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Owning your own racer is a thrill, and most owners will testify that after venturing into ownership for the first time they have invariably gone on to buy more dogs.

Work out how much you can afford to outlay for a greyhound. Once you have set your budget, do not be tempted to exceed it. Wait until you find a greyhound that suits your needs and budget. The right one will come along eventually. Do not forget that you will need to home your greyhound after their racing days are over.

Your first greyhound

Greyhounds can race until five years of age, sometimes, but only rarely, if they are still enjoying the game they could go on for longer. With that in mind, aim to buy a young dog, preferably no older than 3, and one that has been injury free.

As with anything in life, the more you spend, the more you are likely to get back. Whilst the more expensive dogs are more likely to cover their kennelling bills by running for higher prize-money, be aware that money does not guarantee success.

There are several ways to enter greyhound ownership. If you are completely new to the sport, you should contact a trainer for advice and maybe ask to meet some existing owners who can share their experiences with you. It is strongly suggested you do not buy a greyhound directly yourself especially if your knowledge of greyhounds, their breeding and form is limited.

Try to find a trainer for your greyhound first. If a trainer has room at their kennels they will be able to guide you on your first purchase. They may also have racers available for sale within their kennel (check the Classifieds section of this site for the latest dogs for sale).

Dogs versus Bitches

You will notice dogs are more expensive than bitches. The main reason for this is because bitches will almost certainly come into season at some stage during their career and require time away from the track. Speak to trainers about the use of suppressants because some will advise you to allow your bitch to come into season once and then suppress future seasons, whilst others may be against the use of suppressants altogether.

Monthly costs

Trainer’s fees vary but on average it will cost you £6 per day plus VAT to keep your greyhound in training. You should always contact a trainer and discuss kennelling fees in advance. Most trainers will invoice you monthly for costs less prize money your greyhound has earned. (Prize money is paid to the trainer first). Always make sure that you can afford the monthly bills irrespective of prize money and can afford to own a racer who may be off through either injury, being in season, or simply having a short break from the track. Treat prize money as a bonus.

Aim Low

If you buy a greyhound with the dream of winning the Derby it is almost certain you will be an unhappy owner. Be realistic in your expectations and listen to your trainer who will probably have looked after thousands of racers and be able to give you an indication of your greyhound’s ability and future prospects.

The younger the greyhound the more they will cost. A two year-old dog running in A5’s will cost you considerably more than a three year-old in the same grade.

You may be tempted to buy a puppy that is yet to race. This is a cheaper way of owning a greyhound and you have the excitement of wondering just how good your greyhound might be. For first-time owners yet to have a runner on the track, this is a risk unless your pup is already at schooling age and has shown they have a future on the racetrack. Remember, many pups do not chase the hare, fight (so become ineligible to race), or they are simply not quick enough to qualify to race. It is a risk and as well as buying the pup you have to pay their monthly rearing costs before they hit the racetrack.

Your greyhound will earn you prize money every time they race and most greyhounds will run 4-5 times per month. On average, your greyhound would probably need to win one race per month to cover most if not all of their bill.

If you buy a greyhound currently running, you can change their name but this is considered by many to be unlucky! Changing a name or registering a name for an unraced dog will involve a small fee.

If you have some close friends who want to own a greyhound with you, you will find the costs are dramatically reduced and of course, you also have someone else to share all the fun with. The leader of the syndicate will be responsible for the greyhound’s welfare once they have retired. Tracks provide extra Owner’s Passes for syndicates, but check with your trainer (if they are attached to a track) as to how many passes you are entitled to.

Other things to know

● Owner’s will be given a pass allowing free access for them and a guest to the track when their dog runs. (Rules vary – please check).

Conclusion

Whilst the above is intended as a guide only, I strongly believe that if you stick to your budget, ensure you can afford monthly bills regardless of prize money, “aim low” and don’t dream of winning the Derby then you should enjoy your first venture into greyhound ownership. Good luck!