Letter : A matter of course

From Mr A. Robinson

Sir: Charles Blanning of the National Coursing Club ("Cup's hare-coursing supporters are facing their Waterloo", 22 February) states that 85 to 90 per cent of the population do not know what coursing involves.

As a member of that majority, I decided a few years ago to visit the Waterloo Cup at Altcar to find out for myself. The experience increased my admiration for the hare, whose superior speed and turning ability often left the greyhounds exhausted. Here was a contest, admittedly stage-managed, as dramatic as those between cheetah and gazelle which are watched and enjoyed by millions in their own homes thanks to television wildlife programmes.

I have to say that I came away from Altcar wondering what all the fuss was about.

Yours faithfully,

A ROBINSON

Bristol

22 February