 | Trap-to-Sandpit |  |
| Trap-to-Sandpit | |
Around 150 whippets took part in the two day Club and Open events at Dawdon, Seaham over the weekend of 29/30th June 1996. They arrived at the Green Drive Grounds from Doncaster,
Preston, Rotherham, Nottingham, Derby, Livingstone in Scotland and from all points of the
compass. They came in cars and caravans. Men, women and children of all ages. All of them with
one thing in common - their love of whippets and whippet racing.
For those of you who are new to whippet racing we will try to explain some of the action in
laymans language.
In accordance with National Whippet Racing Federation (NWRF) rules:
 Each whippet was assigned to a racing category according to age, weight and sex. |
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| Once this process had been completed the racing began under the control of officials
appointed by the NWRF National Whippet Racing Federation. |
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The Dawdon event was officiated by Keith Fowler
(pictured right), Secretary, and David Thompson
(pictured left), Registrar of the Federation. They were ably assisted by local officials Albert Johnston (Trap Control), Jim Kennedy (Lure Control) and Kevin McCrea of Winlaton (Half-way Judge). | |
Each trap was set up at the start line to allow for the handicap which had been assigned to the
particular whippet using it.
Owners placed their dogs in the traps. The Trap Controller checked that the trap grid was properly
closed. At this stage of the race, there was a lot tension about. Owners spoke of palpatations and
severe attacks of butterflies in the stomach.
As the owners left the trap area to walk the full 165
yards of the straight course they shouted and whistled to
encourage the waiting whippets which howled in anticipation of the chase. As they reached the end
of the track an official flag was raised to signal that the Lure Controller was ready. The Trap
Controller signalled back to indicate that the traps were ready. The Lure was set in motion. As it
streaked past the traps they "cracked" open and the straining whippets were released. They howled
and barked in pursuit of their "prey" at speeds of up to 35 miles an hour. The air was suddenly filled
with the hoarse cheers of the hundreds of enthusiasts who lined the full length of the track.
