Greyhound racing is one of the most popular animal racing sports in the world. The greyhounds chase a mechanical lure, typically an artificial bone, which is traditionally called a hare. The hare is started about half a circuit behind the start. When it passes a point near the starting traps, it automatically triggers the gate and releases the dogs. Should the dogs catch or overtake the lure, the stewards declare the race void.

Greyhounds can cover 480 meters in approximately 28 seconds, twice the speed of a typical athlete. The minimum age at which a greyhound may run on all tracks is 15 months and will usually be at its best when 2� to 3� years old.

Although the dogs are normally docile creatures, they become very excited when they race, and there are times when a runner may turn its head aggressively on another runner. It is for this reason that the competitors wear muzzles when they race so that they can''t do harm.

The winner of a greyhound race is the dog whose nose first reaches the winning line. The position of the feet is not taken into account. Greyhound racing finishes are photographed and where the result is close the judge examines the negative or a print before declaring the order of the finish.

The most popular greyhound racing surface today is sand. At one time, grass was the norm as this was both picturesque and fast-running. However, it became too difficult and expensive to maintain in a satisfactory racing condition through the winter. Sand, on the other hand, is cheaper and easier to keep in good condition.

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