VDCC Information

Information

This page will hopefully answer most of the usual questions asked about the Venture Drag Coursing Club.

What is the Venture Drag Coursing Club?
The VDCC is racing club for dogs.

What is the history of the Venture Drag Coursing Club?
The original idea for the VDCC was conceived by Sue and Terry Ward as an alternative to other types of dog racing available, with the VDCC any dog is welcome to enter, and within the duration of a meeting there will be a number of different breeds of dogs running, in some cases against each other (although the norm is that it is dogs of the same breed). Another difference is that VDCC meetings are primarily about having fun, an opportunity for the dogs to have a run and for the owners to meet up and have a chat about life the universe and a few canine related things as well.

What is the basic format of the races?
The dogs are normally split into groups of four (called a stake), and graded by breed, age, height and weight. The first two dogs in the stake run against each other, then the second two. Once all of the initial races in the stakes have been run, the whole process is then repeated from the start except this time the winners of each half of the stake race against other, and the remaining two dogs run in a first round knockout.

How does the VDCC differ from other types of racing?
Most dog racing occurs either on a straight or oval shaped level running track, the VDCC currently run on a 400 yard track the first half of which has a very small incline rising to something more challenging in the second half, to see a picture click HERE. The other main difference is instead of running from traps, a special double collared lead with a quick release mechanism called Slips is used. To see a pair of dogs in Slips about to start a race click HERE.

How often does the club meet?
There is no set timetable of events, however most meetings occur during the summer months with a few at other times of the year, it all depends on the personal commitments of the organisers and trying to avoid clashes with other racing events and dog shows etc. The best way to keep informed of forthcoming events is to check the EVENTS page and sign up onto our MAILING LIST.

Is there a subscription fee?
In a word no, all you have pay for in advance is the entry fee for your dogs that will be racing and an admission fee on the day.

Are there restrictions on the entries?
Again in a word no, although please note that the slipper (the man who starts the dogs off) does reserve the right to refuse a dog on the day, if you are unsure contact the VDCC HERE.

How far a field do people travel to the VDCC meetings?
Our appeal reaches far and wide with entries from a far North as Blackpool, Ely in the East and Poole in the South

What is a Venture Drag Coursing Champion?
Really it is just a bit of fun, if your dog wins both of its races in a stake at two separate meetings then it is promoted to the status of Venture Drag Coursing Champion and you will receive a certificate.

How long does a meeting take?
That is very much dependant on how big an entry there is, the usual start time is 10am and a meeting will typically go on until 4pm.

	Venture Drag Coursing Club
	Information This page will hopefully answer most of the usual questions asked about the Venture Drag Coursing Club. What is the Venture Drag Coursing Club? The VDCC is racing club for dogs. What is the history of the Venture Drag Coursing Club? The original idea for the VDCC was conceived by Sue and Terry Ward as an alternative to other types of dog racing available, with the VDCC any dog is welcome to enter, and within the duration of a meeting there will be a number of different breeds of dogs running, in some cases against each other (although the norm is that it is dogs of the same breed). Another difference is that VDCC meetings are primarily about having fun, an opportunity for the dogs to have a run and for the owners to meet up and have a chat about life the universe and a few canine related things as well. What is the basic format of the races? The dogs are normally split into groups of four (called a stake), and graded by breed, age, height and weight. The first two dogs in the stake run against each other, then the second two. Once all of the initial races in the stakes have been run, the whole process is then repeated from the start except this time the winners of each half of the stake race against other, and the remaining two dogs run in a first round knockout. How does the VDCC differ from other types of racing? Most dog racing occurs either on a straight or oval shaped level running track, the VDCC currently run on a 400 yard track the first half of which has a very small incline rising to something more challenging in the second half, to see a picture click HERE. The other main difference is instead of running from traps, a special double collared lead with a quick release mechanism called Slips is used. To see a pair of dogs in Slips about to start a race click HERE. How often does the club meet? There is no set timetable of events, however most meetings occur during the summer months with a few at other times of the year, it all depends on the personal commitments of the organisers and trying to avoid clashes with other racing events and dog shows etc. The best way to keep informed of forthcoming events is to check the EVENTS page and sign up onto our MAILING LIST. Is there a subscription fee? In a word no, all you have pay for in advance is the entry fee for your dogs that will be racing and an admission fee on the day. Are there restrictions on the entries? Again in a word no, although please note that the slipper (the man who starts the dogs off) does reserve the right to refuse a dog on the day, if you are unsure contact the VDCC HERE. How far a field do people travel to the VDCC meetings? Our appeal reaches far and wide with entries from a far North as Blackpool, Ely in the East and Poole in the South What is a Venture Drag Coursing Champion? Really it is just a bit of fun, if your dog wins both of its races in a stake at two separate meetings then it is promoted to the status of Venture Drag Coursing Champion and you will receive a certificate. How long does a meeting take? That is very much dependant on how big an entry there is, the usual start time is 10am and a meeting will typically go on until 4pm.