In greyhound racing, each race features eight dogs, each wearing a saddle-type blanket and an identical muzzle for identification and safety. Dogs are graded based on past performance. Approximately 10 minutes before the race, dogs are led onto the track by "lead outs," who handle them during the post parade and starting process, avoiding interaction with fans. Dogs are penned in a supervised area for two hours before the race. Races are typically run on courses ranging from 5/16 to 7/16 miles. The race starts when a mechanical lure passes the starting boxes; if caught, the race is void. Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 43 mph. Tracks host various race cards, such as Day, Matinee, Evening, or Twilight.
- There are 8 dogs in each race
- Each wears a saddle-type blanket for identification
- Each dog wears an identical muzzle to prevent nipping and to provide a sharp and high-contrast image in the event of a photo finish
- Each dog has a specific “grade”, depending on how well it has raced previously – see the Grading System sheet for more info!
- About 10 minutes before the race, each dog is brought onto the track – held by a short leash by a “lead out”
- The Lead Out is in charge of controlling the dog during the post parade, place the dog in the starting box (or trap) and collecting the dog after the race
- The lead-outs are under strict instructions to avoid talking with any fans, or each other during this process
- Before the Post Parade, the dogs are individually penned in a supervised lock-up area for at least 2 hours before the program starts
- The most common courses are set for approximately 5/16 – mile, 3/8 – mile, or 7/16 – mile, though some tracks vary these distances slightly
- To start the race, the greyhounds are placed in boxes (or traps) and the gates open once the mechanical lure passes the boxes
- If the lure is caught by the greyhounds the race is void
- The lure often has a nickname
- Tracks will often have a “Day” card, a “Matinee” card, an “Evening” card and/or a “Twilight” card
- These are abbreviated next to the track name as: (Day) / (Mat) / (Eve) / (Twi)
- Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 43 mph within 30 meters (98 ft)