Lenka Malinovská has got devout companions. She is mostly surrounded by Arab greyhounds on a race track in Lednice. She thinks of Sloughi as of a man friendly animal that can look up to her as being somewhat artistic. It is there for a person that does not require strict obedience maintained by silly drill exercises and expressing their own dominance.

You must have fallen in love with Sloughi, otherwise you might not have even started your breeding station?
I am fascinated by her independent nature, her boundless devotion that is seen in the context of her hunting nature. It is said that the world looks its best on horse back. I cannot disagree, I used to breed horses myself for many years. But it is breathtaking to watch Sloughi running around a meadow, into the sunset, chasing a hare. Watching such a spectacle you seem to forget all your worries as your heart beats on with excitement. These moments are more meaningful than anything of any material value. Briefly said, the breeding of greyhounds brings me peace, balance, tolerance and a huge deal of humbleness. To put it in teenage talk it is an absolute chill out.

What rules are in place for dog contestants?
Greyhound races follow their own rules. There are several types of races organised in Lednice. National races account for point-system races where the best twelve greyhounds are awarded with points. At the end of the season the winner is announced in particular breeds and sexes after twelve such races. National races also account for championship races that determine the Champion of the Czech Republic, Bohemia and Moravia. These are one-off races. And finally, there are international races, under FCI and their racing section CDL. During this race it is possible to declare a competition for CACIL- the title of international racing champion. It is similar to a better known title CACIB that is only competed for during dog shows. The Czech equivalent is a CACT title, Czech racing champion, competed for during some national point races. International competitors can take part in a race regardless of it being national or international. They can race in Lednice and become Champions or receive points for the race winner of the Czech Republic competition.

What is it like in Lednice during the race itself?
Races in Lednice are organised in a style of heats, second round heats, a semi-final, a final “A”, possibly a final “B” during races for points. In each heat there is a maximum of six greyhounds, out of which one or two, depending on the total number of greyhounds of the same breed and sex, go through. Those that are not successful in their heats have a chance in a second round. Male and female dogs compete separately and winners are also announced separately according to sex. Everything follows a progressive key rule which in the end determines a line-up for final races. The race track distance is 360 metres for small breeds (Italian hounds and whippets) and 480 metres for all other competitors.

Are you able to determine the qualities of a future race dog?
Their success is determined by the parents, their breeding station and the breeder alone. All that is ruled by demand and what is on offer. It is also different whether you acquire a greyhound in a country with racing tradition, in a country of your chosen breed’s origin or you simply like the nature of your neighbour’s dog. Let’s say that I am a dog racing enthusiast, I have worked with greyhounds for many years and would like to obtain a top dog. It is obvious that if I get a Champion descendant from mother’s side whose pedigree is adorned with only the reputable names from a world know breeding station, I will have to pay more. In this case I would not hesitate to pay two thousand euros.

How demanding is it to train dogs for races?
If the dog is naturally competitive, I can just encourage its nature, appetite and competitiveness. If it does not want to run, nothing in the world will make it to. A lot has been written about greyhound training. Tactics and strategy play an important role with experienced competitors and only the owner knows their dog best. However, if I have got a dog that is quite timid, overly dependant on me and fearful, I might have a great companion but not a prospective race dog.

What can the visitors of Lednice expect from this unusual sport?
They will definitely come across something different. Do you know how many greyhound breeds there are? Have you ever seen a tiny Italian hound racing? Barking all the way? Do you know how fast greyhounds can be? In Lednice, you can see the largest number of greyhounds of all race tracks in the country. Including those dogs that have already successfully taken part in top races. Good quality commentary will make the race interesting even for those that are new to this sport. And what’s more, next to the race track one can see a display of birds of prey and learn about the way they live, hunt and are looked after.