Greyhounds: 'Behind the Scenes' day at Hatrick this weekend

Members of the public are invited to take a "behind the scenes" look at greyhound racing at the Hatrick Raceway this Sunday.

There's plenty of activity that occurs with racing greyhounds from the time they arrive at the race track until they race, then there's the post-race routines to follow.

Between 11am and 1pm on Sunday the public can view the required procedures when the Wanganui GRC hosts an open day.

Prior to racing, greyhounds are placed in security kennels which are in blocks containing fields in race order.

Prior to being placed in those kennels, there's a process that greyhounds go through.

Firstly, they are identified via a scan of a microchip that is placed on top of the shoulders, under the skin.

The scan will be cross-checked with their race book ID.

From there, all greyhounds are thoroughly vetted by a professional veterinary.

All parts of a greyhound's body is checked over prior to being cleared to race.

Any issues detected by a vet at this stage generally leads to the greyhound being late scratched from the meeting.

All greyhounds are then placed in a weighing cage where their body weight is recorded.
Greyhounds are allowed a 1.5kg variance from their last start race weight.

Fines are imposed against the trainer or trainers if a weight is recorded outside this allowance.

There are exceptions to this rule allowed, however the greyhound concerned is then reassessed by the vet, who will make the final decision about the fitness for racing of the greyhound concerned.

Greyhounds are then placed in their security kennels, only being removed following the running of the race prior to theirs.

Their handlers are handed their respective racing vest and greyhounds are then rescanned to check their correct identity.

Optional stir ups prior to racing are available, then the greyhounds are paraded to the traps, have their race, and then return to the wash down bay.

They are hosed down, toes cleaned and they are provided with a drink.

Greyhounds may be either pre-race swabbed, or any greyhound can be subjected to a post-race swab, which is undertaken to ensure they are free of any banned substances.

Post-race swab greyhounds are placed in a security kennel until their swab is taken.

Swabs samples are taken and are supervised by stewards, who will be in attendance on Sunday.

On Sunday, the entire procedure described here can be viewed by the public. In addition, there will be mock races conducted.

An essential aspect to greyhound racing is the life after racing careers are finished.

Greyhounds make for awesome pets, quickly and easily blending into home routines.

Most of them become known as sofa lofa's.

Greyhounds are placed into forever homes by re-homing agencies and representatives from Greyhounds As Pets (GAP), Nightrave Greyhounds and the Kotuku Foundation for Animal substances will be on course on Sunday to discuss re-homing opportunities for the public.

Children will be catered for, with face painting being available on the post-race podium, while spot prizes will be given away.

"This is an opportunity for members of the public to view the professional manner that greyhound racing is conducted.

"All aspects of race day procedures will be explained and displayed. Trainers and vets will be readily available to speak to," said event organiser Ivan Howe.