Lumby greyhound Pedie is a former top greyhound for lure coursing in all of Canada. (Submitted Photo)

Lumby greyhound Pedie is a former top greyhound for lure coursing in all of Canada. (Submitted Photo)

Races gone to the dogs

Whippet Club of B.C. hosts lure trials in Lavington

Catch some of Western Canada’s fastest dogs in action in Lavington.

The public is invited to the Whippet Club of B.C.’s spring trials, one of few left, taking place April 29 and 30 on Langford Road.

The event draws dogs from across British Columbia and beyond.

“Most of them are now coming from Edmonton,” said Christine Berlin, who is organizing the Lavington event.

A couple of whippets from Lumby and Kelowna, a pair from Osoyoos and several dogs from Vancouver will also be racing.

While whippets are among those taking to the track, the event features other speedy breeds such as greyhound, Irish wolfound, deerhound, Afghan, Basenji, Borzoi, Saluji and pharoah hound.

The public is urged to come and catch the action between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. both days at the event.

Unfortunately, the all-dog races which have been held in the past will not be taking place this time.

But back by popular demand is the Berlin Friend and Family jam and jelly sale.

“Funds raised from the sale of these tasty products go towards paying our many expenses incurred in hosting whippet and sighthound events,” said Berlin, who makes most of the jams from ingredients right from her garden.

To get to the trials, follow lure signs in Lavington from the corner of Highway 6 and Park Lane: follow Park Lane 1.4 km before turning left onto Learmouth Road and travelling another 1.7 km and then take another left onto Reid Road, which turns into Bluenose Road at 1.1 km. Just after Whitevale Road (on the left), turn right onto l Langford Road and drive the gravel drive 200 metres to the field entrance on your right.

For more information on the event, club vice president Fiona Hart can be reached at 250-860-2706.

Vernon Morning Star