Over the years coursing has had to change and adapt to maintain its existence. Today we see the use of both drag & trolley lures, and each coursing club can decide which lure type they use. The Classic events can be conducted behind a drag or trolley lure.
There are some aspects that have not changed. The use of a slipper to commence a course; and the wearing a woollen red or white collars.
Change is not always something the any of us adjust to readily but the fact that we are still coursing more than 130 years after we commenced in this state, speaks for itself.
For the new converts, the coursing fraternity are a social group of greyhound enthusiasts, who enjoy coursing their greyhounds as well as a great day out with family and friends. Below some questions that are often muted are answered.
How does the course start, if you don't have boxes?
The person who releases the greyhounds at the start of the 'course' is called the slipper and
the slipper "slips" the greyhounds from a pair of leather collars with wire cable
down the middle of the leather lead there is a releasing mechanism in the handle.
How long is the track?
The average length of our coursing tracks is 330 metres. But each track is different, but all
are grass.
How many greyhounds compete in a course?
Greyhounds run down the straight track in pairs (coursing the lure) after they have been despatched from the slips by the slipper. Two greyhounds compete in a course.
How many greyhounds complete in an event?
Most events in coursing have 8 dogs. However, our Classic events for puppies have 32 greyhounds
and our most prestigious event, the Waterloo Cup can have 64. These events are held over two
days.
What are Classic Events?
There are The Derby and The Oaks and these are age restricted events and the Waterloo Cup and
this is our last meeting held each year.
Do greyhounds wear rugs when there are coursing?
No greyhounds do not wear rugs when they are coursing, they wear collars. A red collar is worn
by the dog on the inside and a white collar is worn by the dog on the outside. Collars are usually
woollen and can be knitted or crocheted. But these days they are nylon and can be a headband,
as long as it is red or white and 50 mm or 2 inches wide and is safe. i.e.that it fits comfortably
around the dogs neck, it's OK. It is the trainers responsibility to provide these collars not the clubs.
Where can I get a collar, if I don't have one?
Collars are usually sold at each club and the clubs sell them in pairs, one red and one white.
So if you can't knit or crochet, you can still get a collar. You can probably borrow one from another coursing enthusiast.
How many times does a greyhound run (course) in one day?
That depends, if the greyhound wins its first course and keeps winning its subsequent courses,
it will run a maximum of 3 times in one day.
Last year (2008) the Waterloo Cup was held at the Lang Lang Coursing Club. Ego defeated
Hunted down in the final. Both greyhounds coursed a total of six times over the two day event
(3 times on Saturday and 3 times on Sunday).
Can greyhounds that race on the circle enter for coursing events?
Yes, most certainly! Greyhounds that have won on the circle are considered Maidens in coursing
and can enter for maiden coursing events.
Are greyhounds swabbed at coursing events?
As with track racing, GRV stewards can and do swab greyhounds at coursing meetings.
ยท
