Ever wondered about the daily routine of a greyhound during its racing career? Catherine D’Arcy, a greyhound kennel owner, gives us a detailed glimpse into the life of these incredible athletes, focusing on one particular dog named "Dusty Road," affectionately known as "Major."
Morning Routine
At 6:30 am, the day begins as Major wakes up to the sight of his caretakers ready to take him and a group of 15 other male greyhounds outside. This outdoor time, lasting about 30 minutes, involves exploring different pens, sniffing around, and taking care of nature’s call.
By 7:00 am, the caretakers are busy preparing rice and pasta for the dogs' dinner while also cleaning the kennels. During this time, some dogs head out for exercise. An hour later, Major gets another 30-minute break outside as his kennel is cleaned, fresh water is provided, and his bed is tidied up.
Morning Activities
At 8:45 am, Major is weighed and groomed. His weight is carefully logged, and he is checked for any health concerns. After grooming, he rests in his kennel until it's time for his morning meal at 9:00 am. His meal includes a half-pound meatball, topped with vitamins and vanilla Ensure, signalling that he will be racing that day.
Following breakfast, Major heads outside again with his companions for a leisurely 30-minute session. This is a time for relaxation and casual interaction with the other dogs.
Pre-Race Preparation
Around 11:00 am, the excitement builds as leads start clinking—an indication that it's time for a walk to the racetrack. Accompanied by two other dogs, Major makes his way to the track, stopping to sniff around and possibly spot a squirrel. At the paddock, he is weighed again to ensure he meets the strict weight requirements for racing.
Race Time
By 1:30 pm, track employees known as "leadouts" prepare Major for the race. After a brief inspection and sample collection, he is fitted with his racing blanket. The final check involves verifying his identity through an ear tattoo before heading to the track.
At 2:00 pm, Major steps onto the racetrack, sporting the green blanket of post #4. As he awaits the race's start, he catches a glimpse of the odds—5/1 to win. The race begins, and Major quickly finds himself in third place. However, he gains ground and ultimately takes the lead, finishing first and celebrating the victory.
Post-Race Wind-Down
After the race, at around 2:15 pm, Major is taken to the cool-down area where his feet are cleaned and cooled. He also walks through a cool water tank to help regulate his temperature. Back at the kennel, he gets a thorough wash before enjoying a meal that includes meat, kibble, rice, pasta, and vitamin supplements.
Evening Routine
The evening is a mix of relaxation and brief outdoor excursions. Around 5:30 pm, Major and his friends are let outside for another 30 minutes. This is followed by quiet time in the kennel while night races take place. The final outdoor session occurs between 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, offering another chance to explore the pens and relax.
At 11:00 pm, the caretakers clean the kennels one last time, and by 11:30 pm, they leave for the night, leaving soothing music playing for the dogs. As Major settles into his shredded paper bed, he drifts off to sleep, dreaming of his racing triumphs.
This narrative is based on the real-life experiences of "Dusty Road," also known as "Major," a striking white and fawn-ticked greyhound. Born from the legendary Molotov, Major raced at Southland and Derby Lane, competing in 30 races. After retiring from racing, Major found a loving home where he enjoyed a fulfilling life as a cherished pet.