Greyhound Racing

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29222, 4 June 1960, Page 5

Greyhound Racing

/COMPARED with the great interest in Europe and the United States, greyhound racing has not a large following in New Zealand, but intensive efforts are being made to popularise meetings and to educate the public in this very old sport.

All greyhounds used for racing in the Dominion are pedigree bred from one of the oldest strains in the world. Australian bloodlines have had a marked influence on New Zealand breeding in recent years, but several stud animals have also been imported from England, which is probably the home of greyhound racing.

Early Start The pups begin racing at about nine months, although some are allowed on the track earlier than others. Most reach their peak from lj to, 3 J years, but many animals manage to win top class races at five and even six years. As in any sport, training determines performance and although many trainers differ in their ideas of exercise, methods are generally similar. Training for a racing animal consists of three or four long walks a week, i ually lasting from an hour to an hour and a half, and perhaps one or two gallops to keep the dog in form. Some dogs need more galloping than others, but after a little experience even the novice trainer can quickly decide which methods suit his charge best. Preparation Correct diet plays an important part in the preparation of an animal. Generally a dog will receive two meals a day, a piece of dry toast in the morning and two pounds and a half of meat with- grated vegetables and biscuits after the main training spell in the evening. Greyhounds are a short-haired breed and warm housing and covers are essential in winter to prevent colds and chills.