The Abilene Coursing Club was holding greyhound races as far back as 1901 but it was many years later that Abilene became established as the greyhound capital of the world through location here for the National Coursing Association headquarters offices and park. The NCA keeps the files and breeding records for dogs of all ages here each spring and fall. Each meet lasts eight days and brings greyhounds, owners and handlers from all parts of the country to Abilene for periods of  three to four weeks every year. 

The National Coursing Association has been of great economic benefit to Abilene in many ways, not the least of whwich has been the development of a dozen or more greyhound breeding and training farms around the city in recent years, in addition to another dozen or more smaller kennels. SOme of them are quite elaborate on the border of the Kentucky horse farms, boasting theor own butchering plants for food and lighted tracks for training. Pat McMahon, executive secretary of the National Coursing Association, estimates the greyhound business amounts to approximately $500,000 a year to Abilene. Dog food is purchased in carload lots to the tune of about $150,000 a year.