Grey Hound Running Around the Globe

Grey hounds have been running around the globe for centuries, with evidence of their racing roots dating back to ancient Greece.

These sleek dogs were bred for speed, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.

Grey hounds are known for their short coats, which require minimal grooming.

They're a popular choice for runners due to their gentle nature and short exercise needs.

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The history of greyhound running is a rich and fascinating one. Greyhounds have been used for racing for thousands of years, with evidence of dog racing dating back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.

In ancient Greece and Rome, greyhounds were highly valued for their speed and agility, and were often used for hunting and racing. They were also highly prized as pets by the wealthy.

The modern greyhound racing industry began to take shape in the late 19th century in the UK, where the first organized greyhound racing events were held. The first official greyhound racing track was opened in 1890.

Greyhound racing became popular in the US in the early 20th century, with the first American greyhound racing track opening in 1912.

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Greyhounds are capable of incredible speeds, reaching up to 45 miles per hour. This makes them the fastest dogs in the world.

Their speed is due in part to their unique physiology. They have long legs, which allow them to cover more ground with each stride. This, combined with their flexible spine, enables them to maintain a smooth and efficient running motion.

A key factor in a greyhound's speed is its heart. It's enormous for its size, accounting for 1.18% to 1.73% of its body mass. This allows it to circulate blood quickly and efficiently, ensuring that muscles get the oxygenation they need to perform at peak efficiency.

In fact, a greyhound's heart circulates its entire blood volume four or five times during a 30-second race. This is significantly more than a human heart, which averages only 0.77% of a person's body weight.

Here are some key statistics about greyhound running:

Greyhound racing is a global phenomenon, with twenty-one countries where it occurs.

Dog racing is present in various stages of development, from commercial to non-commercial, depending on the criteria used to define it.

Some countries have passed laws authorizing gambling on greyhound speed and ability, while others have regulatory structures and racetracks.

In Australia, greyhound racing is regulated by Greyhounds Australasia, a governing body formed in 1937. This organization ensures that greyhound welfare and living conditions are met in both Australia and New Zealand.

Greyhounds Australasia is made up of governing bodies in the Australian states, working together to protect the well-being of greyhounds.

There are twenty-one countries in which dog racing occurs but may or may not have reached a commercial stage.

Greyhound racing is present in many countries, but the commercial aspect of it varies greatly.

A law authorizing gambling on greyhound speed and/or ability is one of the criteria considered to determine if a country's greyhound racing is commercial.

In the United States, for example, some states have laws that allow gambling on greyhound racing.

The existence of a regulatory structure, physical presence of racetracks, and evidence of gambling are also important factors in determining the commercial status of greyhound racing.

In some countries, greyhound racing is a significant source of revenue, with host locations charging fees and sharing in gambling proceeds.

Professional racing kennels, a large number of dogs participating in races, and an official racing code are also signs of a commercial greyhound racing industry.

Membership in a greyhound racing federation or trade association is another indicator of a country's commercial greyhound racing industry.

The Blue Star Amusement Park featured three types of races, including a one-quarter mile championship event with three heats, a match race for the winner, and a hurdle race that was completed in about 25 seconds.

A one-quarter mile match race was used to determine the winner, with dogs completing the distance in about 29 seconds. The hurdle race was a thrilling event where greyhounds jumped over hurdles for three-sixteenths of a mile.

In 1921, a puppy race was added to the card, a match race between two youngsters. The starting gate consisted of six stalls, one for each dog in a six dog race.

A flip-top type starting box was used, with a single door across the front covering all four stalls, and hinged across the top. At the start, the door would be opened upward by the use of bungee cord and all greyhounds would be released at the same instant.

Greyhounds wore cloth collars of different colors rather than blankets as are used today. The gate operated effectively, releasing all dogs at once.

To stop the hounds from running after they crossed the finish line, a canvas curtain was drawn across the track near the middle of the first turn.

The Emeryville dog track struggled with limited profits due to its limited schedule, only being open on Saturday and Sunday. This was because most fans worked on weekdays, which was a standard six-day work week at the time.

The track's lack of profitability was further exacerbated by its inability to offer night racing. This was because it lacked the necessary lighting.

In contrast, other greyhound racetracks in the country began installing lighting and offering night racing events a few years after the Emeryville track closed. This move proved to be a success with fans and profitable for the owners.

The Emeryville dog track's closure didn't mark the end of greyhound racing in the Bay Area.