26 September, 2008

Media man Steve Hawkins will decide this weekend on whether to accept a $250,000 to $300,000 offer from China for his brilliant bitch Queen Lauryn.
In what many would call no brainer, Hawkins emotional attachment to his family, star dog and trainer Tony Brett, is making the decision difficult.
"I am weighing up the fact she is the family dog, she is worth a lot as a brood bitch,'' he said.
"I wouldn't sell her to be trained by someone else in Australia. I wouldn't do that to Tony and his family.
"If she is to be sold in full, she will be sold to China and we won't see her again in Australia.
"I would look into selling a half share in Australia but retain the controlling interest.
"That way, in many respects, I would be getting the best of both worlds.
"At the end of the day I have to look after my family and my interests.
"I have about $600,000 to $700,000 invested in the sport.
"I have brood bitches and pups coming through, I have about 18 dogs.
"At the end of the day, if there is no alternative to Nanderol it will destroy me."
Hawkins was referring to the only drug approved by racing authorities to prevent a bitch coming on season, the same drug that has a detrimental effect on Queen Lauryn's performance.
Brett withdrew administering the drug to Queen Lauryn and she came on season on the eve of the rich Paws Of Thunder last Friday and withdrew from the event.
Being a 12 month bitch, Queen Lauryn will be in season again this time next year thus making her a non starter in some of the sports biggest events.
"This weekend I will have to talk to my wife and Tony Brett and make a decision," Hawkins said.