
- An
average greyhound normally weighs between 65 to 75 pounds.
- The greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. It can reach a top speed
of 45 miles per hour and can average more than 30 miles per hour
for distances up to one mile.
- Throughout history, greyhounds have been bred to hunt by outrunning
their prey. They were not intended to be solitary hunters, but to
work with other dogs.
- The pharaohs of ancient Egypt rated greyhounds first among all animals
as their pets and hunters of choice. Their favorite hounds were known
to have been mummified and buried along with them. As proof, pictures
of these greyhounds can be found etched on the walls of ancient Egyptian
tombs.
- The greyhound is the only canine mentioned in the Holy Scripture.
It is cited in Proverbs 30:29-31.
In early Arabian culture, the birth of a greyhound ranked second
only in importance to the birth of a son. So admired was the greyhound
that it was the only dog they permitted to share their tents and
ride atop their camels.
- In 1014, King Canute of England enacted the Forest Laws which stated
that only noblemen were permitted to own and hunt with greyhounds.
In fact, greyhound racing started in England as a sport strictly
for nobility that could not be engaged in by commoners.
- Many
believe that the word “greyhound” is derived from
the phrase "greatest hound" because the breed was so highly-respected
in Europe. Others claim that it is derived from "Greek hound" because
in ancient Greece, the greyhound was the most prized and respected
of all animals.
- In greyhound racing, the dogs are handicapped by grade. When a greyhound
begins a racing career, it is classified as a maiden, which means
a non-winner. It advances to grade C on its first win and with subsequent
wins advances up the ladder to the top grade of A.
- Most greyhounds begin racing at 18 months of age and continue until
they are four years old.
- Aside from determining the outcome in a photo finish, the plastic
muzzle worn by greyhounds protects their nose from injury and prevents
them from fighting in the heat of competition.
The colored blankets used during the races are keyed to the number
and post positions of the greyhound. No. 1 is red; No. 2 is blue;
No. 3 is white; No. 4 is green; No. 5 is black; No. 6 is yellow;
No. 7 is green and white; No. 8 is black and yellow. At tracks with
a No. 9, the greyhound wears purple and white.
- By nature, greyhounds are not aggressive. While they are competitive
during a race, they are also quite friendly and sociable. Once separated
from the litter, those who do become household pets often thrive
on human companionship.
- The Earl of Oxford created the first public coursing club in 1776
in Swaffham in Norfolk, England. Greyhound coursing soon became very
popular with the public.
- Greyhound racing in America originated from competitions organized
by farmers in the 1800s. In those days, greyhounds were used to control
the jackrabbit population that wrought havoc to the crops.
- Around 1912, Owen Patrick Smith invented the mechanical lure. He
opened the first greyhound track in Emeryville, California. Six years
later he owned 25 tracks around the nation, including ones in Florida,
Montana, and Oregon.
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Win
The first dog to cross the finish line wins. You collect only if
your selection finishes first.
Place
The second dog to cross the finish line places. You collect only
if your selection finishes first or second.
Show
The third dog to cross the finish line shows. You collect only
if your selection finishes first, second or third.
Daily
Double
Winners of the 1st and 2nd races.
Quinella
The first two dogs to cross the finish line in any order.
Perfecta
or Exacta
The first two dogs to cross the finish line in EXACT order.
Double
Quinella
The winning Quinella combinations in two consecutive races.
Trifecta
The dogs finishing first, second and third place in EXACT ORDER.
Superfecta
The first four dogs in their EXACT ORDER of finish.
Pick
3
Select the winner of three consecutive races.
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