Most often asked questions about Greyhound
Racing
What are they chasing?
The greyhounds are chasing a mechanical lure. The lure may be a stuffed bone or
stuffed rabbit attached to a bar that travels around the track. The lure makes a
squeaky noise as it circles the track and the greyhounds chase the lure by sight
and by sound.
Why do greyhounds wear muzzles?
They wear muzzles while racing to help racing officials determine the outcome of
a photo-finish race, and to protect the greyhounds from injury.
How often does each greyhound race?
Greyhounds race on average about every 4 days.
What happens to the greyhounds when they retire?
A majority of the greyhounds are adopted as pets when they're finished racing.
Others are used for breeding and some are euthanized.
How old are greyhounds when they begin racing?
Most begin at about a year and a half, and continue until three and a half to
four and a half years old. Some will race beyond their fifth birthday, and a
select few past their sixth.
Does racing come naturally to greyhounds?
Greyhounds love to run, and are competitive by instinct. In racing, there is no
stimulus other than the mechanical lure to make the greyhounds run. When the
starting box opens, the animal's natural instinct is to chase the lure, and try
to reach it first.
Is racing safe for greyhounds?
Yes. If an injury does occur, the race track has a Veterinarian and an equipped
office on the premises to attend the animal immediately. However, prevention of
injury is a top priority. The industry has funded extensive research into
methods for ensuring the safety of racing greyhounds while they are competing.
Much of that research is conducted at the University of Florida's Center for
Veterinary Sports Medicine, the only facility of its kind in the nation.
How are greyhounds trained to race?
At about a year old, greyhound puppies are transferred to training kennels. They
run and chase by instinct, so initially their training consists of chasing a
lure dragged along the ground. As they mature, they are taught to run on
circular tracks, with the mechanical lure suspended above the ground. At about a
year and a half, they graduate to longer, oval tracks, starting boxes and
competition.
Thanks to chicocat and Donna Moore for the use of the photos!!
