Keeping Lurcher Coursing Alive

[TIGGERGOULD]

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i have got back into the lurcher coursing scene this past three years and im saddened to see the way in which it has declined. i would like to open a discussion on what are the most popular/unpopular ways of running such events?

1 coursing...do people prefer gates or or no gates?

2 straight racing...do u think 2 dog heats or multiple dog heats?..as in more than 2?

3 hurdles...timed or 2 dog heats?

4 long jump...how popular is this?

5 booking in...drawn blind/or not?

6 breeding...should a sighthound/ whippet etc etc be allowed to run against lurchers?

7 racing and coursing rules...does anyone have views on rules and how to apply them?

i have posted this hoping that we can have a good forum debate about running country fairs, hunt shows and the general competition scene involving lurchers...look forward to hearing all your views and ideas...paul.

 

[bertha]

With regard to sight hounds running with lurchers. I see no problem providing pairs are matched size wise. It wouldn't bother me running my whippet with a small lurcher, muzzled of course!

As whippet racing is in a state at the moment, this is a road I would consider. Being new to this side of things it will be a steep learning curve for me and my dog. He has lure coursed and raced. Runs clean and doesn't turn his head.

I am all for anything to promote the running dog.

 

[Stubournazza]

i have got back into the lurcher coursing scene this past three years and im saddened to see the way in which it has declined. i would like to open a discussion on what are the most popular/unpopular ways of running such events?1 coursing...do people prefer gates or or no gates?

2 straight racing...do u think 2 dog heats or multiple dog heats?..as in more than 2?

3 hurdles...timed or 2 dog heats?

4 long jump...how popular is this?

5 booking in...drawn blind/or not?

6 breeding...should a sighthound/ whippet etc etc be allowed to run against lurchers?

7 racing and coursing rules...does anyone have views on rules and how to apply them?

i have posted this hoping that we can have a good forum debate about running country fairs, hunt shows and the general competition scene involving lurchers...look forward to hearing all your views and ideas...paul.

Well .....my dogs n I have only been coursing over past year or so and we love it. So for what it's worth here is a newbies perspective

1) prefer gates..... and people at them with flags.... less chance of dare I say it ' a blind eye' being turned to a missed turn o

2) Multiple is good, think if less than 4 then would take forever to do a days racing with unders, overs, straights, course and showing :wacko:

3) can't really comment on this as my new dog is too young and my older lass prefered to run through the hurdles rather than go over them :unsure: (w00t)

4) Haven't done this, but would do if I had an over 23"

5) drawn blind is good or you will have people picking their queue spot in order to avoid being up against a good dog (well I would :b )

6) No. Sighthounds should run against sighthounds....but then you bring in debate as to when is a lurcher a sighthound i.e. a long dog!! Hmmm.. there are alot of long dogs running as lurchers or is this a whole other wormy debate

7) What are the rules? Re: coursing, I have seen dogs run pretty straight and win and dogs run the same and lose on the same course with the same 'judge' hence the reason why I answered as I did to 1). To be honest I am not an expert on the rules, are they the same for all the coursing/ racing clubs/ groups?

Can you say in what way it has declined? I have thoroughly enjoyed the coursing as have my dogs and the majority of the people are great, you get the odd few numpties (to be polite) in any sport. And I am looking forward to another enjoyable year ahead.

That's it from me.....

Regards

Tina, Mika, Littl'Un and the Monster munsters :teehee:

 

[shane-1]

i have got back into the lurcher coursing scene this past three years and im saddened to see the way in which it has declined. i would like to open a discussion on what are the most popular/unpopular ways of running such events?1 coursing...do people prefer gates or or no gates?

2 straight racing...do u think 2 dog heats or multiple dog heats?..as in more than 2?

3 hurdles...timed or 2 dog heats?

4 long jump...how popular is this?

5 booking in...drawn blind/or not?

6 breeding...should a sighthound/ whippet etc etc be allowed to run against lurchers?

7 racing and coursing rules...does anyone have views on rules and how to apply them?

i have posted this hoping that we can have a good forum debate about running country fairs, hunt shows and the general competition scene involving lurchers...look forward to hearing all your views and ideas...paul.

well paul my name is shane i started up lurcher drag racing ere in roscrea co tipperary irelnd ive being in dogs since child and all my fam befor me so i think i would ave some idea we keep greyhounds as well my view is two dogs at each race the same as coursing dogs and wat i say the cream will come to the top tat is a fact becos no one can make excuses and tat solves all problems excuses so on.we make a draw two nights befor ever one welcome to seee the draw so again no excuses we run under 23/and over 23 and everyone seems to be happy wit this and of course all clubs should ave rules

 

[jinnyfizz]

Hi Paul

Well, as another newcomer to lurcher competition last season I'm probably not experienced enough yet to be any use to the discussion but here's my input - derived from what I have learnt over the last 9 months :thumbsup:

1 coursing...do people prefer gates or or no gates?

Having run Poacher in both types of competition, I have to say that no gates is more to my preference. I understand the course itself is meant to simulate the run of a live hare and therefore a clever dog would naturally see the "hare" turn and would cut a corner, if necessary, to get that bit closer to the quarry? If gates are involved, then the clever/experienced dog will probably not win their heat because they will turn before the gate. And why not! They are following the "hare" Competitive coursing with no gates does however, IMO, require a very astute and experienced judge and the dogs should be matched in weight/size (which is addressed below).

2 straight racing...do u think 2 dog heats or multiple dog heats?..as in more than 2?

I don't have much experience with straight racing, but the few times mine have run, the heats have had 3 or 4 competitors which I think makes it more like racing than a head to head would be. I think it is also more interesting, from a spectator point of view, to have more than 2 in a race (2 horse races can be boring :lol: )

3 hurdles...timed or 2 dog heats?

Now for hurdles, I like the 2 dog heats. Jumping styles can vary so much and a dog which spends more time in the air would be penalised if it was timed. I think the pupose of hurdling is to produce a lurcher which can jump cleanly as well as fast - this being critical in the real working world when they are expected to jump barbed wire without ripping themselves to pieces?

4 long jump...how popular is this?

Not something mine have competed in before but I enjoy watching it ......... especially the terrier long jump :lol: :thumbsup:

5 booking in...drawn blind/or not?

I prefer a blind draw. After all, that is what a draw is meant to be ........ a chance!

6 breeding...should a sighthound/ whippet etc etc be allowed to run against lurchers?

I have successfully coursed both whippets and my lurcher and I do think that each should compete in their own height/type group. I think it can be hard for a true lurcher (that is sighthound bred with some working strain such as collie or terrier) to compete against a non-ped whippet/longdog but I think it also depends on the type of course set (twisty or free-running etc). For now, I am personally happy to run my ped whippets against other ped whippets and my lurchers in either under 23" or over 23" against other true lurchers - for me, I can only see an issue if I am competing against a non-ped whippet with my lurcher in the under 23" so I would like to see the non peds run against their own type and not against lurchers

I suppose the problem around this is proving that the dogs competing are genuinely lurchers as many lurchers now have so little of the working breeds in them that you can't tell by looking :wacko:

7 racing and coursing rules...does anyone have views on rules and how to apply them?

Oooo, I don't know enough about this one yet, Paul!! All I can say is that rules should be applied across the board and apply to all concerned!

The other point I thought would be worth mentioning is slipping? This can make or break a dog's chance and a good hand slipper is crucial to the success of the competition. If proper slips are used then all's fair, but Poacher has experienced some traumatic hand slips and I hate to see her at a disadvantage because of this ........ by the way, Paul, your slipping has been exemplary :thumbsup:

I hope the above makes some sense!! Reading back I'm not sure, but it's a newcomer's perspective anyway

 

[goodgal]

Hiya I am also a rookie but have raced Rowan a fair bit this year with mixed results.

He tends to get on better without gates as although this was his first season he quickly learned to "read"? the lure and although not running straight line races he can skip inside some gates.

I suppose gates do make things totally fair but am not sure that they allow the best coursing dogs to always go through.

I think it is best when the judging is explained as it hopefully prevents ill feeling and other rules probably should also be made clear eg pure breds allowed or not, minimum age, bitches in season.

IMO I don't think pure breds should race lurchers although I guess it makes more difference in straight racing rather than coursing. The long dog/lurcher debate is obviously a hot topic but again I think in coursing pure speed alone isn't everything.

Rowan did very well in his first two hurdles events: reserve and then champion but after that he stopped running - just stood and watched the lure go and he only does that when there are hurdles there and he's not scared to jump in other situations. We think he got scared - took a knock maybe off a bigger dog? So in that sense I guess timed hurdles would be safer for the dogs.

I'm not sure there is any advantage in running straight races in pairs - it would begin to favour dogs with better stamina as more races would be involved and it might make people less likely to compete in multiple events for the same reason?

I also prefer a blind draw and do not think this should then be altered.

I think we should be very grateful to all the dedicated folk out there who give their spare time to run these events and try to make things fair etc for everyone - I certainly appreciate all their efforts - thank you!

 

[devonmaid]

in my area coursing has improved a thousand fold and i,m really gratefull to kev and debs and the rest of there team for the great events they put on ,i can't really comment on your questions as i havn't competed with lurchers yet

 

[milly]

Whippet x Greyhounds have been lurcher racing the last 40 years :thumbsup: so why should they be segregated now?

This breed is a lurcher, if it can fill the pot it's doing what the word lurcher means My experience with people who are bias towards these dogs racing, is that are poor losers.

I used to go coursing under rules with this breed against saluki x greyhounds, and get beat week in week out, but never thought that the saluki crosses should only run against other saluki type, I just loved competing win or lose.

I'll pass on the other 6 questions :lol:

Geoff

 

[Finleyfoofoo]

I tend to agree Geoff.At the end of the day,a GreyxSaluki is a Sighthound,so where does it stop.I have Grey crosses and a beddy cross.Its a old can of worms that has been going on for years.If you go on Hunting Life,A greyxWhippet is now listed as Lurcher,i have always seen all my dogs as such.

I enjoy the racing,for the excitement,but then again,i do have two WhippetxGreys who have won us numerous trophys :clown:

Amandaxx

 

[mao]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds.

A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extremely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

 

[Finleyfoofoo]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds. A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extre.mely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

I agree Maggi,and its hard to please everyone all the time,as you well know!!There will always be numpties that are there just to cause trouble,and start rows.I heard about the episode in question,absolutely disgusting.It must have been very frightening,the lady in question has spoken to me over the winter,and i just hope it has not put her off.

Roll on the next lot of shows Maggi,i for one am a very happy punter.

Amandaxx

 

[storm1]

any cross should be allowed to run he these events if your lurcher is good enough doesnt matter

what cross he/she is

thats like saying colliexs win the obedience all the time

end of the day its a bit o fun not the end of the world :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[TIGGERGOULD]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds. A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extre.mely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

I agree Maggi,and its hard to please everyone all the time,as you well know!!There will always be numpties that are there just to cause trouble,and start rows.I heard about the episode in question,absolutely disgusting.It must have been very frightening,the lady in question has spoken to me over the winter,and i just hope it has not put her off.

Roll on the next lot of shows Maggi,i for one am a very happy punter.

Amandaxx

can u please keep on topic, there are 2 sides to every story and i dont think you have heard both????

please feel free to pm me with any concerns or questions that u may have otherwise stay on topic PLEASE!!!..paul.

 

[Finleyfoofoo]

Lurcher shows have not declined.As you say,you have only got back into it in the last 3 years,i have been doing it for 9 years.I think Coursing and straight racing is still as popular as ever.I was talking to Maggi,not adding to your topic.Maggi runs and participates in many shows and all her points are very valid!!

Amanda

 

[mao]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds. A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extre.mely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

I agree Maggi,and its hard to please everyone all the time,as you well know!!There will always be numpties that are there just to cause trouble,and start rows.I heard about the episode in question,absolutely disgusting.It must have been very frightening,the lady in question has spoken to me over the winter,and i just hope it has not put her off.

Roll on the next lot of shows Maggi,i for one am a very happy punter.

Amandaxx

can u please keep on topic, there are 2 sides to every story and i dont think you have heard both????

please feel free to pm me with any concerns or questions that u may have otherwise stay on topic PLEASE!!!..paul.

I think you will find that I have stayed on topic, answering all the items as listed, you also wanted to know what makes lurcher events popular/unpopular that I have also answered with the item re peoples behaviour at lurcher events. It's not always the actual competitions ie coursing, racing etc that make the shows popular sometimes it's down to whether people have enjoyed themselves & how well it's organised.

 

[milly]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds. A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extre.mely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

I agree Maggi,and its hard to please everyone all the time,as you well know!!There will always be numpties that are there just to cause trouble,and start rows.I heard about the episode in question,absolutely disgusting.It must have been very frightening,the lady in question has spoken to me over the winter,and i just hope it has not put her off.

Roll on the next lot of shows Maggi,i for one am a very happy punter.

Amandaxx

can u please keep on topic, there are 2 sides to every story and i dont think you have heard both????

please feel free to pm me with any concerns or questions that u may have otherwise stay on topic PLEASE!!!..paul.

Can't see where anyone as gone off topic.

 

[ladyp]

I assume that by the term sighthound you mean pedigrees or pure breeds ie whippet or saluki or greyhound, they have their own competitions so no they shouldn't compete in lurcher events. At lurcher shows we help at or organise we try to run separate events for pure breeds. A long dog is a sighthound crossed with another type of sighthound....... whippet X greyhound or deerhound X greyhound etc all these type crosses compete in lurcher events because they are lurchers.

Surely straight racing is about the fastest dog on the day winning & it's not always a whippet/greyhound that wins.

1.Don't mind either way, gates are fine as long as they are properly set up to give the dogs a chance of going through them.

No gates depends on 1 persons opinion, fine if it's an experienced judge but there are some who don't have a clue & I have actually seen judges talking to their mates & not watching :angry:

With a judge, it's points given for the outrun, 1st turn etc,

From a spectators point of view gates are easier to understand.

2.Straight racing, depends on space available I pefer a max of 4 dogs per heat, divided into under 23" & over 23", we put on under 21" as well. Also races for puppies, some places don't have puppy racing, you can do all the lure training practise at home but they need to experience running against other dogs. Being objective :lol: the against for puppies is that you could have a potentially good pup that runs against ones that just want to play & can be a distraction. But lurcher racing is supposed to be about fun :thumbsup: that's why people enter their family pet lurchers, who probably have never seen a lure before into the competitions.

3.Personally I prefer 2 dogs running over hurdles on a knockout basis untimed, but they should jump them not limbo under :- Timed hurdles is a bit like the speed jump competitions that are held at some shows except dogs run individually, still the fastest time wins.

4.Long jump, I'm actually in the process of making one at the moment Having long jump at shows again depends on space allowed especially at the game fairs, it takes time to set up so you need extra space to have a long jump set up & ready to use. Time is another factor that has to be considered if you are running a full lurcher show, the most popular events are coursing & straight racing, most dogs can have a go at this, long jump is a bit more specialised so do you restrict the number of entries for the popular events so that you can have a few enter long jump comp.

Hurdles also quite popular but also needs to be set up ready to go so again it's down to space, basically people competing don't want to be hanging about waiting while things are being set up with dogs that are raring to go.

5.Blind draw.

6.Already covered, see top of post.

7.I don't think that it would be feasible to get 1 set of rules/regulations to cover all lurcher shows/events, it would be good if each show displayed their rules clearly either in the schedule or the entries tent.

For me a couple of things that can spoil a good day are the people that aren't racing standing round at the start of racing with dogs that don't need to be there & not being able to hold onto them or even worse deliberately letting them go, I've seen some racing dogs getting injured because if this.

The other one is the bad sportsmanship, most shows we went to were great in 2009 but 1 episode at the Midland game fair spoilt what was a good weekend, where a man was extremely verbally aggressive to a lady during Sundays straight racing. This was disgraceful behaviour as there were kids about & also the general public, this does nothing to promote the lurcher owners image to some people who still think of us as poachers, it's a pity there's no way of banning this type of person but lurcher events have progressed a long way from the early days when they weren't family orientated so here's to a good 2010 season to all competitors. :thumbsup:

Well said,nothing to add to this list.

 

[dartmoor4x4]

in my area coursing has improved a thousand fold and i,m really gratefull to Kev and debs and the rest of there team for the great events they put on ,i can't really comment on your questions as i havn't competed with lurchers yet

I`m with you Tish on this one as before Kev & Deb Came along there was no lurcher coursing in Devon. But due to there input it has gone from strength to strength. Cant wait for the next show date.

P.s Would luv to start up whippet coursing in Devon Tish.lol :thumbsup:

Atb. Dart