Greyhound racing basics

In Egypt the greyhounds were mummified and buriedalso a matter of controversy. While some
with their masters. The Egyptians viewed them asgreyhounds are naturally fit to race, the others lack
supreme among all animals. The greyhounds also findkiller instinct. the dogs unfit for racing are either killed
place in the literary works of Shakespeare, Chauceror given in laboratories for experimentation. In certain
and Homer.cases the dogs is starved in order to develop in him
In England, greyhound was considered as a statusan impulse to kill the small animals for food.
symbol back in 10th century. Only noblemen wereThe World Greyhound Racing Federation ( WGRF)
permitted to hunt with them. Later, Queen Elizabeth Iwas established in 1969. it is a non regulatory
made rules regarding the use of greyhounds to chaseorganization and is dedicated to providing information
hares. In early 1900s Patrick Owen became the firstand promoting the sport nationally and internationally.
one to introduce the concept of greyhound racing.Various nations participate in the Bi- annual World
Later, the first circular track was made in California inGreyhound Racing Conference. At the 2003
1919.conference the organization has adopted a welfare
The greyhounds are kept in the paddock before thecharter which aims at promoting the mental and
race begins. After the pre race tests and procedures,physical well being of the dogs.
the greyhounds are put in individual compartments inGreyhound Pets of America is another non profit
the starting box, called traps. These traps haveorganization that finds home to the retired
automated doors. When the race starts the dog isgreyhounds. It advices the owners of these pets
made to chase a lure. A lure is a mechanical devicehow to take care of the greyhounds and helps it fit
that moves around the track at a considerablein the new environment.
distance from the dog. The lure resembles either aThe American Greyhound Council is responsible for
bone or a rabbit.researching diseases that infect the greyhound and
After the race, the greyhound is provided with waterproviding well trained professional and veterinarians to
and an open area to walk. The winner is called in thebetter take care of the dogs. It also employs
winner's circle.inspectors to check any mistreatment of greyhounds.
The registration and identification of greyhounds isLike in horse racing, betting in greyhound racing is also
the duty of the National Greyhound Association. It isquite prevalent. The betting game has its own
a non profit organization and carries its work in Northterminology like bookie, beards, quiniela etc. Betting,
America. Only registered owners can enter into anbeing a wager can never be foolproof, but one cam
exclusive contract with a registered kennel. Theseincrease his chances to win by playing smart. For
kennel in turn contract with the tracks. The tracksexample, a dog with a consistent performance can
decide the schedule for the race fro a season.be good to bet on. The medical history and the
There are certain states like California and Maine thatappearance of the dog can be another parameter.
prohibit greyhound racing. Other States prohibit theSuccess cannot be guaranteed in the game of
use live rabbits and other small animals as a bait forbetting, but doing a little homework never hurts.
the dogs in the race.Mansi gupta writes about greyhound racing topics .
The way the greyhounds are handled and trained is