Eight to twelve dogs compete per heat, with 13 heats a day the norm. The Agua Caliente racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico, from which many of our greyhounds come, runs 13 races every night and matinee performances on weekends. The dogs are weighed two hours prior to running and are examined by a veterinarian and a paddock judge. They are next blanketed and muzzled, and taken onto the track for the pre-race parade. At race time the greyhounds are put in the starting box, the artificial lure comes around the track, and the box opens.
Drug testing is conducted after each race.
Each state has its own rules regarding the grading system. A, B, C, D, E, J, and M. Most states also have S for stake races and T for races with mixed grades. Agua Caliente also races grades D and E. The Racing Secretary is responsible for the proper grading of the greyhounds under the provisions outlined by the state. Before the opening of the race meet, the Racing Secretary, after schooling all greyhounds, and considering their past performance, assigns the greyhounds to a proper grade. The Racing Secretary may reclassify a greyhound at any time, but not more than one grade higher or lower.