Hi - I am member and Chairman of Harvel Pedigree Whippet Racing Club, based in Dartford, Kent. For those who don't know, pedigree whippet racing is a strictly amateur sport with no gambling or prize money. We race for the fun and enjoyment from seeing our pets do what they love to do - chase a carrier bag on the end of a fast moving string! Naturally they do it from instinct - and as most have never actually caught a rabbit they probably don't know the difference! With no money to be made, the uninitiated always seem bemused as to why we bother, but once you have a whippet and take it to a meeting you will understand. Our dogs are pets that race, not racers that live with us until they are too knackered and old to perform any longer, so you must think hard about buying a whippet puppy or older dog - you may not get much sporting life in comparison to it's lifespan. On the other hand you will have a loyal, loving and faithful companion until the day comes when fate decides you must part. My eldest one is 16 years of age next month and I seriously doubt she will last that long, but I love her dearly, and she and I have had some fantastic days out albeit many years ago now! In our sport at the age of 6 they officially become a veteran and from then on only race against OTHER veterans and at 10 years they are retired from racing. But not retired from running! They can still enjoy a run up the track as part of a training excercise for a younger dog - assuming that the older dog is still fit and healthy of course. If there is a way to post piccies in my blog then I will - but I suspect there isn't! If this little episode has got you curious about our sport, do contact me and I will be only too pleased to give you further info. Ian