Coursing has a history of over 150 years in Australia. In its heyday in Britain, the sport attracted the aristocracy and even royalty such as Prince Albert. In Australia, wealthy gentlemen bred, owned, traded and gambled on greyhounds. The most famous dogs were expensive, revered and the subject of portraits by Australia’s leading sporting artists. John Hawkins reveals the golden days of coursing, and illustrates two of the finest portraits, by the little known artist- photographer Henry Hainsselin.