Where to find us
Sandown Greyhound Track
View Rd, Springvale VIC
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 happens on race day
1. Sign in
Arrive at the track between 12:15pm and 12:30pm 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 in front of the gate. We’ll organise you into groups for starting. Your first race will be a sprint of 152m
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
If your dog has a tight fitting collar you can leave it on, but if the collar is loose or is a check chain or similar you’ll have to take it off. This is to avoid the risk of the collar getting caught on anything. Our starting marshal will show you where to line up and how to hold your dog for the start. Hold on tight 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 bistro or have a picnic. Most importantly, buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.
11. Have a second go
Your second race for the day will be a longer distance, either the 272m “middle” distance, sarting from the boxes on the other side of the track, or the 515m “long” distance starting from the boxes closest to the entertainment centre. We’ll let you know which box to go to on the day.
12. Cheer them on
With a bit of luck they’ll get a better start, but because of the distance and the 2 corners it’s pretty unusual for new dogs to make it all the way. But 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 how to complete both the sprint and the long distance race you can begin starting in the boxes. After that you can arrange to qualify your dog for competitive racing.