On June 9, 2012 Kanzu earned a new racing title. Racing with his friend Paladin he received the last of the 12 points needed to earn the Gazehound Racing Champion title (GRC) offered by the Large Gazehound Race Association (LGRA). LGRA racing is similar to straight racing done by whippets. Hounds race 200 yards on a straight flat surface. There are three programs with heats made up of a maximum of four dogs. Dogs run with muzzles and race blankets. Depending on the size of the breed and the equipment of the club the hounds are either released from racing boxes or hand slipped. Typically, because of their large size, Ridgebacks are hand slipped. Winners earn points toward their title.

Kanzu began racing in 2010 and needed just one and a half points to complete his championship when he took a year off to concentrate on agility. With the completion of his MACH, Kanzu returned to the race track. He could hardly contain his excitement when the car arrived at the race meet and he realized where he was and what he was going to do that day. Kanzu was so intensely excited on his first day back racing that it took multiple handlers to control him and get him to the start line. It was thrilling to see him so happy doing what he loves the most.

 
 
 

Photos by Kelly Gamble