Where to find us
Lang Lang Coursing Club
25 Range Rd, Lang Lang , VIC 3984
What to bring
Apart from a budding racer or two there are a few things you need to bring to a race meet:
A secure lead and collar to avoid escapees. No extension leads please!
(On the track your dog can run without a collar, or with a close fitting collar. No chains or loose collars.)
A muzzle if you have one, for when your dog is on the track (if you don’t have a muzzle we can loan you one).
Enough people to handle your dogs, to keep those excited whippies under control.
Doggy bags to clean up in case they just can’t wait.
Training treats to encourage recall of wayward whippets.
Gold coins for race entry fees. For your first race meet it’s only a gold coin donation per dog.
A picnic blanket or folding chairs for relaxing between races.
Money to buy raffle tickets, to be in the running for some great prizes.
What the track looks like
Lang Lang is a straight grass track 350m long
The Lang Lang track is ideal for our little pointy noses and the facilities are perfect for a great family day out. There is a nice covered area with views of the whole track where you can watch the whippies from start to finish. If the weather is fine you can use the outdoor area which has park benches overlooking the track.
The track has a casual country feel and we will have it all to ourselves on race days. It is a straight run inside a large fenced area, so our pups can’t escape easily.
Dogs are walked to the starting area at the west end. The lure is brought to the start area by motorcycle or golf cart. Starting is by hand slipping or from our boxes.
The lure is driven by the lure driver from a tower near the middle of the track. The lure is pulled by a cord that is attached to a winch at the far eastern end of the track, controlled by the driver. The overall length of the track is 350m but we run the whippies over 2 distances, 150m and 250m.
There is a catching pen at the end of the track where a gate is closed behind the racers. The staff in the catching pen will put your whippy on a lead and take them out to the holding cages. The cages are in an under cover area where your whippies can be safely held until you come and get them.
What happens on race day
1. Sign in
Arrive at the track between 1:00pm and 1:30pm and find one of our members in an orange vest, or see our registration officer at the table. We have just a few formalities to go through to make sure your all set to join in the fun.
2. Say hello
You’ll find plenty of other people and whippies to meet. There are always lots of newcomers and old hands to chat to.
3. Attend the briefing
Just before the racing starts we’ll explain the days events. This is where you’ll find out where and when you need to be.
4. Watch the pro's
We run the competitive races first. Next any dogs who are qualifying to race. Then it’s your turn.
5. Wait for your call
After the competitive races and the qualifiers we’ll call for “Trialers”. This is your cue to go to the marshalling area. We’ll organise you into groups for starting your first race. If you have a slip lead it’s best to remove your dog’s normal collar and put the slip lead on them before you go to the track.
6. Off to the start line
Each start group will be directed to the start area. Wait at start area gate until you’re asked to come through.
7. Prepare to start
Our starting marshal will show you where to line up and how to hold your dog for the start. If your dog has a collar on you’ll have to remove it to avoid the risk of it getting caught on anything. If you are using a slip lead it’s time to remove it now. Hold on tight once the collar is off because some dogs get very excited!
8. Wait for the lure
Once everyone is ready the lure driver will start the lure. You will hear it coming up behind you. Hold your dog until the lure passes you. Then……release……and they’re off! (hopefully).
9. Watch them go
You might have a budding champion, but its probably too early to tell. Only a few dogs chase the lure their first time. Most of them play with the other dogs, or go straight back to their owners.
10. Have a break
After everyone has had a go at the sprint race you can take a break. Grab a snack and a drink at the canteen or have a picnic. Most importantly, buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.
11. Have a second go
It will soon be time for your your second race for the day. Follow the same procedure as for the first race and watch your pointy nose run!
12. Cheer them on
With a bit of luck they’ll get a better start, but it’s pretty unusual for new dogs to make it all the way. Don’t worry, after a few more races most whippets are hooked and cant get enough.
13. See the presentation
After the distance races are complete we have a ribbon presentation for the competitive races. You can size up your opposition for when you’ve qualified!
14. What's next?
We’d love to see you at the next race meet. Check our calendar for dates. Once your dog has learned to reliably complete the full distance you can begin starting in the boxes. After that you can arrange to qualify your dog for competitive racing.