All-Electric Racecourse

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18043, 31 December 1926, Page 17

All-Electric Racecourse

Where Greyhounds can Chase Artificial Hares by Artificial Light

i \NE of the queerest, racecourses in England is a.t Manchester. It. is -constructed like any ordinary racecourse, having judge's box, paddock, grandstand, track, and starting and winning posts. But where it. differs from the others is that greyhounds race instead of horses. Moreover, t li e races take place in the evenings; and so that the darkness will not interfere with the 'events, specially designed electric lights have been installed on the course. Greyhounds, however, will not race without some incentive, so this is supplied by a mechanical “hare” whi<;h is propelled on a set course around the track by electricity, always just a short distance in front of the racing dogs. The “hare” is controlled from a tower and, owing to the terrific speed put up at times by the dogs, can be made to move at nearly a mile a min* ute. When a race is to be run, eight greyhounds are penned behind the starting gate. The "hare” is then sent

round the track on a preliminary run. The dogs can see i,t, and at, once become excited. They whimper and strain to be after it. Then when all is ready, the dogs are released Like streaks of lightning they hurl themselves after the “hare.’’ racing neck and neck round the course, each exerting every ounce of energy in an endeavour to catch the quarry. The end of the course draws in sight—and just as the dogs pass the winning post, the electric “hare” disappears through an aperture in the . track. I