Champion of the 1955 Greyhound Derby: Rushton Mac

In the 1950s, the citizens of post-war England were eager to reclaim the joys of life that had been interrupted by World War II. They embraced a peaceful existence, established routines, and rekindled their zest for life, distinct from today’s fast-paced world. With no television and the Internet still a distant concept, people spent more time reading, engaging in conversations, socialising, and travelling. Leisure pursuits were less about social media and more centred on attending cinema screenings, concerts, or greyhound races.

Among greyhound racing enthusiasts, the names Endless Gossip (winner of the 1952 Greyhound Derby), Magourna Reject (1953), and Pigalle Wonder (1958 and 1959 Derby champion) became legendary, representing the vibrant racing culture of the 1950s. One standout star during this period was Rushton Mac, who competed for over two years in the country’s premier races. He clinched the Scottish Greyhound Derby in 1954, followed by victories in both the English and Irish Greyhound Derbies in 1955. Named Greyhound of the Year in 1955, he retired in 1956 to pursue breeding, leaving a void in the sport that would remain for some time, as dogs of his caliber were rare.

The Rise of Rushton Mac

In June 1952, Rushton Panda gave birth to a litter of puppies at Boothouse Farm in Rushton, Cheshire. Frank and Mary Johnson, the farm's owners, identified Rushton Mac and his brother Rushton Sport as the most promising of the pups. By 1953, both siblings demonstrated their racing potential by reaching the final of the Yorkshire Puppy Derby.

In 1954, the brothers continued to develop their athletic prowess and popularity. Competing against each other throughout the year, they both secured distinguished wins: Rushton Mac claimed the St Mungo Cup at Carntyne Stadium in Glasgow and the Northumberland Stakes. In October of the same year, they entered the Scottish Greyhound Derby, with Rushton Mac emerging victorious in the final, winning £500 with a swift 29.20 seconds over 525 yards. Notably, their sire, Rushton Smutty, had won the Scottish Greyhound Derby back in 1951, after which the event paused for two years due to a lack of participants, allowing the brothers to honour their father's legacy.

Later, Rushton Sport achieved three consecutive wins, clinching titles at the now-defunct Hall Green Stadium, Walthamstow, and Hove. However, Rushton Mac soon reclaimed his dominance, winning prestigious races such as the Edinburgh Cup, Pall Mall Stakes, Select Stakes, and Northern Flat.

An unfortunate incident unfolded after the Challenge Stakes at White City Stadium, where both greyhounds raced. Expecting victory, the owners were shocked to see Rushton Mac finish fourth and Rushton Sport sixth. Suspecting foul play, Frank and Mary Johnson speculated that their dogs had been administered illegal drugs while at the stadium and requested an official investigation. When they received no response, they commissioned their own tests, which indeed revealed the presence of barbiturates in the dogs’ blood. Frank Johnson even offered a reward for information regarding the incident. A two-hour investigation by the National Greyhound Racing Club confirmed that the banned substance was not administered on the stadium grounds. Ultimately, Mary Johnson was fined £20 for inadequate care of their dogs. Nevertheless, this scandal did not overshadow Rushton Mac’s remarkable success, as he finished the year among the top three earners in the sport, with only 1954 Derby winner Paul’s Fun earning more than his £2,205. When adjusted for inflation, this amount equates to nearly £70,000 today.

Victorious 1955

Following his triumph at the English Greyhound Derby in June, Rushton Mac found himself "waking up famous," although he was already beloved by the public. 

When Rushton Mac clinched victory at the Welsh Greyhound Derby at Cardiff Arms Park, he was heralded as the top greyhound in the nation. 

His pursuit of the Triple Crown in 1955 was tantalisingly close; Rushton Mac was in peak form, and all expectations pointed to his success at the final leg—the Scottish Greyhound Derby. However, that race was cancelled that year, preventing Rushton Mac from officially securing a triple-crown title, despite his previous year's victory in the event. 

During the 1955 racing season, Rushton Mac duplicated his successes from the previous year by winning the Edinburgh Cup and Northern Flat, and made it to the finals of both the Grand Prix and Laurels. In 1951, the British Greyhound Breeders and Owners Association established the Silver Greyhound Awards, which honoured the greyhound with the best performance at the year’s end. The prestigious annual banquet and awards ceremony took place at the famed Dorchester Hotel, known for hosting many renowned writers and literary gatherings, as well as being a safe haven during wartime. It was at this venue that Rushton Mac was named Greyhound of the Year for 1955, and in 1957, he received the top honour for male greyhounds and took part in a champions' parade. 

1956 and Retirement

In 1956, Rushton Mac aimed to match Mick Miller's record of being a two-time Derby winner. However, an unfortunate cramp during the first heat led to the decision to retire the champion and transition him into breeding.

During this time, public interest in greyhound racing was at an all-time high, with reports of stolen greyhounds, allegations of doping—affecting both Rushton Mac and his brother—and various tactics to sabotage competitors. Owners and trainers frequently found themselves defending their dogs against these threats.

Before his retirement, a notable incident occurred at Belle Vue Stadium following the Whitsuntide Stakes, where both Rushton Mac and Rushton Spot were competing. Though Rushton Mac, the prior year's Derby champion, struggled initially, he showcased exceptional speed in the finals, ultimately beating his brother. Belle Vue stewards, however, initiated an investigation into Rushton Mac's performance, eventually ruling that he had breached racing regulations. His owner, Frank Johnson, was summoned to London for legal proceedings but was cleared of any wrongdoing regarding the dog's performance. However, he was fined for exhibiting disrespect towards a race steward. Following their retirement, Frank and Mary Johnson penned a letter condemning the Belle Vue staff for their perceived bias against their dogs.

In retirement, Rushton Mac and Rushton Spot enjoyed a peaceful life in the kennel of their owners. By 1957, Rushton Mac had become the most sought-after British sire, with breeding fees set at 40 guineas—equating to about £1020 today. Other successful sires fetched up to 30 guineas. Over his brief but illustrious career, Rushton Mac accumulated more than £8,000 in winnings, approximately £200,000 in today's value, and shattered track records at Brough Park, Arms Park, Wolverhampton, and Powderhall, leaving behind a legacy of 14 race victories. He generously left his earnings to his devoted owners, while his impressive achievements remain a cherished memory for greyhound racing fans.