right|thumb|Several greyhounds before a race
Greyhound racing is an organised, competitive sport in which greyhounds race on dedicated tracks. The modern track form of the sport developed from hare coursing and uses a mechanically operated artificial lure (usually a form of windsock) that travels along a rail ahead of the dogs. As with horse racing, greyhound races frequently involve parimutuel or bookmaker betting.
In many countries, greyhound racing is conducted at an amateur level. In other countries, particularly Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States, it forms part of the commercial gambling industry.
In recent years, greyhound racing has declined in several jurisdictions, with a number of countries and regions introducing bans or phase-outs, often citing animal welfare concerns.
History
right|thumb|Greyhound on a gallop
thumb|Greyhound hurdle race in 1939
Modern greyhound racing has its origins in coursing. In 1919, Smith opened the first professional dog-racing track with stands in Emeryville, California. The Emeryville arena was torn down in February 1920 to make way for the construction of a modern racetrack using the mechanical lure, described in the press as the "automatic rabbit." The first race at the new park was on Saturday, May 29, 1920.
The oval track and mechanical hare were introduced to Britain in 1926 by American promoter Charles Munn, in association with Major Leslie Lyne Dixson