GREYHOUNDS AS PAYING GUESTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 177, 17 October 1927, Page 6

GREYHOUNDS AS PAYING GUESTS

DOGS THAT PAY THEIR* WAY What is the cost of keeping' and training: a greyhound for the track? This is a question that is exercising the minds of many people who want to be more than spectators of the new sport. Air. A. Croxton Smith, an English authority, answers it. “Almost anyone who is disposed to take a hand in the game/* he writes, “may do so without risking any considerable amount of money. Probably one would have to give from £2O to £3O for an untrained dog of reasonable promise, but if you are desirous of acquiring one that is in the first flight you may pay anything up to £l5O, or even more. “I believe £450 has beer refused for one that has done conspicuously well. “For the 26 weeks during which the season lasts a dog can be put with * trainer attached to one of the tracks of the Greyhound Racing Association, i kenneled, fed, trained and entered for races at a total cost of £ 1 a week. Boarded Out “For the remaining 26 weeks of the year, if one does not wish to have(tne dog at home, he can be boarded with a trainer for 10s a week; total, £l3. making an aggregate for the year of £39. “Supposing one has home accommodation, the cost of a dog’s keep during the idle season ought not to exceed 5s a week, and incidental expenses are few. “I am assured that very few dogs do not manage to pay their way. A stouthearted dog, keen on his work, practically sure to earn more than his cost. “The most successful dog in the snort opening season at Manchester in 19-® won £ 170 in cash and kind. That was in 10 weeks, in which his keep and training cost £10.” _ _ . Greyhounds, says Mr. Smith, do n travel at such an enormous speed many people suppose, and the space the fastest works out at about > miles an hour. This is just a fraction be t than i Call Boy’s record time for the Bero>. But, allowing for the extra OU&a**and the fact that the horse is carding weight, a thoroughbred is obvious 5 J faster than the longtail.” A Dog’s Day Here is the racing dog’s day ** tailed by Air. Smith: — . 7 a.m.—Released from sleeping Lters and taken for a spin. Play about in the exercise gToana*. 1 Light breakfast of brown breaa milk. . . Another walk if not too not- an Thorough massaging: tnlß>* essential feature of their trainingMore exercise in the afternoo • 4 p.m.—Substantial meal of a up and biscuits, except in cage c* racing that day. These have to " till their turn is over. „ ir „-d kite After supper the dogsaretunjed the paddocks for a while—ana bed.