The performance of a greyhound during a race is significantly influenced by the racing paths or routes it follows. A deep comprehension of these racing trajectories allows a more accurate evaluation of each dog's capabilities, limitations, and tactics. Let us delve into the advantages and disadvantages associated with various racing lines.
Grasping the Concept of Racing Lines
Racing lines denote the specific paths greyhounds follow throughout a race. These routes are shaped by the dog’s innate tendencies, its training regimen, and the starting position determined by the race's arrangement. Analysing these paths provides valuable insights into the potential challenges and opportunities that greyhounds face during the competition.
Diverse Racing Styles and Track Positions in Greyhound Racing
Greyhounds display distinct racing behaviours, characterised by their preferred trajectories on the track. These behaviours come with their own set of advantages and potential drawbacks, impacting each dog's race performance. The primary styles include 'railers' who prefer the inner track, 'middle-trackers' who run mid-course, 'wide runners' who navigate the outer track, and 'very wide runners' who stay at the farthest edge.
Railers
Greyhounds that prefer to run close to the inner rail are termed 'railers'. They follow the shortest path around the track, which gives them several benefits.
Advantages:
- Minimal Distance: 'Railers' run the least amount of ground compared to other racing styles, providing a natural speed advantage.
- Reduced Collision Risk: By sticking to the inner rail, 'railers' often avoid the congestion and potential collisions that can occur in the middle or outer parts of the track.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for Obstruction: 'Railers' can get boxed in behind other dogs, especially in tight corners, making it difficult to maintain top speed due to the sharpness of the turns on the inside.
Middle-Trackers
Greyhounds classified as 'middle-trackers' position themselves between the inner 'railers' and the outer 'wide runners', maintaining a balanced route throughout the race.
Advantages:
- Steady Speed: 'Middle-trackers' can sustain their top speeds for longer, as they are less impacted by the tight turns and crowding that can slow down 'railers'.
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to Being Overtaken: With more space on either side, 'middle-trackers' are more likely to be passed by other dogs, losing their leading position to those overtaking from both the inside and outside lanes.
Wide Runners
Greyhounds that prefer to stay near the outer edge of the track are referred to as 'wide runners'. These dogs excel particularly in wet conditions and are adept at avoiding entanglements with dogs running closer to the rail.
Advantages:
- Collision Avoidance: 'Wide runners' are less likely to get caught up in the jostling and congestion that often affects the dogs on the inside.
- Superior in Wet Conditions: They have an advantage on slippery tracks as they can navigate the slick surface more effectively, staying away from the crowd.
Disadvantages:
- Greater Distance: 'Wide runners' cover more ground than their 'railer' and 'middle-tracker' counterparts, which can be a disadvantage over longer distances.
- Losing Position on Turns: Running wide means they often lose ground on the bends, as they have to navigate a larger arc compared to dogs running on the inside.
Very Wide Runners
Some greyhounds instinctively take the furthest outside path and are known as 'very wide runners'. While they traverse the longest route, this positioning helps them steer clear of the race’s congested areas.
Advantages:
- Avoidance of Interference: “Very wide runners” stay well clear of the primary racing pack, minimising their risk of being impeded by other dogs.
- Adaptability in Adverse Weather: They maintain their pace even in wet conditions, thanks to their position away from the crowd and track edges that may become more slippery.
Disadvantages:
- Inefficient Racing Line: Running on the far outside means these dogs lose more ground around corners compared to those running closer to the rail.
- Maximum Distance: 'Very wide runners cover the greatest distance, placing them at a considerable disadvantage in terms of the overall distance they need to run.
Strategies for Hare Chasing and Geographic Variations
In the world of greyhound racing, the placement of artificial hares significantly influences the strategies and running patterns of the dogs. The location of these hares creates distinct racing styles depending on the region, affecting whether the dogs favour the inner rail or opt for the wider areas of the track.
Tracks with Inside Hare (America, Australia, and New Zealand)
In regions like America, Australia, and New Zealand, the artificial hare is positioned near the inner side of the track. This encourages greyhounds to adopt running paths that hug the fence closely.
Hare Positioning:
Typically, the lure (sometimes there are two) is mounted on an arm that extends from a rotating central mechanism, leading the dogs around the course. It usually runs just one to two meters from the inner rail, though this can vary depending on the specific track layout.
Impact on Running Patterns:
Due to the placement of the hare, greyhounds in these regions tend to follow tighter, more interior paths, keeping them close to the fence as they chase the lure.
Tracks with Outside Hare (United Kingdom and Ireland)
Conversely, tracks in the United Kingdom and Ireland utilise an outside hare system. This setup guides the dogs towards more central or expansive running lines on the broader sections of the track.
Hare Positioning:
The lure, often designed like a windsock, is driven along the outer boundary of the track, staying close to the perimeter as it moves.
Impact on Running Patterns:
With the hare placed on the outside, greyhounds are more inclined to take middle to wide running paths. This setup is especially influential as the dogs exit turns and run along the straights, resulting in more sweeping, broader trajectories.