Despite a poor forecast it was another lovely sunny day for Beagle racing. Since the Scottish Beagle Club website has been advertising the racing we’ve had a steady stream of newcomers. The nice thing is that lots of young dogs are now taking part.
A points race was scheduled for today. There are several points races throughout the season. As well as the normal winners rosettes, the dogs are awarded points according to their finishing position:
- 1st Place 4 points
- 2nd Place 3 points
- 3rd Place 2 points
- 4th Place 1 point
- 5th Place 1 point
The dog that comes in first is handicapped at the next points race and has to start 6 yards behind the other dogs. His handicap is gradually reduced by a yard a week until he’s running from scratch again – unless of course he manages another first place in which case it’s back to a 6 yard handicap. After the first few points races all the fast dogs are typically running with a handicap giving the slower dogs a chance to win some points. At the end of the season a trophy is awarded to the dog with the most points.
According to the schedule most of the season’s points races are also weight handicapped (in keeping with the rules in Whippet racing). Larger dogs are considered to have a big advantage over small dogs so Whippet racing uses weight handicaps to ensure that all the dogs get a fair chance. The lighter dogs start the race one yard per pound ahead of the heavier dogs.
All the Beagles lined up for their weigh in before racing kicked off. Beanie is still the same trim 23lbs as last season. The other Beagles tend to range between 30 – 40+ lbs so last year Beanie easily won all of the handicap races – she started 10 yards ahead of all the fast dogs! We were surprised to discover that Biggles is only 25lbs – he’s much chunkier than Beanie and is even slightly taller and longer. But I guess it’s mostly bone and bone is very light.
Whilst we love our dogs to win races the weight handicap system does give them a huge (and unnecessary) advantage. Despite being small they are fast (particularly Beanie) and they do enjoy the challenge of a tough race. So we weren’t disappointed when Graham and Jill ruled that the dogs would be running from scratch (i.e. all starting level).
Beanie wins her first heat comfortably
Biggles comes in second in his heat against favorite Murphy
Beanie had a tough second heat race. She got boxed in against the barrier by Holly who was running shoulder to shoulder with her for the whole course. Beanie couldn’t get past her to the lure, and Holly only had eyes for her dad on the finish line and was making a bee line straight for him!
Beanie (red) boxed in by a super-fast Holly
But she manages to find an extra gear at the last moment and is soon back on course for the lure and a first place.
Another first place for Beanie
In his second heat Biggles is beaten into second place again by Murphy
The line up for the final was Beanie, Biggles (yay!!!), Murphy and Holly. It was close, but Beanie (white) won the race beating Murphy (red) by about half a length. Little Biggles (blue) brought up the rear in 4th place.
Beanie first, Murhpy second, Holly third and Biggles fourth
Newcomer Todd did extremely well, winning the consolation race – and showing great promise by ‘killing’ the lure.
Todd catches the lure…
…and kills it
After the first points race of the season Beanie is in the lead with 4 points, Murphy 3 points, Holly 2 points and Biggles and Todd 1 point each. But next time Beanie will be starting from 6 yards behind the other dogs!
Murphy, Biggles, Beanie, Todd and Holly
You’ll find lots more pictures of today’s racing here.