Page 17 - K9 News - Issue 15 - March2021

Racing at all levels is conducted in weight
Most dogs by this time are focused on the lure
so much that they take to the traps well, others
need a little more time and encouragement.
Three other dogs are introduced to create race
conditions, which is when the clearing process
can be considered. Clearing is simply a made
up ‘race’ to ensure the future racer will run
for the lure and not interfere with any other
dogs – 2 clear of interference runs are required
before they are considered to be signed off.
At this point, if you haven’t already, you can
choose a racing name and apply for the dogs
racing passport. This contains photos of the
dog, detailing any distinctive markings, much
like a human passport to prove identity. It can
be used to enter Open Racing at other clubs,
or, if you feel your dog is suitable, to enter a
Championship meeting. Once they are across
the finish line the race is considered over and
the dogs head straight for the prize – the lure.
Some dogs can be incredibly possessive at
this point so racing muzzles must be worn for
the protection of all concerned and a racing
jacket or vest is worn for easy identification,
which follow the same colours and numbers
that Greyhounds wear when racing. Dogs are
then retrieved by their owners or handlers and
returned to their travel crate for refreshment and
for the adrenaline rush to subside.
K9 NEWS DIGITAL / MARCH 2021
groups, usually of 2lb spreads, i.e. not
exceeding 16lb, then 18lb, through to not
exceeding 32lb, which is the maximum weight
for a pedigree racing whippet. It is possible
your whippet may have to run up 4 times in an
afternoon if fortunate enough to reach a final
(Heat, Quarter Final, Semi Final and Final).
The first two in each race go forward to the
next round of racing. At some Opens you may
additionally get to run for a Supreme Trophy
whereby weight group winners run against each
other for Supremacy. If you have a heavier dog
it will be handicapped back by distance to try
and create a more equal race, as a heavier dog
generally produces more speed, but it’s often
the lighter ones that are initially fastest out of the
traps.
Both Scratch and Handicap racing takes
place. In Scratch racing, the dogs within a
2lb spread group all start from the same line
position, whereas in a handicapped race, the
heavier dogs in each group would be offset a
short distance behind. The National Pedigree
Whippet Racing Association (NPWRA) hold
five championship meetings around the country
each year. If you and your whippet are fortunate
enough to win one, you are classed as a
National Graduate (NGr.). Winning a second
Championship gives you full Champion status.
Some clubs will hold an Open event purely with
the aim of raising money for various charities.
Over the years, many thousands of pounds have
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