, Wembley, Haringay and Belle Vue) were attracting big crowds. One dog captured the public’s affection and dominated the sport like no other. That dog was Mick the Miller. The story starts with an Irish parish priest, Father Martin Brophy, in the village of Killeigh in County Offaly. Brought up by the priest’s trainer, Mick the Miller won most of his races in Ireland. Brophy entered Mick the Miller for the English Derby in 1929. He won his first heat with speed. Brophy decided to sell Mick the Miller to new owners for £800 – although Brophy ensured that he would keep all the prize money if he went on to win that Derby, which he duly did in fine style. Mick the Miller had become a star. His record was supreme; a total of 46 victories in 61 races. He won five ‘classic’ races including becoming the first dog, and for a long time the only dog, to win the English Greyhound Derby twice (1929 and 1930). His three-year career is unparalleled.

Mick the Miller was the canine superstar who captured the imagination of millions in those stringent days. He retired to stud but remained a celebrity – even starring in a cinema film – until he died, aged 12, in 1939. For the people of Killeigh in Ireland, pride is still strong. In 2011, more than 70 years after his death, a splendid monument to Mick the Miller, the most famous greyhound in racing history, was unveiled on the village green to honour his achievements. Mick the Miller Mick the Miller The following was written by Fr Prendergast in the 'Emigrant Newsletter' in JUNE 1980 Dear Reader: As a variation to the usual topic I would like to write to you on this occasion about the famous greyhound that came from Killeigh. It may be of no interest whatever to some people, but for those who have heard of this great dog I would like to write a final record: Very Rev. Martin Brophy, the Irish priest who owned the famous racing greyï¿½hound, MICK THE MILLER, was born in Shankill, near Paulstown, Co.

Kilkenny, on 4th May 1874. He was ordained to the priesthood of his native diocese, Kildare & Leighlin, in 19O1. As a Curate, he did the usual round of in that area, serving in Portarlington, Leix; Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow; Killeigh, Offaly; Daingean, Offaly, and, finally, he served as Pastor of Suncroft, Co. Kildare, until his death in 1949. Fr. Brophy's interest in greyhounds showed itself at first in Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, where he owned and coursed a dog named Crom Abu. He had fair success in open coursing with this dog. In 1922 Fr. Brophy was transferred to Killeigh, and it was there that the famous MICK THE MILLER was bred and reared. At that time Fr. Brophy had in his employment a Mr. Michael Greene who became one of the most famous trainer of greyhounds.

MICK THE MILLER was one of a litter of nine pups out of a bitch named Na bac Leis (in Irish it means "Ignore it - it doesn't matter"). The greyhound sire was named Glorious Event, the property of Mr. P.J. Meehan, Solicitor, Portlaoise. The nine pups were born on 29th June 1926. For whatever reason, Michael Greene decided to rear the wonder dog himself. He fed it with milk out of a mineral water bottle, like a pet lamb, left it with its mother at night, but took it into the Curate's house by day. He was fed three times a day from the bottle. The other 8 pups were disposed of as follows: One was reared on a foster mother owned by Pat Brady of Killeigh; two were reared in the house of a Miss Nevins at Ballymooney, Geashill, and another at Yarr's of Ballylevin. Another was reared at Corbett's of Killeigh and two were given to P.J. Meehan, the Solicitor who owned the father of the dogs - Glorious Event.

Lastly, Michael Greene reared one brindle and white dog. It stood 27 / inches high and his running weight was 72 Ibs. He named it MACOMA. It is interesting to recall how MICK THE MILLER got his name: A group of priests were gathered outside Fr. Brophy's house and they debated what name they should call this dog. Several names were suggested, but none was accepted. Just at a critical moment in the discussion a man came on the scene, called Mick Dunne, who owned the mill at Killeigh. Someone said "Here is Mick the Miller" and there and then they decided to call the dog by that name. In August 1927 Michael Greene took MICK THE MILLER and MACOMA to the new Shelbourne Park Greyhound racing track. He studied well what the track was like and, after some trials, he took the two dogs home and began to train them. He devised a half-moon shaped track with netting wire in the field opposite the Curate's house. After a fortnight of such training the dogs were again taken to Shelbourne. It was on that night that MICK THE MILLER'S prowess became known to the astonished crowd.

In his first race he came home four lengths in front of his five opponents and clocked 28.4/5th seconds for 525 yards. MACOMA ran in the next flat race and clocked the same time of 28.4/5th seconds for the same distance. Another bitch, named Matilda, was also trained by Michael Greene and at Shelbourne in the same year won a race over the same distance in similar time. At this stage, Fr. Brophy and Mr. Greene were prepared to train all the other greyhounds which had been farmed out to people in the area when a telegram arrived from a Mr.& Mrs. Addie from England who were prepared to pay practically anything for good greyhound stock. They came, in due time, to what had now become known as The Millbrook Kennels. They stayed overnight and we know that they bought two of the pups from Miss Nevins for 60 Guineas each - a fantastic price for a puppy in 1927! They refused to leave until they had bought the mother of the pups - old Na bac Lei herself. It is said that only the same price was paid for her. Fr.

Brophy and Michael Greene continued to train MICK THE MILLER and MACOMA. The following year they were both entered for the Lady Abercorn Cup at Celtic Park, Belfast. Each of them won through to the semi-final in which, alas, MACOMA broke his leg and had to be withdrawn. MICK THE MILLER went into the final, but finished second for the only time in his life - behind a dog called Odd Blade, owned by a Mr. O'Brien from Cork. Fr. Brophy always blamed himself for that defeat. While watching the race from the Judge's box he saw the dogs were neck and neck. In dismay, he blurted out "He is beaten" and the judge concurred! Many good people who were there maintained that he really won that race. There were no cameras to tell the story in those days. That was in the summer of 1928. In 1929 MICK THE MILLER won the Easter Cup in Shelbourne Park and a ï¿½50 stake Next he won the Harold's Cross Sweepstake Cup by a runaway victory - and another ï¿½50.

Next came his greatest moment when he was entered for the London Derby at the White City Track. Fr. Brophy and Michael Greene travelled to London; and amidst scenes of wildest enthusiasm were acclaimed by the waiting crowds. By this time, MICK THE MILLER had become so accustï¿½omed to the whole business that he would now only beat the nearest dog to him by a short length - he somehow had become aware that that was all he had to do. About this time the Clergy of the Church of England had come out strongly in opposition to all forms of gambling, and especially this new form of greyhound racing. This made the Irish priest a real hero for the crowds at White City, and when MICK THE MILLER streaked to victory they nearly went wild. Fr. Brophy had to mount a sort of elevated platform, which was mobile, and he was driven around the track several times to satisfy their hero worship. A large section of the crowd was undoubtedly Irish, and this added to their appreciation. The Derby Stake was ï¿½500. After the race, it was thought best to let the dog be sold and remain in England.

To a Curate in an Irish parish at that time 800 Guineas was very welcome money and Fr. Brophy reluctantly accepted it from a Miss Williams of London. MICK won the same London Derby in the two succeeding years for this lady, after which she again sold him to the Manager of the White City Track - but for 2,000 Guineas. The new purchaser was a Mrs. Kempton (whose husband was the Manager of the White City) . Mrs. Kempton entered him yet again for the London Derby of 1932 and yet again he won easily. By this time the dog had become a real hero, arid if it was even suspected that he might be let run around the track, enormous crowds turned up to see him. The Blue Ribbon of greyhound racing - the Gold Collar - was his next trophy. After this, a Bacon King from New York - to whom money meant nothing - came over and offered Mrs. Kempton ï¿½4,000, but she turned it down. She said no money could buy him. When this famous dog died, Mrs.

Kempton had him preserved and placed in the Natural History section of the Victoria & Albert Museum, where it can still be seen. The card explaining the exhibit reads as follows: "Mick the Miller (1926-1939) . Mick the Miller was a famous racing greyhound and during the active years of his career, 1928 to 1931, he was the winner of very considerable stakes and also of twenty-four gold and silver cups and trophies. He established time records in England, Wales and Ireland, and was the winner of the Greyhound Derby on two occasions. This dog set up a sequence of 19 consecutive victories, and after winning the first International Derby, the Greyhound Caesarwith and the Welsh Derby, concluded his career by winning the Greyhound St. Leger. The ancestry of Mick the Miller can be traced back to the famous dog, Master McGrath (winner of the Waterloo Cup in 1868, 1869 and 1871) and the final stages of his pedigree are as follows, etc. etc..... This explanatory card in London makes no mention of Fr. Brophy or Michael Greene, but neither had the least interest in it.

Fr. Brophy took on the cares of a parish near The Curragh, called Suncroft, and he told a nephew of his, some years before his death, that if there was a coursing meeting on the other side of the road he wouldn't cross over to see it. Michael Greene trained many other dogs in kennels, especially in the West of Ireland, before he too retired. Towards the end of his life, Fr. Brophy packed away all the cups and trophies which had so long adorned his sideboard At the end, his only request to his three priest nephews was - "Don't let the cups go for a song at the auction; get them valued and give the proceeds to charity." This was duly done, but with disappointing results as to value. Michael Greene, the trainer, died last year in Tullamore. Fr. Brophy's three nephews who served as priests in the diocese of Kildare & Leighlin -the late Fr. Tom Kennedy, Parish Priest of Rosenallis at the time of his death, was his closest friend; his brother, Fr. Dan Kennedy, has retired after ministering for over 25 years in Killeigh where Fr.

Brophy had served; his third nephew is Very Rev. Thomas Brophy, Pastor of Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow, where Fr. Brophy had also ministered. Fr. Brophy died on 29th JUNE 1949. Records: Price paid:ï¿½2,000. Record crowd at White City - 50,000. 51 wins in 68 races. Prize money estimate ï¿½9,017 + ï¿½20,000 at Stud Times at White City: 29.76 seconds for 525 yards. At Wembley 30.04 seconds for same distance. His real time could never be ascertained, as he just came to beat the others and never really tried to make records! He was the first dog to receive fan-mail! He was the first about which a film was made, woven around his life story. W. J Prendergast. PP Killeigh June 1980. I draw your attention to this interesting website called which though not fully finished yet is up and running successfully.

It has been created by Brendan Berry, Secretary Mick The Miller Commemoration Committee Mick The Miller: The World's Most Famous Greyhound Published on March 20th, 2012 | by Yellow Magpie 6 Mick The Miller: The World’s Most Famous Greyhound He was a dog that took the racing world by storm. He attracted tens of thousands of people to any race he participated in, he was in films and has become the most famous Irish greyhound of all time. Mick The Miller is synonymous with greyhound racing. Humble Beginnings Born on the 29th of June, 1926, Mick The Miller would go on to make greyhound history. Bred by a priest called Martin Brophy at Millbrook, Killeigh, in County Offaly, Ireland. Mick The Miller was not the strongest or healthiest pup. For that reason it was surprising that a man called Michael Greene was adamant that the dog was to be trained. Perhaps this was due to the fact that Mick The Miller was a descendant of the legendary Master McGrath. This would turn out to be a very prudent decision by Greene. Up until 1929 Mick The Miller was trained in Killeigh.

When the dog was fit for greyhound racing, Mick Horan, a certified trainer was employed by Fr. Brophy. Horan’s knowledge of stadium racing, having worked at the new Shelbourne Park, County Dublin, undoubtedly added value to Mick The Miller’s development. The Birth Of A Star After being sold by Fr. Brophy to bookmaker Albert Williams of Wimbledon, England, in July, 1929, he was in turn purchased by Arundel Kempton in December 1929. It was with Kempton and in England that Mick The Miller would become internationally famous and break all greyhound records. Mick the Miller’s short three-year racing career produced unrivalled results. Chief amongst his great achievements was winning 19 races on the trot, two English Greyhound Derby titles in-a-row and breaking several world records. Upon hearing of his first English Derby success in 1929, the residents of Killeigh celebrated by lighting a bonfire in his honour. Mick The Miller would go on to win his second English Derby in front of a crowd of 50,000 people.

Injuries to his shoulder and dewclaw meant that the latter half of 1930 was not as success-laden as the previous year. The 1931 English Greyhound Derby was to prove highly unfortunate for the plucky little greyhound. Despite winning the race, the original contest was declared a ‘no race’. An exhausted Mick The Miller failed to make an impression in the re-run race. The winner a dog called Seldom Lad took the title and was given the trophy to a chorus of boos from the crowd. The Legacy Of Mick The Miller Mick The Miller was watched on by an estimated crowd of 70,000 people during the 1931 English Derby. Despite losing the race he made the transition from being an ordinary greyhound to a public icon. His name was written about in many international newspapers and magazines and he even featured in several films. His final race came in the St. Leger Stakes in October 1931. He would go on to win the race beating Seldom Lad in the process.

Out of a total of 68 races Mick The Miller won 51 and out of those 68 races he failed to be out of the top two on only five occasions. His racing success and the high esteem he was held in by the public ensured that he entered both the British and American Hall-Of-Fame. A commemorative statue created by the sculptor, Elizabeth O’Kane, was erected in his honour in Killeigh, County Offaly, Ireland. The sculpture is so detailed it even has Mick The Miller’s distinctive scar that was just below his right eye. Recommended Reading You may wish to check out the online home of Mick The Miller at . You may also wish to check out Yellow Magpie’s The Dog: Man’s Most Useful Best Friend . About the Author The dog a mans best friend for sure Yellow Magpie Thanks for your comment, Tom. Yes, and a great friend at that! Olivia Anna Hayter Bless 🙂 My Grandfather’s brother was Albert Williams.

Brendan Berry Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Hall of Fame Mick the Miller The greyhound who became a film star and, until recently stood embalmed at the Natural History Museum before being moved to the museum at Tring where he still takes pride of place. His story is one of the most celebrated in the sport’s history but he was fortunate to even make it to the racetrack. More than 70 years after his incredible exploits in the early days of greyhound racing, Mick The Miller is, remarkably, still something of a household name. He was named after Mick Miller, who was the odd-job man at the vicarage where the dog was born and raised. One of his duties was looking after the great dog and the rest of the litter when they were pupies. Bred by a parish priest in Ireland, Mick The Miller was one of a litter of 12 and lived the usual life of a young greyhound until he was struck down by distemper, a highly contagious viral disease which primary affects dogs, shortly before his first birthday. There were no vaccines back in the 1920s and his chances of survival were slim.

However, Father Brophy, who had reared him through thick and thin, refused to accept defeat and took the dog to Arthur Callanan, who was the manager of Shelbourne Park in Ireland at the time as well as being a qualified veterinary surgeon. Mick The Miller was frail but Callanan thought there may be a chance of saving him and asked Father Brophy to leave the ailing youngster with him. Days and nights were spent in caring for the pup but he was saved and, several months later and in fairly good condition, he was returned to the Priest with the advice to give the dog a lengthy spell convalescing. It was not until April 1928 that a now near two-year-old Mick The Miller made his racing debut. He won with ease and went on to compete in a total of 20 races in Ireland, winning fifteen of them and gaining himself a hefty reputation in the process. One of his litter-bothers, Macoma, was also to prove himself as one of the all time greats over hurdles. Trainer Mick Horan knew he had a real racing machine on his hands and advised Father Brophy to have a crack at the English Derby.

They came to England with Mick The Miller in May 1929. His first trial at White City was a sensation and he was almost immediately put in as favourite to win the Derby, which, in those days, was restricted to 48 runners and decided over four races. There was a clamour to buy Mick the Miller immediately after the trial and Father Brophy decided there and then to auction his star on the terrace steps. He was duly knocked down for 800 guineas to a London bookmaker. It was huge amount for a greyhound at that time and was enough to be well documented in the evening papers that day. He drew a huge audience for his first race, which was the first round of the 1929 Derby and not only did he win, he smashed through the then unachievable 30 second barrier for the 525 yard strip at White City. He flew though second round and semi-finals with impressive successes and was naturally a hot favourite to land the £700 decider. He was beaten into second by Palatinus but the Gods were on his side and it was declared a no-race.

He found his best form again in the re-run just half an hour later and, this time, beat Palatinus by three lengths in 29.96sec. He was, by now, something of a celebrity and was in action again just days after the first of many famous victories in Britain. The dog took up residence at the kennels of Sidney Orton, who was based at Wimbledon as Father Brophy and Mick Horan went back to Ireland considerably richer men Stepping up to 600 yards at the giant track at West Ham, he trounced his rivals by seven lengths in his heat early in the afternoon and, on the evening of the same day, took the £200 final by four lengths. He won over £1,200 in prize money in various events and match races before changing hands again for an unprecedented 2,000 guineas. An Arundel Kempton splashed out the huge amount and gave Mick The Miller to his wife as a present. 1930 proved another vintage year for Mick The Miller, winning countless races and taking the Derby again that year, going through the event as he did the previous year, with an unblemished record.

A hectic schedule followed with unbeaten runs through the Cesarewitch at West Ham and the Welsh Derby at Cardiff during July. So much racing eventually took its toll and he was eliminated in the first round of the Laurels at Wimbledon the next month. A lengthy rest followed and Mick The Miller was not seen in action again until the spring of 1931where he went unbeaten through the Spring Cup at Wembley. He was then lightly raced in preparation for his third Derby attempt. Clearly beginning to feel the effects of a lengthy campaign, he had to settle for second best in the three runs leading up to the final. Come the big night, trainer Orton had his charge spot on and he ran the race of his life to land his third successive Derby. But, just as he had landed his first title, the race was cruelly taken away from him with another no-race decision. The re-run was less than an hour after the first 'race' and Mick The Miller's old legs were simply too tired to carry it off again and he was soundly beaten into fourth by Seldom Led, who had finished last in the original final.

It was the twilight of Mick The Miller's career on the track but he still had a treat to serve up for his legion of fans. Well over five years old, he was entered for the St Leger at Wembley and duly went through the event unbeaten. Famous Greyhounds | Racing-Insider William Hill Famous Greyhounds Mick the Miller is considered the pioneer of the greyhound racing in Great Britain. Born in Ireland, Mick was expected to compete in the American greyhound racing circuit, but a devastating tornado that hit St. Louis, Missouri put the deal off. He was sold to Father Martin Brophy, a catholic priest who brought him to race in England. Despite his short three year racing career, Mick the Miller was highly acclaimed all over the world and by the end of his last race was already an icon of the sport. His main achievement is winning 19 races in a row including two successive English Greyhound Derbies. He won 51 of the 68 races he was entered into. After his retirement he featured in films and social events maintaining his status of a sporting hero. Patricia’s Hope was one of the greatest greyhounds to grace the sport.

A white and fawn dog, he was gifted with incredible all around pace and determination. Patricia’s Hope won 8 out of 13 races in his first racing year. He was entered in the 1972 Derby but wasn’t fancied at 7/1 odds for the final. However, he took the race by storm winning by four lengths. In the same year Patricia’s Hope was retired to stud in Ireland, but he returned with aplomb next season to claim the second derby victory. After this triumph, he became only the second dog in racing history after Mick the Miller to win the derby two times. An achievement that was lately matched only Rapid Ranger and Westmead Hawk. Ballyregan Bob was one of the most successful greyhounds that ever raced in Britain. He will always be remembered for his incredible world record winning sequence of 32 races in the mid-eighties. He was entered in a total of 48 races and tasted defeat on six occasions only. His trainer, George Curtis, described him as “the perfect racing machine.” Ballyregan Bob was a true racing superstar and drew large crowds whenever he ran.

He was the master of recoveries from slow starts, producing famous bursts of speed at the end of the race. In his last race that was screened all over the country the he set a new world record. Ballyregan Bob brought a breath of fresh air to greyhound racing in when it was so badly needed. Scurlogue Champ is one of the most popular greyhounds in Great Britain. A real crowd-pleaser and great competitor, Scurlogue had a big following across the country, and even his own football style chant. He’s racing style was a joy to watch. He would start slowly, then miraculously yet nonchalantly outrun everyone. Like every great champ, Scurloge had a life changing before becoming a racing superstar. He was swapped for a cow and went into the care of Jim Sutton, the first man to spot his racing potential. Scurlouge Champ went to smash records all over the UK, claiming 51 wins from 63 races and no less than 18 tracks records. Rapid Ranger was a male brindle greyhound and only the third dog in racing history to win the English Greyhound Derby on more than one occasion.

Ranger got to a slow start in his racing career and was defeated in his first two races. However, he showed glimpses of greatness that soon brought him eternal glory. What’s remarkable about Ranger’s two consecutive Derby victories is the fact that he was beaten in the early rounds but won both finals comfortably. He attempted to do the unthinkable and win a third Derby race, but his legs weren’t able to carry him to victory. Rapid ranger enjoyed a peaceful retirement. In 2010 he suffered a stroke and was euthanized. The decision was made after losing the use of his legs. Mick the Miller : definition of Mick the Miller and synonyms of Mick the Miller (English) Brindle markings Mick the Miller (29 June 1926 – 6 May 1939) was a male brindle Greyhound . He is celebrated as the first great racing greyhound to compete in England. Despite a short three year racing career, his achievements were highly publicised around the world and by the end of his career he had become an icon in the sport. His achievements include winning nineteen races in a row, including the English Greyhound Derby on two successive occasions.

He suffered an injury at Wimbledon Stadium whilst racing which broke the streak in 1931, and once recovered was beaten in the attempt to win a third Derby title. He went on to appear in films, and is still considered one of the greatest sporting heroes in the UK. Contents 7 External links Early life Mick, a male brindle Greyhound , was born in Killeigh , Co. Offaly , before the introduction of Greyhound track racing in Ireland, and before the sport became popular in Britain. [1] The smallest of a litter of ten puppies, his father was a direct descendant of Master McGrath , a famous Irish Greyhound who won the Waterloo Cup on three occasions. [2] Originally expected to be used for hare coursing , a deal was discussed with dog owner Moses Rebenschied to take Mick to America to compete in the Greyhound racing circuit, however before the deal could go through a tornado struck St. Louis, Missouri , killing 27 of Rebenschied's Greyhounds when the roof was blown off their kennel, and a further four dogs died when a van driven by his son was overturned by the storm.

In a letter from Rebenschied calling off the deal he stated his reason, "I repeat, the hand of God is warning me against greyhounds." [1] A Catholic priest, Father Martin Brophy, brought Mick to race in England, although nearby sold the dog as a puppy to another priest, Father Maurice Browne. Although the Catholic Church in Ireland had no issues with Greyhound racing, the Catholic Church in Great Britain at the time was against it, having published a pamphlet entitled "Dog Racing" which called it a "threat to Sunday dinners", and described gambling that "the distribution of losses and dividends had an anti-social character because the poorest, the most unhappy, the physically and emotionally handicapped, are made to pay for the professionals and semi-professionals who get hold of intimate knowledge." [1] Racing career 1929 English Greyhound Derby In a solo trial prior to the English Greyhound Derby on 25 July 1929, Mick broke the track record, reducing his odds from an initial 25–1 to becoming the 4–7 favorite to win by the time of the final, despite still being new off the board from Ireland.

In the first round, Mick pulled away down the back straight, beating Captured Half by eight lengths and setting a time of 29.82, a new world record over that length. Father Browne sold Mick for £800, plus any prize money that the dog would win on the night, [1] which at the time was more than the cost of buying a house in nearby Shepherd's Bush . [2] By 8:45pm, when the final took place, some 40,000 spectators were in the ground. The lineup was four dogs; in trap one was Beadsman at 20–1; trap two was Palatinus at 3–1; trap three was Entomb at –, and finally Mick the Miller in trap four, wearing the black jacket. Palatinus made the best start, at the first bend both Mick and Entomb attempted to move inside to the rail, but Beadsman collided with both of them, sending all three dogs sprawling. The no–race klaxon went off, and the race had to be restarted.

None of the dogs were allowed to leave the track with until the race was re–run at 9:15pm, the only comfort given to Mick on a particularly hot summer's evening was a handkerchief soaked in cold water. [1] The re–run began, with Palatinus again getting away first, however at the first corner, Mick pursued him around the first corner alone. Catching him down the back straight, Mick pulled away around the third bend going on to beat him by three lengths in a time of 29.96. Although Palatinus completed the first run through, his time was one fifth of a second slower than that made by Mick in the second. When villagers in his home town of Killeigh heard of his success, a impromptu bonfire party was held. [1] He won the Derby again in the following year, in front of 50,000 spectators including King Alfonso XIII of Spain . His victory there was his eleventh in succession.

[1] Mick won the Welsh Greyhound Derby in 1930 at the Sloper Road Stadium, setting the world record again, this time at 29.55 seconds over 525 yards (480 m). [3] His run extended nineteen successive victories before he tore a shoulder muscle in a race at Wimbledon Stadium . During the run, his broke world records on four occasions and newspaper editors stopped using the headline of "Wonder Dog", instead replacing it with simply "Invincible". [1] A comeback was attempted in February 1931, again at Wimbledon, however Mick suffered a torn dewclaw in a trial, setting back his return until March with the aim of winning a third Derby. [1] 1931 English Greyhound Derby Suffering shock defeats by Mick's Fancy in the eleventh heat of the 1931 Derby, and again by five lengths in the second round by a new Irish import, a dog called Ryland R who weighed over 80 pounds (36 kg). Mick had still been favourite in that race, but for the first time in some 25 races, he was not odds on.

Ryland R and Mick met again in the semi finals on 20 June, the second time in 48 races that Mick was not the favourite since coming over from Ireland. Coming out the first turn, Mick was fifth, but was bumped so wide that Ryland opened up a fifteen length lead over his at one point. However, Mick sped on, and overtook the other dogs until only Ryland remained. As they crossed the line, Ryland took the victory, but by only half a length. The Evening News stated that "Mick has never run a better race". [1] However, this was the first time that Mick had ever lost three consecutive races, but at least qualified for the final. [1] The final took place on 27 June 1931, with 70,000 spectators attending to see Mick the Miller take on "The Black Express" Ryland R. The two dogs were both matched as joint favourites for the final at odds of 13–8. The other four dogs in the race were Golden hammer, Mick's Fancy, Seldom Lad and Brunswick Bill.

Just after 9pm, Ryland is out of the traps ahead of the others once again, with Mick in last position as they go around the first bend. Ryland lead all the way until the final turn where Seldom Lad closed on him. The two dogs made contact and go wide, the race steward spotted that Ryland had turned to snap at Seldom Lad and sets off the no–race klaxon. The noise is drowned out by the crowd as Mick the Miller is suddenly coming through the pack. Despite being bumped earlier in the race, he found the inside rail and moved up past the others, beating Golden Hammer by a head at the line. The announcer repeats that it is a no race to the disappointment of the crowd. Ryland R was disqualified for "nosing and impeding" another dog. Phiddy Kempton, Mick's owner at the time, broke down into tears, "Mick has won! My darling Mick has won!" he cried. [1] A re–run was ordered for 9:55pm, while the crowd began to get unruly. Kempton was refusing to allow Mick to compete in the re–run, adamant he had already run the Derby.

The directors of the Greyhound Racing Association were in attendance, and knowing the effect that both the two favourites not running in the final of the Derby would mean for the sport, convinced Kempton to run Mick. [1] The race was re–run, and the tired Mick was never close to placing. He slipped at the first bend whilst attempting to take the inside. Seldom Lad overtook Golden Hammer and won the race unchallenged, with Mick finishing in fourth place. Mick's time in the voided race was 29.89 seconds, some two and a half lengths faster than Seldom Lad's time in the second. Mick lost a fourth race in a row for the first time ever, and the Derby trophy was awarded to Seldom Lad's owners amid a host of boos from the crowd. [1] The circumstances of the third derby changed the public perception of Mick. He was no longer simply a racing Greyhound, he had become a public icon and became the embodiment of the sport at a international level.

The Greyhound Mirror and Gazette proclaimed of Mick, "Greyhound racing is still in its infancy, but already it has produced a popular favourite as idolised as any horse, cinema star, footballer or boxer in history." [1] He was featured in articles around the world including Welt im Bild (Germany), the Herald Sun (Australia) and The American Weekly (USA). Mick continued to race for most of the rest of the year, with his final race being the St Leger Stakes in October at what was then called the Empire Stadium , winning the race whilst watched by 40,000 spectators. [1] This race was later described as the greatest race ever staged at Wembley, which would go on to hold Greyhound racing until 1998 prior to its demolition to make room for the new Wembley Stadium . [4] In qualifying for the final of that race, he beat Seldom Lad on three occasions. [2] His retirement was announced in December 1931. [1] Later life Mick spent the next two years at stud in Norfolk, [5] although was a special guest at the opening of Catford Stadium on 30 July 1932.

[6] He appeared with Flanagan and Allen in the 1934 movie The Wild Boy . [7] Although the Evening News predicted that it would be the "one of the most popular British films of the year", no box office records were kept and the only known copy is in the possession of the British Film Institute . [1] It was reported as being badly received by critics and ran massively over budget. [5] Mick died on 6 May 1939, [8] a few weeks short of his thirteenth birthday, [9] having amassed around £20,000 in stud fees , from appearances in films, and in prize money. [8] After his death he was stuffed and given by his last owner, A.H. Kempton, to the Natural History Museum in London; he has since been moved to the Natural History Museum at Tring in Hertfordshire where he is still on public view. [10] He stands in cabinet 58 of the household dogs section at the museum in an airtight case filled with an insecticide called Vapona in order to prevent any damage by insects.

[5] Legacy Mick the Miller is still credited as popularising Greyhound racing in Great Britain after his back to back English Greyhound Derby victories in 1929 and 1930. [11] An enclosure is named after Mick at Wimbledon Stadium . [12] Mick remained the only dog to win two Derby titles until 1973, when Patricia's Hope won her second title. [13] Royal Doulton produced a limited edition run of Mick the Miller figurines in the 1990s. [1] A memorial to Mick was built on the village green of his birthplace in Killeigh , Co. Offaly . The statue was created by Northern Irish artist Liz O'Kane, and was unveiled by the Taoiseach of Ireland, Brian Cowen . [14] In 2007, journalist Jon Henderson drew up his list of 100 top British sportsman for his book Best of British: Hendo's Sporting Hisoes. Mick the Miller was included in the list as the only Greyhound, with the only other animal being multi–time Grand National winner Red Rum .

[15] He is still referred to as the world's most famous Greyhound, [5] having won 51 of the 68 races he was entered into and is the only dog to have won the treble of the Derby, The Cesarewitch and The St Leger - Greyhounds . [2] Further reading Tanner, Michael (22 July 2004). The Legend of Mick the Miller: Sporting Icon of the Depression. Newbury: Highdown. ISBN 978-1-904317-67-8 . References

Question: What sport did Mick the Miller compete in
Answer: Greyhound racing