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)