We done a very similar thing years back with my mates old dog Jet, we took him over Altcar for a last hare. He was about 14 and well past his coursing days. My mate figured the run will either kill him or he would ensure he went after doing what he loved.Well old Jet was slipped and caught the bloody hare on the straight...! We were so gobsmacked, my mate never had the heart to do anymore than take him back home for a good feed... Funny as feck looking back!
What a lucky dog lol ......That old bugger deserved it's spec on the couch