Dog-racing andWagering

Most of the dogsparticipating in organized competition are male or female greyhounds,althoughraces between whippets and between salukis are also held.The racing

greyhound,aslender,graceful animal weighing about 29kg(about 65lb),is in its prime atapproximately the age of three; however,it actively competes between the agesof one

and five.It canattain speeds of up to 64km/h (40mph).The price of a trained racing greyhounddepends on its record in competition.During its racing life an outstanding

greyhound may earnup to $200,000 in purses and breeding fees.

Most dog-racingstadiums have specially designed facilities consisting of a grandstand,arunning track, kennels, accommodations for pari-mutuel（赛马赌金计算器）

betting, a judges'stand,and a system of floodlights to accommodate night racing. The racing areaproper varies but is approximately 402m(1/4 mile)in length and averages 6m

(20ft)in width.Itsinside circumference is ringed by a metal rail along which the lure ispropelled by electrical power. There are some 55 tracks currently active in theUnited

States.

Races in the United Statesare commonly held at the distances of 503m(5/16 mile),604m (3/8 mile),and704m(7/16 mile).About 13 races are run during a given program,with

8 or 9 greyhoundscompeting in each race. The competing greyhounds are muzzled（戴上嘴套）to assist the judges in photofinishes and as a precaution against fighting.

They are raced inbrightly colored numbered jackets to facilitate identification by judges andspectators.

As a prelude to eachrace,the mechanical lure is set in motion in full view of the greyhounds, whichare confined in a starting box. When the lure is approximately 6m(20ft)

beyond the startingbox,the dogs are released in pursuit.As the race progresses,the speed of thelure is controlled so that it remains in advance of the pack.If any of the dogs

interfere with thelure at any point short of the finish line,the race is automatically declarednull and void.

Wagering and theprospect of winning large purse amounts are the important elements in theappeal of the sport to both spectators and greyhounds owners.American stakes

offer prizes up to$200,000.In the U.S.,greyhoundracing is ranked sixth among spectator sports.Wagering is legal in the statesof

Alabama,Arizona,Arkansas,Colorado,Connecticut,Florida,Idaho,Iowa,Kansas,Massachusetts,Nevada,New Hampshire,Oregon,Rhode Island,SouthDakota,Texas,Vermont,

West Virginia and Wisconsin.In 1988,some 27 millionspectators wagered in excess of $3 billion at U.S.dog-racing tracks.What will happento the dogs who are short of the finish line?

A.The result will beinvalid.

B.They will beannounced the winners.

C.They will receivebonus.

D.They will bepunished by their owners.