WRA RACE RULES
2001

Table of Contents

sECTION 1.0 purpose and eligibility *

sECTION 2.0 requirements *

section 3.0 Racing Officials and duties *

section 4.0 DISQUALIFICATIONS and dismissals *

section 5.0 operation of the national grading system *

section 6.0 Race Track and Equipment *

7.0 TITLES AND AWARDS *

Figure 1 Sample Race Report *

Figure 2 Adult Quick Set-Up Chart *

Figure 3 Puppy Quick Set-Up Chart *

electric lure machine plans 52*

The Whippet Racing Association sponsors and supports Whippet Races as a part of its overall Breed Improvement Program. The authority and responsibility for the administration and operation is delegated to the National Race Director and Board of Directors. The authority to operate the WRA Race Meets is then delegated to the local Club or Group.

• To encourage properly trained registered race Whippets to compete against one another in an organized manner, in a safe environment, with high quality equipment, and knowledgeable people in charge.

• To respect the all-purpose Whippet as:

• A racer with speed, endurance and intelligence.
• A dog with proper conformation to be able to compete in all Whippet activities.
• A friend and companion, of disposition and discipline to be a pet in the home.

• To reward race Whippets with recognition commensurate with their ability as outlined in the award program. (See 7.5, Titles Awarded by the Whippet Racing Association.)

• Whippet must be registered by The American Kennel Club or The Canadian Kennel Club.
• Any disqualification covered in the AKC Whippet Standard of the Breed, or any AKC disqualification, applies to any Whippet racing in a WRA Meet.
• Prior to the first WRA Practice or official WRA Meet in which a Whippet will participate, a copy of the AKC or CKC registration and $2.00 registration fee should be sent to the Registrar/Recorder. However, the copy of the Whippet's registration may be sent with the race results by the Club Secretary. A litter registration number will be accepted on Whippet racers 8 to 14 months of age for entries in the puppy class only, but at the adult level, 14 months, an individual registration number is required.
• The person entering a Whippet for racing, must be the owner of the Whippet, or be the authorized agent for said Whippet, or be in possession of the AKC papers transferring the ownership to the name of the person entering the Whippet for racing.
• Whippets carrying Indefinite Listing Papers (ILP) are not eligible to run in the WRA Program.
• Spay/Neuter Whippets are eligible to run in all WRA events.
• Whippets with the following AKC or WRA disqualifications may be raced only when they have been spayed or neutered.

• Blue or China Colored Eyes.
• Undershot Jaw.
• Overshot Jaw (One-Quarter Inch of More.)
• Deafness

A veterinarian's certificate, signed and dated must be presented to the inspection committee each time the Whippet is inspected for a race meet. Any Whippet which is found to have raced at any WRA race meet under false neutering papers will automatically have all titles and points toward all titles revoked. Any WRCh or WRChX points will be assigned to the next Whippet in line for the points. The number of WRCh and WRChX points for the race meet will be unaffected by a Whippets revocation.

Any group or club interested in participating in the WRA sponsored Racing and the Whippet Race Champion (WRCh) programs must demonstrate to the National Race Director the ability to fulfill the requirements of the program as listed in The Official Rules and Regulations, by:

1. Conducting a qualifying WRA Race Meet.
2. Have sponsored National Point Racing under the rules set forth by the AWC prior to 4-10-96, and within two years of the request.
3. Have been granted a waiver of the requirement for a qualifying meet by the NRD using the below listed criteria.

1. The Group or Club requesting a qualifying WRA Meet must send the request to the NRD at least 60 days in advance of requested date, in writing, although initial contact may be by telephone. The Group or Club requesting an approved WRA Meet must hold at least one (1) successful Qualifying Meet.
2. The Group or Club must have a minimum of fifteen (15) adult Whippets starting in the first race program.
3. There should be four complete race programs. Three programs would be acceptable only in the event of severe weather or other racing conditions that would make further racing hazardous to the Whippets and/or their owners. The reduction to only three programs must be with the approval of the RRC or his/her representative at the qualifying meet, or the Race Secretary for said meet.
4. Results of the race meet must be sent to the NRD within two weeks, with a copy to the RRC..
5. The official qualifying race meet must be free of written, factual complaints to the National Race Director.
6. The group or club requesting permission for a WRA meet must show they are capable of operating a race meet under WRA Official Rules and Regulations.

Following compliance with all of the above requirements, the NRD will then notify the group or club of official approval to hold WRA Race meets and of their acceptance as a WRA Member Club. At this time the new Member Club will be asked to inform the NRD of the identity and location of its Member representative.

1. Has an experienced Race Secretary,
2. Either has other trained people to do the necessary work within the club, or a guarantee of help from trained people from other clubs who will also help train the host clubs workers at the meet.
3. The National Race Director, or another individual appointed by the NRD, must attend the race meet to observe. Based on the observer's report the NRD may grant or deny permission for further Race Meets or require a Practice Meet before another Race Meet may be held.

1. Any approved group or club must write or otherwise communicate with the RRC having jurisdiction, requesting race dates at least sixty (60) days in advance of the proposed Official Race Meet. The RRC will give preference to clubs that asks for dates on which they traditionally hold race meets. (The number of weekends into the year will decide what is the traditional date for a race meet, not which holiday or which weekend in a month. An AKC scheduling calendar is excellent for this purpose.) Otherwise the RRC is to disapprove a date only for reasons of date conflict. All other problems or questions on race dates must be handled directly by the NRD.
2. Announcements of an approved Whippet Race Meet should be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the event. Should a cancellation be necessary, ALL ENTRANTS must be notified by letter or telephone by the local Race Secretary. The Registrar/Recorder must be notified as soon as possible of a cancellation by the local Race Secretary.
3. No Member Club will hold more than four (4) Race meets per year within a radius of one hundred (100) miles of one another.
4. A Member Club may hold two (2) Race meets in one weekend.
5. Two (2) Clubs may have meets in conjunction with each other on the same weekend if the race meets are no more than fifty (50) miles from each other. Special permission for a greater separation may be given by the NRD in some cases if requested by both Member Clubs.
6. No two race meets may be held on the same weekend and within the same Region, or within 300 miles of each other if not in the same region. Except as specified in paragraphs 4 and 5 above.
7. No scheduling of a WRA meet will be allowed on the same day as any AWC Regional or National Specialty within the same region, unless in conjunction with that Specialty.

The approved group or club operating a WRA Meet must send to the NRD, the Registrar/Recorder, and the Regional Race Coordinator the complete results of the meet, within two weeks, following the race meet. Also, the Registrar/ Recorder must receive the results of the meet by phone, fax, or e-mail by the Monday immediately following the completion of the meet (as detailed in section 2.5.1 below). A sample WRA Race Report is shown on Figure 1. These results should include the following information:

Sending of the above information is compulsory, and it must be sent to the NRD, the RRC and the Registrar/Recorder in writing within two weeks following the meet. Failure to supply this information could result in points being withheld. This information is needed in order for all to maintain proper grading records. The NRD will send all race reports to all RRC at year-end.

1. Per Capita Payment and Grading Guide Information

The local Race Secretary is to send the per capita fee for all dogs who started the meet, and the $2.00 registration fee for any dog not previously listed in the Grading Guide to the Registrar/Recorder, along with the final report and any registration papers collected. This requirement covers both adult and puppy racers

The Registrar/Recorder will be phoned or faxed with the information necessary to complete the Grading guide no later than the Monday following a race meet. This is in addition to the requirement for sending a written record to the NRD, RRC and Registrar/Recorder. The Registrar/Recorder will inform the Race Secretaries which information is necessary to be phoned or faxed for the Grading Guide.

5. National Meet

Once a year WRA will celebrate a National WRA Meet. Member Club(s) are encouraged to volunteer to host this Meet and submit their request to the NRD by the same time rule proposals are due. When more than one host club location has been received, Club Members will be allowed to vote to determine the National Meet location. If no club requests to host the National Meet, then the NRD may solicit a host club.

1. Seniors and Legends Classes

In addition to the regular puppy and adult classes held at the National Meet, the host club is encouraged to have the special classes of Seniors and Legends. The Senior Class is for dogs at least 9 years of age, and the Legend Class is for dogs at least 11 years of age. These classes will run once, unless there are over 6 entries. If there are over 6 dogs entered in the class, then they will run twice, and the winner of the second race shall be declared the winner of the class. Entrants in these classes will not count toward the number of adult starters, for the purpose of awarding Championship and National Points.

The Lure coursing, Oval racing, exhibition racing of AKC registered Whippets, or other breeds must not interfere with the conduct of an official WRA Race Meet. Nor may such events be advertised or construed as part of the WRA race program.

A sample official WRA entry blank appears on in the Appendix. The official entry blank must be sent to the local Race Secretary, with all the information requested on the form, by the entrant. Grade and average information will be taken from the grading guide if one is available. If a Whippet is first time entered (FTE), it should be so noted in the average column. All titles that each Whippet has earned should be noted on the entry form, and check, cash, or money order should be included for entry fees.

Alternately, the Quick entry form, also found in the Appendix, may be used. This Quick Entry Form will contain The Club Name, Date of the Meet, Name of the Race Secretary, The dogs Call Name and Registered Name with all titles, the Owners Name, Class (Adult, Puppy Or Veteran), whether FTE (Yes or No) the required disclaimer of Liability, the Owners, or Agents, Signature and address.

The following statement must appear on all entry forms returned and must be signed by the actual owner, or the owner's agent, of Whippet or Whippets entered.

"I and my heirs, legal representatives and assigns shall hold harmless and defend ________________________________(Name of Club), its officers, directors, committeemen and agents, from any claim arising from participation in this event. I agree to abide by the Official Rules and Regulations of the Whippet Racing Association during the period of this race meeting.

___________________________________ _________

Actual Owner of Whippet or Owners Agent Date

The recommended closing dates entries for clubs and groups sponsoring WRA meets should be 7 to 10 days prior to the approved race meet.

It is most important that each group or club make every effort to have officials that are well trained. The officials can come from other clubs or can all belong to the club offering the race meet. The important point to remember is that no race meet is better than the efficiency and honesty of the officials in charge. It is important to plan in advance the duties to be assigned to each official or group of officials.

The Race Secretary is solely responsible for the conduct of the race meet. Should there be a change of the local Race Secretary on the day of the race meet, an announcement so stating the change must be made at the time of Inspection. The local Race Secretary will appoint qualified people to perform the necessary details of the race meet, and will act as coordinator of these individuals and/or committees and will assume responsibility only when true emergencies arise. If the Race Secretary deems it to be necessary, there may be an Assistant Race Secretary appointed. The local Race Secretary will write the Official Race Report as soon as possible after the race meet is concluded, and within two (2) weeks. This report will then be sent to the NRD, the Regional Race Secretary, and the Registrar/Recorder. The local Race Secretary is responsible for the enclosure of the sponsoring Club's check for the Per Capita Fee. (Number of Whippets that began the meet x the Per Capita Fee set by the WRA Board of Directors).

It is the responsibility of the local Race Secretary to select an Inspection Committee of three qualified people for each approved race meeting. The Race Secretary, or his/her appointee, will officially check-in those Whippets that qualify to participate in the meet. This person can also be the "Timer for the Measuring Procedure." The purpose of this committee is:

These are all done before the racing begins.

This committee of three should not include the RRC or the NRD. However, if the RRC or NRD is present, he/she may step in to help only after allowing the host club reasonable time to solve a situation.

If the Inspection Committee finds a Whippet which measures over or under the allowed size limit, or possesses a disqualification listed below, that particular Whippet will not be allowed to run at that race meet. All Whippets racing in WRA meets must be inspected at each meeting.

1. BLUE OR CHINA-COLOR EYES
2. UNDERSHOT JAW
3. OVERSHOT JAW (ONE QUARTER (1/4) INCH OR MORE)
4. A WHIPPET MORE THAN ONE-HALF (1/2) INCH ABOVE OR BELOW THE MEASUREMENTS SPECIFIED UNDER "SIZE"
5. COAT OTHER THAN SHORT, CLOSE, SMOOTH AND FIRM IN TEXTURE

The Inspection Committee is then ready to check bites, and in dogs, check for testicles and n bitches look for evidence of being in season (any sign of discharge or swelling.) In doubtful cases regarding bites, the bite can be measured by cutting a light, thin piece of wood, stiff paper, or a piece of cardboard not wider than one inch. Make a line one-quarter (1/4) of an inch from the end of the measure. If overshot, place end of the measure against front teeth of lower jaw. If the point of the front teeth of top jaw "touch or exceed" the quarter-inch mark, the Whippet is disqualified.

No Whippet may be scratched by its owner after the racers have been regrouped for the next racing program, unless the Whippet is injured or ill. Late scratches must be approved by the Inspection Committee. Owners scratching a sound, healthy Whippet after racers are regrouped, are subject to have all their Whippets disqualified from further competition at that event.

There should be three thoroughly qualified judges who understand what constitutes intentional fouling by a Whippet or Whippets in a race. Judges should stand in appropriate locations on opposite sides of the track, along the side of the track. The first judge should be approximately 50 yards from the front of the box. However, the first judge may be the box operator if qualified. The third judge should be standing in the general area of the finish line for either puppy or adult, and the second judge should be approximately halfway between the first and third judge. This should provide the best possible vantage points for certainty when an intentional fouling occurs.

Two or more, (a majority), of the three foul judges must agree that a Whippet or Whippets has committed an intentional foul. The foul judges will individually report the blanket number of the Whippet or Whippets creating the intentional foul to the Racing Secretary prior to discussion of the foul with any other person, including other foul judges. The Race Secretary discusses the foul with the foul judges before it is publicly announced that a Whippet has been disqualified for intentional interference. If a minority of the foul judges call a foul the owner of the Whippet will be told that a minority of the foul judges called a foul on their Whippet, that it is not disqualified, and that there may be a problem that the owner would wish to address to prevent a future disqualification. Only the Race Secretary or the Assistant Race Secretary should appoint replacement foul judges in the event they have a dog in a race. If the Race Secretary feels it is necessary, he may supply a list of qualified persons to his Head Foul Judge who can then replace needed judges from this list. Only persons whose names are on this list should be used in the foul judge positions.

The Race Secretary will appoint a head Finish Line Judge, who, in turn, will select the necessary finish line judges for each race. Judges must be thoroughly qualified to honestly place all dogs in each race. Whippet owners may act as judges, but must ask to be replaced when their dogs are competing.

There should be six (6) placement judges with a minimum of four (4) for High Point Races, Adult or Puppy, and four (4) placement judges, with a minimum of two (2), for all other races. Each judge will write placements by number on the finish line report form immediately after each race and give this information to the head line judge. Care must be taken to see that spectators are not blocking the placement judges' view of the races, and that there is "quiet" with the judges until all placement reports are submitted to the head placement judge. Owners and judges should learn to call races BY BLANKET NUMBERS ONLY, not by color of blanket. The color can be helpful to judges, but should not be relied upon in lieu of the actual number on the blanket. At no time should the numbers or colors of racing blankets be called out loud as this may confuse the other judges. Placement judges should decide quickly about placement in order not to confuse the owners of dogs racing. Should there be a disagreement on a placement the decision of a majority of the judges will make the placement decision official. Any questions or complaints regarding placement or order of finish should be directed to the local Racing Secretary only! Judges, under no circumstance, should discuss placement with owners or spectators. Once the final placements are determined, under no circumstances should these placements be reversed. This information is then given to the local Race Secretary for official scoring, and an announcement of the results will be made to owners and the public.

This individual should be thoroughly qualified to ascertain all racing Whippets are in the paddock area on time, properly blanketed and wearing a safe, secure, and properly adjusted muzzle. Any muzzle that allows a Whippet to grab the lure is a serious safety threat to other Whippets and handlers, and therefore will not be allowed. The paddock judge shall note each Whippet for any obvious indication of ill health before each race and is empowered to recall the inspection committee to determine if a Whippet, which has not been scratched, is lame, injured or ill before the Whippet is allowed to run in a race. The paddock judge should work closely with the local Race Secretary, or may be the local Race Secretary. Either the Paddock Judge or Race Secretary may be the official announcer of the race meet. All owners must enter the paddock area through the provided entrance, report to the paddock judge, and exit onto the race track in the area as directed, proceeding to the starting box as a group.

The lure operator will be trained to properly place the lure. The lure should be kept approximately 25 feet ahead of the lead Whippet for adults, and 15 feet for puppies, to provide the best possible racing. The lure is to be pulled at a steady pace, rather than a jerking motion, and continued at full speed for at least 20 yards beyond the finish line.

If possible, two persons should be assigned to work the starting box, but one will suffice if a second qualified person is not available. The box operator may serve as a foul judge also, if qualified. The lure should be placed ten to fifteen (10-15) feet down track, directly in front of, and at the center of the starting box. By watching the movement of the lure, and with practice, the boxes should be opened the very instant the lure moves. A delay in opening the box after the lure moves can cause Whippets to charge the door and be off balance when the door opens, causing an unfair advantage. Whippets should be placed (loaded) in the starting box in numerical order, one (1) through six (6) after all entrants reach the boxes. The box operator should check all Whippets and racing equipment as the dogs are placed in the starting box; it is the responsibility of the box operator to see that all Whippets are muzzled and jackets are on properly before the box is opened. The operator may assist owners in placing Whippets in boxes when necessary. After all Whippets are in the starting box, the operator will tease the Whippets with the lure, and ascertain at that time all racers are facing the front and have their blankets and muzzles ON! The operator will then place the lure in the center of the area, at the front of the box, in the marked circle. Box operators will not delay the start of a race due to untrained Whippets that persist in turning around in the boxes. If a muzzle is broken, or pulled off by a dog, or if the jacket comes loose, the box operator must hold up the race until all problems are corrected! If a delay of more than a few seconds is necessary, all Whippets will be removed from the box by their handlers.

It is not necessary to have a timer, but if one is available, it is most important to have a thoroughly qualified individual with a stopwatch, or better still, an electric timer. Ideally, two stopwatches would be averaged for more accurate results. Time is irrelevant unless distance is exact, track conditions are thoroughly understood and proper vision of the race is available for the trained person operating the stopwatch.

When possible, there should be extra people who are experienced and available to assist in the actual operation of the racing program.

EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE BY THE GROUP OR CLUB HOLDING A WRA MEET TO USE ONLY QUALIFIED OFFICIALS. Many people racing Whippets travel hundreds of miles to participate, and spend countless hours training their Whippets for a WRA Meet. Therefore, it would be most unfair to use unqualified or opinionated officials that could influence results on a negative basis. Officials must not be under the influence of alcohol, or any other mind-altering substance (such as but not limited to illegal drugs), during the period they are acting in any official capacity. Any owner racing a Whippet in a WRA Meet will report any such violation(s) directly to the local Race Secretary.

Any Whippet who fouls other racers based on unnecessary, intentional bumping, fighting, riding or interfering in a race will be disqualified from all placements in the race where the foul was committed. The Whippet or Whippets causing the intentional foul will not be allowed to race again during that particular WRA Meet. All racing points accumulated by a Whippet before an intentional foul will be allowed. For more information regarding "fouling situations," please see Let's Get Something Straight," in the appendix.

Any adult Whippet disqualified twice (2 times) for "Intentional Interference" in any one (1) year will not be allowed to race further in that given year.

Should an adult Whippet with two (2) disqualifications in one (1) year again race in the following year, or years, and be disqualified for "Intentional Interference," said Whippet will be permanently barred from all future WRA Meets.

Should an adult Whippet with two (2) disqualifications in one year again race in the following year or years and then run clean for six (6) race meets or twenty-four (24) complete heats, one of the two fouls will be removed.

Any adult Whippet racing with one foul or disqualification in any one year may continue to race as long as it incurs only one foul per year.

Any puppy racer (8 to 14 months) disqualified for "Intentional Interference" twice in a calendar year as a puppy racer, will not be allowed to race further within twelve (12) months of the second foul, either as a puppy or an adult.

Owner making frivolous claims of fouls not allowed by officials are subject to having their Whippets dismissed at that particular meeting and a full report covering frivolous claims sent to all Member Club Representatives for distribution to their club members.

Owners who walk toward their Whippets on the track area while a race is in progress and interfere with the other dogs in the race can have their Whippets dismissed, if so ruled by the racing officials in charge.

No owner or handler will be allowed to remain within six (6) feet of the starting box, after the Whippets have been loaded and the starter is preparing to release the Whippets for the start of the race. Such action can cause a dismissal of owner's Whippet in said race. Handlers must stay outside the designated track area. Handlers are not allowed to touch the lure or have any type of lure to tease his/her Whippets once the racer has been placed in the starting box. No owner or handler should be at the front of the starting box after the Whippets are loaded in their respective stalls. Any action by an owner or handler attempting to take unfair advantages of other Whippets in a given race can cause owner/handler to be excused from said meet and all accumulated race points at that meeting will be canceled.

All persons waiting to catch a Whippet at the finish of a race must stand outside the designated track area and beyond the finish line.

Owners or visitors should not be standing at trackside with their dogs on a lead. Such Whippets on leads can distract the Whippets running in a race. If owners are advised by judges or by the Race Secretary that their dogs are creating possible interference, Whippets owned by these people who do not respond to the request, will have their Whippets dismissed, and all points canceled for that meet.

Any loose dog entering the track area more than once during a race will be excused by the local Race Secretary from further competition during said meet. A fine of $5.00 will be assessed to any owner having a dog that gets loose from the time the Whippets leave the paddock until the lure stops and the race Whippets stop at or pass the lure after the finish line. This fee must be paid before the Whippet can run in the next program. This is necessary for the safety of Whippets, handlers, owners and visitors.

Race muzzles that are of poor construction and may not be used running WRA races. If the Paddock Judge or Race Secretary find muzzles of poor construction, a Whippet will not be allowed to race until a muzzle that is acceptable and in good condition is provided. Races are not to be delayed because of improper muzzles. Very hard plastic muzzles with sharp corners, heavy wire muzzles with metal in the nose strip that could injure another Whippet during or at the finish of a race should not be used. Muzzles that allow a Whippet to grab the lure at the end of a race are forbidden.

If a Whippet loses its muzzle in two races, the owner will be warned by the Race Secretary that said Whippet may be excused from the current meet and all racing points voided. If a muzzle comes off in the starting box or during the running of a third race the Race Secretary may excuse the Whippet. Again, for safety, every effort must be made to minimize injury during or at the finish of a race due to muzzles of poor quality.

Only the Race Secretary may decide to rerun a race. The Race Secretary will gather evidence from the box operator, foul judge or lure operator, as appropriate to the reason for a possible rerun, in deciding whether or not, to rerun a race.

• If a Whippet or Whippets catch or pass the lure, or any part of the lure, at any point from the starting box to the finish line, it will be declared "NO RACE," and the race will be rerun after a rest period of at least twenty (20) minutes.
• If the starting box fails to open properly, giving any starter an unfair advantage or disadvantage, the race will be rerun after a period of at least twenty (20) minutes. The decision must be made by the box operator and Race Secretary only.
• If a Whippet or Whippets not running in a race should escape from their owners and interfere with the actual racers, affecting the finish, the race is to be rerun. If the escaped Whippet or Whippets in no way interfered with the racers, then the race should be declared official. (Do not rerun an official race unless there is absolute certainty that the outcome of the race was altered by outside interference.)
• A race may be rerun on extremely rare occasions when there is undue intentional roughness based on extreme interference involving many Whippets in a race.

• A race will not be rerun or a Whippet placed in a substitute race if a Whippet is left out of a program through human error on the part of racing officials. It is the Whippet owner's responsibility to check the official score board to make certain his/her Whippets have been placed for the following program.

• Any puppy or adult Whippet who "INTENTIONALLY INTERFERES" in qualifying schooling races may be temporarily excused from a race meet if the Race Secretary at said meeting feels such a Whippet would create interference during the said official race meet.
• Any adult or puppy who fails to finish a race, or finish in a true racing style will receive no racing score. The Racing Secretary MAY ALLOW further racing of this Whippet, but should it not finish another race, then it will be excused from the remainder of the WRA meet and no refund will be made.
• It is the responsibility of the Whippet owner to see that his/her racer is listed on the paddock identification board before each race program. (See "Rerunning of A Race,")
• It is the responsibility of the owner to go postward promptly with his/her racer when a scheduled race is called to the post. Any Whippet left out of a race due to neglect or oversight on the part of the owner will not be allowed to race further at that particular race meet.
• It is the responsibility of the owner to arrange to have a "catcher" before the start of each race.
• No Whippet should have his muzzle removed at the finish of a race until it has been taken from the track area.

• No Whippet participating in a race may be carried to the starting box. All Whippets must walk to the starting box.

Any person racing a Whippet at a race meet held under the Official Rules and Regulations for The Whippet Racing Association has the right to lodge a claim of protest in writing with the NRD. Such a person must first contact the local Race Secretary with the complaint. If the matter is not settled to satisfaction, said person may then contact the Regional Racing Coordinator having jurisdiction at the race meet for his ruling. The protest to the RRC must be filed within 10 week days of the race meet. If the dispute cannot be handled regionally, then a complaint should be forwarded to the NRD. A check for $20.00, made payable to "The Whippet Racing Association," must accompany the complaint. The $20.00 will be returned to the person making the claim if it is considered justifiable by the NRD and the Protest Committee after a thorough and impartial investigation has been made of the complaint. The same policy covers misconduct charges. Protest of the conduct of a WRA meet must be settled before any WRA Title points can be awarded. The Protest Committee may sanction the Member club through any means it chooses, up to but not including suspension, such as fines or requiring the running of Practice meets. The Protest Committee is not required to disallow a race meet if, in its opinion the Rules violation did not compromise the integrity of the placements in the race meet. If suspension is appropriate then the Committee will advise the NRD to invoke the procedure for Suspension and Expulsion as stated in the Bylaws.

If the protest involves the NRD, or a dog or dogs owned or handled by the NRD, the protest will be handled by the Secretary/Treasurer if the protest goes beyond the Local Race Secretary and RRC.

To match properly trained racing Whippets against each other by a point system based on actual racing performance. Weight, height, or sex have no bearing on the grading of Whippets in WRA.

All adult Whippets must have a point average and starting grade in the first Program of any official WRA Race Meet. Whippets that have run before will come into subsequent races with a point average that will dictate the letter grade. Whippets that are entered for the first time in the Adult Division, are designated as "FTE," (first time entered), and are classed as grade D Whippets in that first race meet, any Whippet having a racing grade from the Continental Whippet Alliance or the North American Whippet Racing Association will retain that grade when FTE in a WRA race meet. From that point on, the Whippet will earn his/her average, and therefore, grade qualification.

To obtain an adult Whippet's point average, the race points from the last three (3) meets are considered. The average is the average of scores from completed meets, in the last three meets. If a whippet has no completed meets in the last three entered, then its average will be the average of the incomplete meets (where the dog scratched, disqualified or was Off Course).

The letter grading of race entrants is a more simplified grouping which will be used in first adult race program setup, and may be used for trophy presentations or for other general recognition of current achievement level. The letter grade is based upon the numerical point average as follows:

29.0 - 15.0 = Grade A 9.9 - 4.0 = Grade C

14.9 - 10.0 = Grade B 3.9 - 0.0 = Grade D and FTE

By being precise, the job of Race Secretary is more objective; the Whippets earn their average, and, again, it is the responsibility of the owners to keep accurate records from the races they have attended, so that proper entries are made for the next performance.

Whippets which have no change in their racing average may have their grade reduced by one grade if it meets the following criterion:

1. One year has passed since a race meet was completed.
2. A Whippet's grade may be reduced by one grade for each year in which it has not finished a complete race meet.
3. If a Whippet has not competed in WRA race meets for a more than two years then the racing grade from another organization will be used for grading the Whippet.
4. The Race Secretary may use his/her judgment in grading Whippets that are veteran racers that have not been in the WRA system for more than two (2) years even if graded in another race system. This down grading must reflect the Whippet's current level of ability.

The first complete program is arranged to run Whippets of comparable speed together, based upon their past performances. In the second, third, and fourth programs, racers are placed in races according to points scored in the previous program, or programs.

The first step in selecting post positions in the first complete race program is to determine the total number of entrants in that program, (adult, or puppy). Then group the Whippets in the first adult program according to grade. If there is more than one race in any grade, then the Whippets of that grade will be divided into the correct number of races grouped by their point averages. For puppies, use random draw. Whenever possible, when two (2) or more Whippets have the same numerical point average, they will be arranged in ascending order within the group by the score of each Whippet on its last complete race meet. When this information is not readily available, the Race Secretary may use personal knowledge or a random draw to determine placement. All First Time Entered (FTE) Whippets should be dispersed through the Grade D adult entrants having 0 - 3.99 average points, unless they have a grade from the CWA or NAWRA then that grade will be used.

The actual selection of post positions in the first complete race program is then accomplished by randomly drawing the names of the individual Whippet racers for each race. The first name drawn for each race will get box #1, the second name will get box #2 and so on down through all race in the first complete program. If an owner has two or three entries that carry close averages, they will probably be running in the same race, but that's just the way it is. In the D races, First Time Entered (FTE) Whippets of same ownership should be separated, if possible.

After the first complete program Whippets are regrouped by race points earned in the preceding programs. This procedure of grouping by similar points continues until the end of the meet. Each Whippet's points are taken from the board or race sheets in sequence from the highest points earned, down to the lowest. Whippets having the same number of points are removed in sequence from the highest race [for the purposes of this paragraph, the "highest" race is the last one run in each grade and the lowest is the first race run in each grade.] to the lowest and within any given race by the order of finish. If a dog finishes in last place in the high point race and has the same number of points as the dog that wins the semi-feature race, then the winner of the semi-feature will move up to the high point race and the last place finisher will move down to the semi-feature. The racers are then grouped into their race according to the set up chart. Box positions are randomly drawn within each race.

The high point adult race should always have six (6) starters, except for the first heat where all dogs are grouped by grade only. When necessary, the semi-feature on down may have less than six (6) starters. These gaps should begin in the second race, and go consecutively upward, and should not be intermittent throughout the race program. (Please refer to Figure 2 "Quick Chart,").

4. Adult Point Scoring

First Complete Program

Second Complete Race Program

Third and Fourth Complete Race Programs:

Young Whippets who have reached the age of eight (8) months, but have not reached the age of fourteen (14) months the first day of a WRA meet are eligible to run in a special series of puppy races. Should a Whippet under fourteen (14) months of age compete in an adult race, it is no longer eligible to run in any puppy race at any meet thereafter. (Abuse of this ruling on age will disqualify, and all trophies, money, ribbons, etc., must be returned by the owner.) A young puppy under fourteen (14) months of age cannot be entered on the same program as both a puppy and adult racer.

There are no grades used in puppy races. The name of each puppy is written on a slip of paper. The Racing Secretary when possible, draws not more than four names to make up each race for the first program. Puppies should not be grouped by age, and when possible, an owner should not have more than one puppy in each race of the first program. After the first program, puppies are then rotated by points like the adult racing Whippets. No high point puppy racer should be in the #1 box more than twice. There should be only four puppy starters per race, per Figure 3, "Puppy Quick Chart". Owners should not enter Whippet puppies that are not fully trained for racing. Should a puppy not finish a race, and not intentionally interfere, the Race Secretary may allow further racing of the non finishing puppy at that race meet.

The scoring by points differs between adult and puppy racers. The scoring listed below rotates the puppies on true speed and ability, not age. Often a well-trained, fast younger Whippet can easily outrun older Whippets who might be poorly trained or lack speed.

First Puppy Race Program, All Races:

All Other Puppy Race Programs:

All puppy races are to be run over a distance of 150 yards, and have four programs per race meet, as do the adult Whippets.

Each approved group or club offering a Whippet Racing Association Race Meet selects its own trophies, ribbons, etc., and sets a precedent that these awards should be used to the very best advantage. While the emphasis is on rewarding the race Whippets who accumulate the most points, such as the "Top Ten," awards for Whippets in certain special categories may also be considered by each host club, such as High Point AKC Champion, High Point Obedience, High Point Puppy, High Point B, C, D and First Time Entered. The purpose of the WRA is to honor the fastest and most consistent Whippet, but these special categories offer an opportunity to support and encourage other Whippet owners. If awards are so noted, (advertised), in the host club race program, those awards must be given, if applicable.

In some cases there will be a tie in total race points earned by several dogs, and only one trophy is available for the award. It is up to the host club to decide the policy for this situation, but usually the award goes to the Whippet that comes off the board first. Tie scores can be run-off, or a flip of the coin could decide. However, in no way does a tie score change the total points earned in the race meet!

All WRA meets should be run over a straight, flat, level surface of 200 yards for adult races. All puppy races are 150 yards. An extra 30 to 50 yards should be allowed from the finish line to where the lure stops, the over-run. The width of the track should be not less than 20 feet in width, and preferably 20 feet wide at the box area, increasing to 30 feet at the finish line and after. The track can be of any texture, such as turf, dirt, synthetic footing, etc., providing it does not injure the pads and feet, or hinder the natural stride of a Whippet during the running of a race. A wide, smooth track allows freedom of stride, resulting in less bumping and body contact by the racers taking part. The track, when at all possible, should have both inside and outside rails to keep spectators and Whippet owners off the track at all times during the running of a race.

In case of rain or other unavoidable reasons, the location must be quickly changed, the following policy is in effect:

In case of rain, or for other unavoidable reasons at a scheduled race meet, the location of the track must be changed, two-thirds (2/3) of the original Whippets entered (allowing for a minimum of 15 adult starters) are still available, and their owners are willing to race under the existing condition, it can be considered an official race meet. If less than 15 adult Whippets originally entered are available for racing, the event will be considered unofficial, even though those Whippets present might actually run in a series of races.

It should be the responsibility of the group or club offering a race meet to check the racing surface thoroughly several days before a scheduled meeting, as well as the day of the race meet. Every effort must be made to offer only the best possible racing surface.

An area should be set aside by bunting or rope adjacent to the track so racing Whippets can be called to this area by the announcer. The paddock area will do much to speed the race meet: Blanket check, muzzle check, and organize the racers in a group to "parade" to the starting boxes. The Whippets should be loaded into the starting box in numerical order, 1 to 6.

A board showing race number, each Whippet racer's official name, post position and racing points will be located in the paddock area. The board should be large enough so Whippet owners can easily identify their Whippets and postpositions in each race for each program. To eliminate confusion, it is mandatory to list the Whippets racing by the Official Registered Name, though call names titles, divisions may also be listed.

Some type of loudspeaker equipment should be available to properly inform Whippet owners and spectators of all activities in connection with a WRA meet.

Only the following colors are used:

#1 is Red Blanket, White Number #4 is Green Blanket, White Number

#2 is Blue Blanket, White Number #5 is Black Blanket, White Number

#3 is White Blanket, Black Number #6 is Yellow Blanket, Black Number

Blankets must have bright, pure colors. The Race Secretary may excuse any Whippet with improper color or number. Numbers should be large, 4 1/2 inches to 5 inches tall, and be placed in proper order - not backward!

Race blankets should be designed to give the racing Whippet complete freedom of stride. Do not make these blankets too tight or so big or loose as to create extra wind resistance. Methods for fastening the blanket around the Whippet can be of Velcro, cotton ties, etc., and should be strong enough to prevent the blanket from coming loose from the Whippet during the running of a race. That could cause a serious injury to the racer. The race blanket should fit along the Whippet's topline from shoulder blade to slightly beyond the last rib.

All Whippets must wear racing muzzles of good quality and in good condition during the regular race event and schooling races. Muzzles should be of the box type and should give a Whippet full freedom to open its mouth before, during and after a race. Any owner new to racing should first inquire of the experienced race Whippet owners before having a special muzzle made. There are several types available constructed of leather, plastic and Teflon. Muzzles made of heavy wire that could bruise or cut other Whippets at the finish of a race are forbidden. Also, muzzles that allow a Whippet to grab the lure at the end of a race are forbidden. Light wire muzzles covered with a heavy rubber or plastic coating of the English type are permissible, but not recommended. Uncoated wire muzzles are not allowed. Anyone using an uncoated wire muzzle will have his or her Whippets excused from the race meet. Race muzzles will be inspected by the Inspection Committee before racing begins, at "Check-in and Measuring."

Whippets will wear muzzles while parading to the starting box. The Race Secretary may alter this ruling in cases of extreme heat or under any emergency situation where it might be considered abusive to the racing Whippet. "NO BARK" type muzzles are forbidden.

The lure machine and the actual lure used to attract the racing Whippet are the most important factors in offering top quality Whippet racing.

The lure machine may be the hand-wind type or battery driven. The important thing is to have a machine that can pull the lure at a consistent, steady pace approximately 25 feet ahead of the Whippets. An operator and lure machine that jerks the lure away from the Whippets and then slows it down or keeps the lure so far ahead that the Whippets become unsighted makes a mockery of true Whippet racing. Even the very best racers will turn in a poor performance when there is poor pacing of the lure. Two or more lure machines should be available at any WRA meet in case of mechanical breakdown.

The lure will be of the squawker style, "Jack-A-Lure," type sold by the National Greyhound Association, P. O. Box 543, Abilene, Kansas, 67410; telephone (913) 263-4660. It's made of real or synthetic fur and contains a squawker. Replacement reeds and squawkers are available from Pete Rickard Inc. RD#1 Box 292 Cobleskill, NY. 12043 phone 518-234-2731. This squawker type lure has been proven to create extra keenness and diminish dishonest tendencies. The lure should be large enough and should bounce in a straight line during the race so it can be sighted at all times by the Whippets. Rags, towels or cloth can be used as part of the lure, but it must include some fur. The small amount of fur that is attached helps to bring the Whippets to the lure at the finish of a race.

At times many tracks are dusty or muddy, making it virtually impossible for the Whippets to see the lure. Here it might be well to add a piece of white plastic, white rags, or something else light in color and weight, so that the lure will be more visible to the lure operator as well as the running Whippets. Therefore, the lure should not be allowed to take on the same coloring as the track; such blending of colors make it impossible for the Whippets to see the lure.

Too much emphasis cannot be placed on having a lure that can be seen by the Whippets from the time they are placed in the starting box until they hit and attempt to kill the lure at the finish of a race. Do not be afraid to replace a lure several times during a race meet if the lure becomes so dirty it cannot be seen by the racers. It is advisable to have several spare lures for each race meet. It would be well for all people participating in an WRA meet to be constantly reminded that unsighted Whippets at any point from the starting box to the finish line, have little chance of winning, and most often this is the reason for strictly honest racers causing unnecessary bumping crowding, fighting, etc. Also, it should be remembered that the lure must always be brought to a halt well beyond the finish line. This encourages the Whippets to finish strongly, and it also makes it much easier to pick the Whippets up at the end of a race because they are trying to pin down or "kill" the lure after it has stopped.

An important reminder, the lure, at the start of each race, should be centered ten to fifteen (10- 15) feet in front of the starting box in the circle specially outlined, (usually with white spray paint,) in clear view for all the Whippets to see.

The great majority of races are won by Whippets who leave the starting box promptly, and then give their best efforts during the running of the race. More races are won or lost leaving the starting box than at any other point during the race.

It is absolutely necessary to have all starting boxes of virtually the same type (standardization). Various sizes, types of door, strange noisy devices only hinder and confuse racers who are not familiar with all the different box configurations. For WRA meets it would be well to consider a starting box of lightweight materials. The box can have a base of 3/4" plywood, a top of 1/2" plywood. The door should be of metal tubing with the lower 10" made of 1/2" rod set vertically on 1" centers. The upper 2/3 should be of fiberglass, painted so the Whippet cannot see through, forcing the racer to take a good position for starting. The floor of the starting box should be covered with matting of some type to avoid slipping. Rear doors should not fit flush with the bottom; allow one (1) to two (2) inches of space so the Whippets' tails will not be smashed when the rear door is slipped down. The rear doors must also be painted the same colors as the racing blankets-Red, Blue, White, Green, Black and Yellow - #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6.

Boxes should be of such construction to make dismantling a simple process in the event the box must be transported.

Before building a box, it would be advisable to write the NRD for plans on starting boxes; several plans are on file that have proven to be satisfactory for our NPR program. In the interest of standardization of box plans, local groups or clubs wishing to use boxes which differ greatly from those recommended under Official Rules and Regulations, should request special permission from the NRD regarding box building plans. Written approval by the NRD for box plans prior to construction for WRA is mandatory. Please see Starting Box Plan in the Appendix.

The Whippet Racing Association Awards Program has been originated to honor racing Whippets at a level of excellence commensurate with their ability.

At the end of each racing season the NRD will name the Whippet that is Dog of the Year and the Best of Opposite Sex. The Whippet earning the highest number of National Points will be named the Dog of the Year. The Whippet of the opposite sex, of the Dog of the year, with the next highest number of National Points will be Named Best of Opposite Sex.

All Whippets that earn a title will be awarded a certificate signed by the National Race Director and the Secretary/Treasurer to identify the accomplishments of the racing Whippet.

The certificate for the Whippet Race Champion and Whippet Race Champion Excellent shall be framed. One framed certificate shall be given for each dog. If there is a co-owner, a second certificate may be requested at the time the owner is notified that a certificate will be awarded. There will be no charge for the second certificate and the second certificate will not be framed.

The points used for awarding the Companion Racer and Companion Racer Excellent titles are the race points given for placement in each race during a race meet. These points are accumulated from the different race meets entered by the Whippet until the required number are reached for the awarding of the title by the Whippet Racing Association.

When the title Companion Racer Excellent is awarded, the title Companion Racer will no longer be used.

When the title Whippet Race Champion is awarded, the title Companion Racer Excellent will no longer be used.

When the title Whippet Race Champion Excellent is awarded, the title Whippet Race Champion will no longer be used.

Whippet Race Champion Award Points are earned by the Whippets earning the highest number of racing points in a race meet. The points are awarded according to the schedule of points presented below.

• No Whippet which has already earned a Whippet Race Champion, or an Award of Racing Merit, shall earn WRCh Award Points.
• If the Whippet(s) with the highest number of race points have their WRCh, or ARM, title the Whippet(s) with the next highest number of racing points, that have not earned their WRCh, or ARM, will receive the Award Points.
• All Whippets with the title of WRCh, or ARM, count as entries when awarding WRCh Award Points.

WRCh Award Points Schedule:

70 Adult Whippets or More (Based on starters not entries)

8 WRCh points - High Point Winner

6 WRCh points - Second Point Winner

4 WRCh points - Third High Point Winner

2 WRCh points - Fourth High Point winner

60 to 69 Adult Starters

7 WRCh points - High Point Winner

5 WRCh points - Second High Point Winner

3 WRCh points - Third High Point Winner

1 WRCh points - Fourth High Point Winner

50 to 59 Adult Starters

6 WRCh points - High Point Winner

4 WRCh points - Second High Point Winner

2 WRCh points - Third High Point Winner

40 to 49 Adult Starters

5 WRCh points - High Point Winner

3 WRCh points - Second High Point Winner

1 WRCh points - Third High Point Winner

30 to 39 Adult Starters

4 WRCh points - High Point Winner

2 WRCh points - Second High Point Winner

20 to 29 Adult Starters

3 WRCh points - High Point Winner

1 WRCh points - Second High Point Winner

15 to 19 Adult Starters

2 WRCh points - High Point Winner

National Points are earned by the Whippets earning the highest number of racing points in a race meet. The points are awarded according to the schedule of points presented below. All Whippets with the title of WRChX, WRCh, or ARM, count as entries when awarding WRChX Award Points.

WRChX (National) Award Points Schedule:

70 Adult Whippets or More (Based on starters not entries)

8 WRChX points - High Point Winner

6 WRChX points - Second Point Winner

4 WRChX points - Third High Point Winner

2 WRChX points - Fourth High Point winner

60 to 69 Adult Starters

7 WRChX points - High Point Winner

5 WRChX points - Second High Point Winner

3 WRChX points - Third High Point Winner

1 WRChX points - Fourth High Point Winner

50 to 59 Adult Starters

6 WRChX points - High Point Winner

4 WRChX points - Second High Point Winner

2 WRChX points - Third High Point Winner

40 to 49 Adult Starters

5 WRChX points - High Point Winner

3 WRChX points - Second High Point Winner

1 WRChX points - Third High Point Winner

30 to 39 Adult Starters

4 WRChX points - High Point Winner

2 WRChX points - Second High Point Winner

20 to 29 Adult Starters

3 WRChX points - High Point Winner

1 WRChX points - Second High Point Winner

15 to 19 Adult Starters

2 WRChX points - High Point Winner

Any Whippet that accumulates fifteen (15) race points (Race Points are issued for placement in the races during a race meet) earns the title of Companion Racer (CR). Only points earned during meets in which the dog has run the complete race meet can be utilized in the total for this award.

Any Whippet that has accumulated race points under the American Whippet Club's National Point Race program prior to 4-20-96 may receive credit for these points for use toward this award if it meets the following criterion:

1. Only Whippets still running complete meets in the WRA are eligible to receive a CR.
2. Whippets previously issued an ARM are not eligible.
3. The owner must submit the following items to the record keeper for verification:

1. A list of meets in which race points were earned,
2. The dates of the meets,
3. The number of points earned at each meet.

Any Whippet not holding an ARM, WRCh, WRChX title that has earned a CR title, and then accumulates sixty (60) race points will earn the title of Companion Racer Excellent (CRX).

Only points earned during meets in which the dog has run the complete race meet can be utilized in the total for this award.

Any holder of the CRX title who accumulates a further sixty race points will earn another title and be known as a CRX II. Further CRX titles will be awarded with the Roman Numeral being increased to reflect the number of titles earned, and another Title Certificate awarded.

Any Whippet that has accumulated race points under the American Whippet Club's National Point Race program prior to 4-20-96 may receive credit for these points for use toward this award if it meets the following criterion:

1. Only Whippets still running complete meets in the WRA are eligible to receive a CRX.
2. Whippets previously issued an ARM are not eligible.
3. The owner must submit the following items to the record keeper for verification:

a) A list of meets in which race points were earned,

b) The dates of the meets,

c) The number of points earned at each meet.

Any Whippet that accumulates fifteen (15) Whippet Race Champion Award Points will be awarded the title Whippet Race Champion (WRCh).

Any Whippet that accumulated points toward an Award of Racing Merit under the American Whippet Club's National Point Racing Program prior to 4-20-96 will have those points utilized in the awarding of the WRCh title, provided that the Whippet has not already been awarded an Award of Racing Merit by the American Whippet Club.

Any male Whippet that accumulates Fifty (50) National Points, and any female Whippet that accumulates Thirty (30) National Points, earns the title of Whippet Race Champion Excellent (WRChX)

Further WRChX titles may be earned with the accumulation of another Fifty (50) National Points for males, Thirty (30) National Points for bitches. A Roman numeral will be added to the WRChX title indicating the number of WRChX titles earned after the first, I.e.. WRChX III, and another Title Certificate awarded.

Any Whippet that has accumulated National Points under the American Whippet Club's National Point Race prior to 4-20-96 program may receive credit for these points for use toward this award if it meets the following criterion:

1. Only Whippets still running complete meets in the WRA are eligible to receive a WRChX.
2. The owner must submit the following items to the record keeper for verification:

a) A list of meets in which National Points were earned,

b) The dates of the meets,

1. The number of points earned at each meet.

WRCh Points National Points

Puppy Quick Set-Up Chart

1. Read and be familiar with the WRA Official Race Rules.
2. Race Secretary shall have a current copy of WRA Official Race Rules on hand at the race site the day of the race.
3. Secure Race Site location well in advance of the race date. It is always a good idea to obtain written permission for permission to use public property. Bring the written permission to the race meet.
4. At least 60 days in advance contact the National Race Secretary and the Regional Coordinator to request the dates of the race meet(s).
5. Plan your awards and trophies.
6. Be sure local club has proper race equipment.

1. Starting Boxes
2. Lure Machine
3. Lures
4. Scoreboard
5. Loud Speaker (not mandatory but helpful)
6. Wickets
7. Measuring Board
8. Stopwatch (not mandatory but nice)
9. Tape Measure

1. Be sure to plan for failure of equipment. Back up lures, lure machine, batteries, and line are redundant accessories to try and keep on hand.
2. Is the track ready?

1. Grass cut?
2. Parking obvious?
3. Paddock area secured?
4. Track measured accurately and finish lines chalked for both adult and puppy?
5. Finish line area roped off for privacy?
6. Track taped off?

1. Have qualified people been assigned in responsible positions?

1. Inspection Committee
2. Finish Line Judges
3. Foul Judges
4. Paddock Judge
5. Starter (Box Operator)
6. Lure Operator

1. Do you have the minimum of 15 dogs entered and present for an official Race Meet?
2. Are the entries graded?
3. Are the Scoreboard name plates ready?
4. Are the Programs printed?
5. Do you have sufficient foul and finish line forms printed?
6. Do you have sufficient pencils on hand for the judges to use?
7. Are you ready? It’s Race Day!
8. After the race meet, be sure and send in the Official Results Report along with fees to the Registrar/Recorder.

GOOD LUCK and HAPPY RACING !

It is necessary for the high speed racing Whippet or Greyhound to wear a muzzle during the running of a race. The reason is simple. During the running of a race or at the end of a race, these hot blooded racers become so very excited during the chase that they would often tear each other to pieces, were it not for the protective "comfortable racing muzzle".

The race dog breathes both through his nose and mouth during the running of a race. He must inhale and exhale great amounts of air during this stress period, thus a muzzle that is too narrow or too short limits the intake and exhaling of air, which greatly limits the over-all performance of the race dog. Many race animals have turned in poor performances on the track, largely because their racing muzzle did not permit proper breathing during the running of a race.

Much study has been made over the years, both between English and American groups, on the most comfortable muzzle to use on racing Whippets and Greyhounds. The English use very light threads of wire welded to a form that allows the Greyhound to open his mouth either when panting or during the running of a race. The Americans use a plastic or leather muzzle, which offers similar freedom in opening the mouth during the running of a race. There are numerous openings in the wire, leather and plastic muzzles to allow intake of air and exhale of hot air.

Individual Whippets vary greatly in length of jaw, as well as the size of head. The racing muzzles should fit closely around the dog’s cheeks and should be held in a firm position by the strap that goes around the back of the ears. The muzzle should not be allowed to flop over the eyes of the racer during the running of a race. A racing muzzle should have ample room for the whippet to open his mouth at all times. Do not have a muzzle down so very tight that the end of the muzzle is pushed against the Whippet’s nose. Allow approximately one finger spread of room between the Whippets nose and the end of the muzzle.

All Whippets should be thoroughly muzzle broken before they are allowed to school or race. When possible, start muzzle training young pups at about six months. Fix muzzle firmly on the trainee. Walk on a leash each day for about ten minutes at a time with the muzzle fastened on firmly. Allow the trainee pup to fight at the muzzle, but DO NOT LET THE WHIPPET GET THE MUZZLE OFF DURING THIS TRAINING PERIOD! Older dogs are often determined but use the same program. Often dogs, who have been improperly trained to the muzzle, will fight it their entire racing life. Such Whippets often fail to show their best form because of wasted effort in fighting the muzzle going down to the starting box and after they are placed in the starting box.

It must be remembered that the difference between defeat and victory can be a racing muzzle that does not give the racing Whippet complete freedom in breathing and unrestricted vision during the actual running of the race.

by

Success at the track depends in large measure on the amount of work and effort expended by the owner of a racing Whippet. Indeed, given a worthy animal success is almost directly proportional to the amount of time spent by an owner in training and conditioning. All too often losing owners cluster after a major race meet to commensurate over their individual animals physical and spiritual deficiencies. More properly their dogs are the ones who have a right to complain if they have been presented at the track poorly trained, out of condition and lacking in racing experience.

Much of what I say here will be trite to those of you who have already been racing Whippets successfully for years. I hope, however, that those who are just beginning will derive some benefit from my short experience.

Training should begin when the Whippet puppy is about 4 months old. Most, if not all, puppies are fascinated by the movement of a small white rabbit skin lure. Teasing them with the lure is the beginning of the whole training process, designed to give the dog a certain keenness for the lure that will ultimately surpass his interest in other dogs with which he will be racing. Whether we realize it or not, early lure training and teasing are the best ways to ensure that your dog will not be a dreaded "bumper". Equally important, in my view, is the idea that your puppy should never be allowed to chase after the lure with other puppies, and most certainly not with adult dogs.

When the puppy has reached 6 months, you are ready to take him to the track to pursue the lure. Care should be taken to ensure that the lure is properly paced so that it is no more than 10 yards in front of your pursuing puppy. Initially your puppy should be slipped by hand and the chase should not last longer than 50 yards. When the chase is over the puppy should always be allowed to attack the lure and savor it for an uninterrupted few moments. Owners should be careful that they are not standing in the vicinity of where the lure is to be stopped. If this practice is followed, you may find that your puppy will start conscientiously running to you and will ignore the lure completely once you have come into his sight.

When your puppy has reached 8 months, it is time to start training him with a muzzle. Make sure that you find one that is a reasonable fit. All puppies resent the confinement that the muzzle brings and you won’t help the problem if you have an ill fitting muzzle that pains the dog or interferes with his vision.

Thereafter, you are ready to start slipping the puppy with other dogs. Tray to find a veteran adult racer who has consistently raced cleanly and whose speed is by now a memory. An ideal candidate would be a dog that your puppy can just defeat. In this way, the puppy is not likely to lose sight of the lure. Gradually, you should increase the level of competition with other faster adult dogs. If your puppy has gained enough experience, the presence of even a faster dog will not tempt your young racer to interfere with his competition. If you are unlucky and your puppy insists on trying to destroy his opposition before he turns his attention to the lure, go back to running him alone without the muzzle so that he can again savor the lure.

If your puppy is running cleanly you can start box training him. Begin by leaving the front of the box open with the lure resting just in front of the open box. While you have to be firm in helping your puppy to overcome a basic fear of the unknown boxes, don’t be so firm that you wind up injuring him. Many promising puppies have suffered an early injury in the boxes and for the balance of their career they have lost valuable yards at the beginning of the race because they are left cowering inside the boxes. Care should be taken to always give your puppy an especially good look at the lure when you have reached the stage where you are closing the front of the boxes.

Initially, your puppy should race against only one other dog out of the closed boxes. The 2 dogs should be spaced at least 3 stalls from each other so that there isn’t a frightening speed jam toward the lure just as the boxes open.

Only after your puppy has proven that he can race against adult dogs out of the closed boxes should you chance allowing him to race against other puppies of his own experience. If other owners have not been so careful in their training, you can only hope that in the event of interference your Racing Secretary will insist that the offending puppy be withdrawn from competition until his bad habits have been overcome.

Assuming that you have reached the stage where you can proudly say that you have an accomplished racer, you must now turn your attention to keeping him in condition. Some dogs, at least in the first two years of their life, luckily seem to require very little conditioning to remain in hard condition. The great majority, however, do require some real effort by their owners to be turned out in good condition. In my experience, it is sufficient to race your dog twice a week with 4 heats of 200 yards each. In between racing sessions you have real work to do. I try to walk my dogs at least 6 miles a day for the 3 or 4 months of the racing season. Walking at a steady fast pace seems to be the single best method of developing your dog’s physique. I usually split the day’s exercise into a morning and early evening session of 3 miles each. You should be able to complete a 3-mile walk in less than 1 hour and the only real sacrifice this program demands is that you get up an hour earlier each morning. I have found my wife to be very cooperative in yanking me out of bed to walk "her" dogs. Such is the life of an exercise boy.

There are of course many other aspects of successful training. This publication has in the past printed considered articles on nutrition and general care. My short purpose in writing this piece has been to indicate that for the most part success in Whippet racing is not accidental. Usually, the owners accepting trophies at the end of a quality race meet deserve their reward -- they and their dogs have worked for it.

** ( Editor’s Note: At the time of this article’s composition, Mr. Turpin was President of The British Columbia Whippet Racing Club, the WRA did not yet exist, the American Whippet Club ran the Whippet racing program in the U.S., and Mr. Louis Pegram whom was instrumental in the formation and success of the AWC’s racing program was the acting club Secretary.)**

Mr. Turpin begins:

I am not trying to establish myself as an expert on this subject, but for the past seven years my first love, insofar as Whippets are concerned, has been and is the racing. Because of this interest I have had a good deal of exposure and I, hopefully, have learned something about the controversial noted subject.

I would refer you to the article "Let’s Get Something Straight" which was published in Whippet News in October, 1970, written by Bill Turpin, Jr. Bill Jr. has had eight years experience in racing and for the past six years has been in charge of racing in this particular area. My personal observation is that this is an excellent article, and would recommend that anyone interested in racing digest it thoroughly. This article was published with the approval of the AWC Secretary, Louis Pegram.

Along with this article mentioned above, I would like to add a few personal observations that might make for food for thought.

1. In the initial stages of training your dogs, it is most imperative that you do all in your power to train the dog to run after the lure and not run just for the sake of running. Having observed owners who in their enthusiasm to have their dog run well, will go to the finish line and in some cases actually call the dog to them. To me you are then training your dog to run to you and not the lure. If this happens your dog could cause trouble by inadvertently going to you and not the lure. Further, if by chance the owner is not there, the dog will look for him and in some instances could start to wander and again causing trouble. The answer to this is to train your dog to go to the lure, only, and to be so keen to do this he cannot think of anything else.
2. Many times I have seen keen, determined dogs interfered with, and in no instance have I seen dogs of this nature retaliate, as they have one thing in their minds, get the lure.
3. Another situation that could cause trouble is a dog of uncertain temperament unsighted on the lure. This is usually caused by the lure being too far in front of the lead dog. It is most important that your lure operator knows his business. This unsighting by these borderline dogs causes them to raise their heads and look, then wander and cause problems.
4. The appointment of the Foul Judges is probably the most important single matter a Club is faced with, when organizing a race meeting. We have to face the fact that everyone does not enter into a sporting activity just for the fun and associations. If they did, then this would be an ideal situation, but life is not like that and we have to be prepared to accept some persons with an overwhelming desire to win. In my opinion, the racing secretary should advise the contestants beforehand who the judges are, and that their decision will be final. Then if the competitor is not too happy with the selection of judges, he does not have to run his dog, thus probably eliminating some of the trouble before it starts.
5. The selection of judges should be done with the greatest of care. They should be competent and completely impartial. If at all possible the appointment of a judge or judges, from another area, who would be attending the meeting, and are known to be completely reliable should be considered.
6. There should be a minimum of three judges for every race, equipped with field glasses. One should be directly behind the boxes, the second at the halfway mark and the third at the finish line. The racing secretary would also act as a judge and there should also be a couple of spares available.
7. In any race where a judge has a dog competing, then this person automatically disqualifies himself from any opinions of this particular race. You then call in one of your spare judges, not just anybody.
8. The lure should be weighted to keep it on a straight line. This weighting will tend to eliminate any bouncing from side to side or up and down. Also it will keep it from being affected by high cross winds. Any deviation from a straight line will cause even the best dogs to swerve and change directions. THIS IS IMPORTANT, as any sudden change of direction could be responsible for accidental bumping that could be misconstrued by persons not fully cognizant of what is "bumping".

GOOD RACING!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

by

To bump or not to bump. That is the question, "----- and one that must be met and solved in a fair and conscientious manner if Whippet racing in North America is to continue it’s present growth.

To disqualify a dog which illegally interferes with another during the running of a race is not an example of "winning at any cost" or poor sportsmanship. It must be a necessity if the standard of Whippet racing is to improve. However, it is not this point which is difficult to accept, but rather, the definition and ultimate judgement of interference itself. If greater understanding and acceptance of this latter point can be promoted then considerable grief and hurt feelings most certainly will be avoided in the future. The Official Rules and Regulations for the Whippet Racing Association under Section 4.0 state: "Any Whippet who fouls other racers based on unnecessary bumping, fighting, riding, or interfering will be disqualified from all placement on the race where the foul was committed. The Whippet or Whippets causing the intentional foul will not be allowed to race again during that particular WRA Meet." Here is the crux of the matter then, for, while some people choose to ignore all interference short of a knock-down-drag-out brawl, others consider any form of contact one dog makes with another to be a foul. Between these two extremes lies the answer to the problem at hand. To judge whether a dog fouls is to judge whether a dog is "running to the lure" or simply "running another dog." Some of the more common cases of

LEGAL BUMPING are:

Dog B runs between dogs A and C in chasing thelure and, in so doing, bumps dogs A and C. However, dog B does not turn his head but simply runs the shortest route to the lure.

THIS IS LEGAL BUMPING.

The lure bounces, as indicated in the diagram, and dog B, who was in the act of passing dog A as the time the lure moved, cuts in front of dog A, possibly hitting him in the process but still attempts to run the shortest path to the lure. THIS IS LEGAL BUMPING

Dog B tries to go over dog A. This is a rare incident but it may be a legitimate attempt to catch the lure. It may be caused by a sudden shift in the direction of the lure followed by dog A cutting in front of dog B who is in mid-stride. In judging a case such as this, one should consider the collision to be "innocent" if dog B continues after the lure and ignores dog A after the collision.

THIS IS LEGAL BUMPING

What about illegal interference? Some of the most common cases are:

Dog B "rides" dog A, that is, dog B makes no attempt to pass dog A but, instead, tries to force him off the track or away from the lure thus impeding dog A’s speed and direction.

THIS IS A DISQUALIFYING FOUL

Dog B swerves from his path to the lure, hits dog A once or several times, then continues after the lure. This is usually obvious since the dog committing the foul will "turn his head" or look before running at and hitting the other dog.

THIS IS A DISQUALIFYING FOUL

Dog B attempts to pass dog A. Dog A cuts in front of B, hitting him once or repeatedly, to prevent B from reaching the lure first. Again, a head turn is usually obvious in such a situation.

THIS IS A DISQUALIFYING FOUL

While these are the most common instances of "bumping", there is one further case which requires comment here. This is the case where a dog "turns it’s head" but doesn’t actually interfere with the progress of another dog. While the intent to foul may be there, the dog should not be disqualified unless it actually interferes.

Racing secretaries should, whenever possible, acquaint new Whippet owners with the aforementioned facts on interference and help them develop training programs for their novice race dogs thereby preventing such dogs from becoming possible "bumpers".

Finally, if one is judging fouls and any doubt arises as to whether a foul was committed, such a foul should not be called. Similarly, if the judge is certain a foul was committed, he should report it to the racing secretary without hesitation.

What is a foul? A foul is interference. Interference occurs when a Whippet deliberately and aggressively impedes the progress of one or more whippets during a race.

What is not a foul? It is not deliberate interference when:

• A Whippet "lays on" or "shoulders" another whippet while passing or being passed.

• A Whippet runs to it’s left or right; i.e., is a "wide runner". There are many "wide runners" who never turn their heads.

• A strong and determined Whippet shoves its way through the dogs ahead of it.

• A Whippet tries to jump over the Whippet ahead of it.

• A Whippet barks or growls during a race.

• A Whippet retaliates when interfered with (it is the first foul only that should be called.)

• A Whippet collides with another dog when breaking out of the starting box.

01/99

Often one wonders where they might purchase a needed Whippet racing related product. Many times these items are venue specific or custom made per animal. In these cases the local pet store would not carry the item or perhaps has a poor selection. The following is a listing of alternate sources for those unique, hard to find, or custom Whippet Racing items. This listing is not to be construed as a recommendation to the quality or service of any product. Additions or corrections to this list may be submitted by contacting the WRA.

State of the art six hole race boxes: Hydraulic lift gate and less than 200 lbs, $1095.00 plus shipping/handling.

Contact: Glen Sowards at:

18310 114th SE- Renton, Wa. 98055

Ph# (425)-255-7288

e-mail <Jowhippet@aol.com>

Lure Machine: Steel stand, aluminum reel, brake optional, designed for drag

lure/comes with take-up reel. Holds 1200 yards. $269.00 plus shipping/handling

Contact: Glen Sowards at:

18310 114th SE- Renton, Wa. 98055

Ph # (425)-255-7288

e-mail <Jowhippet@aol.com>

7001*Jack-A-Lure machine. $300 Freight extra

7003*Extra Line, 1,000 ft.-$18

7005*Spool-$32.00

7002*Lure only-$20.00

7004*Squawker-$12.25

7006*Predator Reed Replacement-$2.50

Contact: NGA (National Greyhound Association)

NGA, Supplies, P.O. Box 543, Abilene, KS 67410

Ph # (785) 263-4660 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central Monday through Friday

Fax # (785)-263-4689

Web Site http://nga.jc.net/supply.htm#lures

Muzzles:

Contact: Janet Trowbridge at Roundabout Whippet Supplies

18105 NW 11th Ave., Ridgefield, WA, 98642

Ph # (360)-887-4912

Racing Coats and Leashes

Contact: Sam and Sue Banks

e-mail <ssbanks@INNA.NET>

Racing Coats

Contact: Carol Huff at Blankets by Huff

2367 Bryansville Road, Delta, PA 17314

Ph # (717)-456-7645

e-mail <cahuff@mindspring.com>

Racing Coats and Leashes (slip and walking leashes)

Contact: Sue Sefscik

5074 Cueva Mine Trail, Las Cruces, Nm 88011

Ph # (505)-522-8431

e-mail SSefscik@aol.com

email - whippetwatch@yahoo.com