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There are several ways to buy a racing greyhound but for the newcomer, the best advice is to go through one of the trainers at the track where you want your greyhound to race. Most trainers have young dogs in training that they have bought themselves with a view to selling them on to current or new owners.
Using this method means that the newcomer to greyhound ownership will know he or she will have a greyhound that should be racing on a regular basis (bar injury) at their chosen track. The easiest way to find out more is to contact the racing manager at the track, who will have details of trainer’s names and telephone numbers. Most racing managers are only too willing to give advice on the subject.
To keep costs to a minimum, try and find two or three friends whom may also be interested in becoming owners – this way the costs are split and your new acquisition will not become a burden on your pocket.
The other main ways of obtaining a greyhound are by public auction or as a young and unraced puppy. At an auction, the greyhounds are put through a trial, usually two or three at a time, to test their ability and are then sold to the highest bidder afterwards. There are regular sales in Ireland at Shelbourne and Cork as well as at several venues in Britain.
The Racing Post newspaper regularly carries advertisements for such events. One of the most satisfying ways of becoming a greyhound owner is buying an unraced puppy, but this can also be the most risky. Not all greyhounds make it to the track and, before embarking on this course, it is advisable to seek the knowledge of someone who is already well versed in the sport. They could save you a lot of time and money.
The cost of a greyhound can vary enormously. An unraced puppy at 16-weeks-old will fetch between £350 - £1,500 depending on its breeding and that price will increase as they get older. Those already racing will often be in the same price range but will, of course, probably be of limited ability.
The better the greyhound, naturally, the bigger the price. A top-class greyhound at one of the bigger tracks will fetch up to £5,000, while the best in the country and those capable of winning races worth between £5,000 and £50,000 often change hands for anything up to £20,000 and, in some cases, even more.
Keeping a greyhound in training is relatively inexpensive, usually £5 or £6 per day plus veterinary fees when and where required. Again, having partners in a greyhound will help to keep training costs down, though your greyhound will earn prize money every time it races.
The Federation of British Greyhound Owners Assocaition (FBGOA) repesents affiliated owners associations from a number of NGRC tracks. Two members of the FBGOA sit on the British Greyhound Racing Board to represent the views of owners. For more advice and information on greyhound ownership visit their website by clicking on this link: www.fbgoa.org.uk
When your greyhound’s racing career comes to an end
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that his or her greyhound is cared for once its racing days have finished. Many greyhounds race until they are five or older, but it must be remembered that injuries do occur which will end a racing career prematurely.
There are home finding schemes which will help to find suitable homes for retired racers but many owners take their ex-racers home with them and are rewarded with the most doting and gentle of pets.
IT cannot be stressed enough that the sport of greyhound racing values its reputation for putting greyhound welfare as its highest priority. If you do not have plans or have not considered what you are going to do with your greyhound when its racing days are over, then we would rather you think again before purchasing a racing greyhound.
Of course, we want you to become an owner and become a part in this fantastic sport. However, we want responsible owners, not irresponsible owners.
For further advice on the care of your greyhound at the end of his racing career, click here to visit the Retired Greyhound Trust website:
www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
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