AU2016101820A4 - Improved Animal Race - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved animal race including at least a pair of race bows, at least one longitudinally extending head member to space the pair of race bows apart and at least two sidewall assemblies, one side wall assembly on either lateral side of the race and extending substantially between the spaced apart race bows, at least one of the sidewall assemblies pivotally attached relative to a lower portion of the race and having at least one latch assembly to hold the at least one sidewall assembly relative to each of the race bows and release the at least one sidewall assembly as required. LI, .9 19 22 23 11 26 - 26 21 - 3 1 ge21 - ---- -35 Figure 2

Description

ι 2016101820 17 Oct 2016

IMPROVED ANIMAL RACE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved animal race and particularly to an animal race that provides increased effectiveness through maintaining stock in single file and allowing emergency exit of stock.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Historically, a cattle chute (North America) or cattle race (Australia, British Isles and New Zealand) also called a run or alley, is a narrow corridor built for cattle, sheep, pigs and other animals to travel through when being herded from one location to another that is nearby. A conventional race consists of parallel panels or fences with a space between them just wide enough for one animal to pass through comfortably without being able to turn around, thus forming the animals into a queue that only allows them to go forward. It is used for routine husbandry activities such as drafting (sorting) or loading animals via ramp or loading chute into a vehicle; placing them one at a time in a cattle crush (variations also called a squeeze chute or standing stock) for examination, marking or veterinary treatment.

[0003] Races may be portable, or may be a permanent fixture with a concrete walkway. Portable races may be made of steel, iron or aluminium; but modem permanent ones are usually of steel or iron (sometimes timber or even concrete) which is usually set in concrete, with solid or railed sides and a non-slip floor. Lower parts of the race have side panels that may be removable in the event of an animal becoming cast (fallen) or caught up in which the animal is needed to be freed to prevent further injury.

[0004] Typically, gates are provided at the start and end of the race to regulate the movement of animals. The entrance is from a small funnel-shaped or semi-circular forcing pen (or forcing yard or crowding tub), where a gate is used to move cattle into the race.

[0005] The exit from the race may be through a drafting gate (or shedding gate), which swings to open one or another of several exits for separating animals into various groups.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 [0007] The present invention is directed to an improved animal race, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an improved animal race including at least a pair of race bows, at least one longitudinally extending head member to space the pair of race bows apart and at least two sidewall assemblies, one side wall assembly on either lateral side of the race and extending substantially between the spaced apart race bows, at least one of the sidewall assemblies pivotally attached relative to a lower portion of the race and having at least one latch assembly to hold the at least one sidewall assembly relative to each of the race bows and release the at least one sidewall assembly as required.

[0009] The improved animal race of the present invention includes at least a pair of race bows. Normally, one race bow is provided at either end of the race. The preferred race bows are generally rectangular, formed from a number of members attached together, defining an opening through which the animals can walk in order to enter and exit the race.

[0010] Preferably, each race bow has a pair of substantially vertical side members and a substantially perpendicularly extending top member and bottom member. Each of the substantially vertical side members is preferably provided with at least one, and normally two pairs of connection lugs in order to connect race panels to the race. Preferably, there is an upper pair of connection lugs and a lower pair of connection lugs on each of the substantially vertical side members of each of the race bows.

[0011] The members forming each race bow will typically be metal, will normally be elongate and a preferred cross-section is rectangular for structural integrity and to allow attachment of other portions of the race relative thereto. The substantially perpendicular top member and bottom member will normally be approximately the same length as each other. In a particularly preferred configuration, one of the substantially vertical side members is attached to the outer ends of each of the top and bottom members to define a substantially rectangular race bow with a central opening.

[0012] The upper end of each race bow is also preferably provided with a portion of a latch assembly. Normally, the portion of the latch assembly provided on each race bow is a portion to 3 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 receive a latch bolt or similar with the latch bolt itself normally provided on at least one sidewall assembly.

[0013] In a preferred form, the portion of the latch assembly is provided on or in, the top member of the race bow. Preferably, the top member is a substantially U-shaped member extends substantially across the width of the race bow from the top member of the respective race bows. The substantially U-shaped member preferably includes a pair of spaced apart, parallel walls and a connecting wall. The connecting wall is preferably provided coplanar with the inside of each of the race bows. Preferably, the top member will be fixed to each of the race bows, typically permanently, using welding for example.

[0014] The at least one longitudinally extending head member is typically mounted to or relative to each of the top member. Normally, the head member will be mounted to the top member substantially centrally across the width of the latch plate. In a most preferred form, the head member will normally be provided with a perpendicularly extending flange at either end which can then be located against the top member and a number of bolts can be positioned through the flange and the latch plate to attach the head member relative to each of the top members.

[0015] In a most preferred form, the top member will typically have a number of latch openings therein. Normally, a number of latch openings will be provided adjacent each lateral end of the top member with the openings spaced inwardly toward the midline of the race. This will typically allow the latch provided on each of the sidewall assemblies to engage with the top member in order to adjust the width of the race by moving the position of the sidewall assemblies. Any number of openings can be provided, but normally three openings are provided on the top member on either side of the latch plate. Normally, the openings on the top member are provided inside the substantially vertical members of each of the race bows. The openings are generally adjacent to the lower edge of the top member.

[0016] Each race bow will also typically include a pair of laterally extending latch members, one extending outside the race bow on either lateral side of respective vertical members of each race bow. The laterally extending latch members will typically be located directly adjacent to the top member and particularly to the openings in the top member. Each of the latch members will typically include one or more openings, but normally one opening in order to define a full width position for the sidewall assemblies. In normal use, the latch assembly provided on the sidewall assemblies will normally engage with the opening in the laterally extending latch members to define the full width position for the race. Each of the laterally extending latch members is 4 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 typically a rectangular plate having a single opening approximately centrally, extending at least into and preferably through the latch member.

[0017] The animal race of the present invention also includes at least one longitudinally extending head member to space the pair of race bows apart. More than one longitudinally extending head member may be provided, but in the preferred embodiment, a single elongate member is used. As mentioned above, a mounting flange is typically provided at each end in order to mount the head member relative to the preferred latch plate. Each mounting flange is typically generally rectangular and substantially perpendicular to the head member.

[0018] The head member will typically act to space the upper end of the race bows from one another but will also preferably mount an anti-backing assembly to prevent an animal reversing in the race. Preferably, the anti-backing assembly allows for animals to pass the assembly as they go up the race without having to remove the assembly from the race.

[0019] The preferred anti-backing assembly is typically pivotally mounted at a first end to or relative to the head member. The second end of the anti-backing assembly will typically depend downwardly into the race from the head member. The second end of the anti-backing assembly will normally be held at an angle to the head member using an elongate member. Preferably, the second end of the anti-backing assembly can be forced upwardly as an animal passes by and is biased, normally by gravity, such that the second end of the anti-backing assembly is drawn back down once the animal has passed. If an animal attempts to reverse through the race, the second end of the anti-backing assembly will abut a portion of the animal, preventing them from reversing through the race.

[0020] Preferably, the elongate member holding the second end of the anti-backing assembly is flexible and a chain, rope, cable or similar is preferred. The elongate member could be a rigid member, for example, an elongate member which slides through a shaped collar as the animal passes under and deflects the second end of the anti-backing assembly upwardly. The elongate member can have a series of openings thereinto or therethrough to allow a pin to be placed in one of the openings to define the distance at which the second end depends into the race.

[0021] The anti-backing assembly itself will normally be generally rectangular having a pair of elongate side members, an upper end member located at or near the first end and a lower end member located at or near the second end. One or more transversely extending members may be provided extending between the pair of elongate side members to increase the strength of the 5 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 anti-backing assembly. It is further preferred that the upper end member be substantially circular and be received and mounting loops or similar attached to the head member and/or the top member in order to allow the anti-backing assembly to pivot as the animals passed beneath the anti-backing assembly. Of course, other pivot mechanisms may be used. Normally, the first end of the anti-backing assembly will be provided at or toward one end of the animal race and preferably, at or adjacent to the entry end of the animal race.

[0022] The animal race of the present invention includes at least two sidewall assemblies, one side wall assembly on either lateral side of the race and extending substantially between the spaced apart race bows, at least one of the sidewall assemblies pivotally attached relative to a lower portion of the race and having at least one latch assembly to hold the at least one sidewall assembly relative to each of the race bows and release the at least one sidewall assembly as required.

[0023] Each side wall assembly of the animal race of the present invention is preferably generally planar however, an upper portion of each side wall assembly is preferably at an angle to a lower portion of each side wall assembly. Each side wall assembly is typically manufactured from at least a pair of end members and a number of longitudinally extending members extending between each of the end members to define a frame for each of the sidewall assemblies.

[0024] Each side wall assembly will typically have at least four end members, an upper end member and a lower end member at each end, with the upper end member and the lower end member being attached together linearly but at an obtuse angle relative to one another. As mentioned above, several longitudinally extending members will typically extend between the end members and normally, three longitudinal members will extend between the respective upper members of each end and three longitudinal members will extend between the respective lower members of each end.

[0025] One or more sheets or plate members are typically mounted relative to the lower portion of each sidewall assembly and preferably relative to the three lower longitudinal members of each of the side wall assemblies. The sheets or plates will typically extend from one end of a sidewall assembly to the opposite end of the sidewall assembly and will preferably minimise the chance that the animals will catch their legs on the sidewall assemblies and also minimise the chance that an animal may injure an operator standing outside the race. 6 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 [0026] The improved animal race of the present invention provides a number of advantages including allowing emergency egress of animals from the animal race by unlatching at least one of the sidewall assemblies allowing the sidewall assembly to hinge downwardly to lie on the ground surface. Further, the provision of the pivoting sidewall assemblies allows a user to adjust the width of the race in order to maintain the animals in single file as they pass through the animal race.

[0027] As mentioned above, a lower portion of each side wall assembly is typically provided at an angle relative to the upper portion of each side wall assembly. Normally, when the race is in its full width condition, the upper portion of each of the sidewall assemblies will preferably be substantially vertical and preferably be aligned with the substantially vertical members of each of the race bows. The lower portion of each of the sidewall assemblies will typically angle inwardly as they extend toward the bottom of the race.

[0028] The lower ends of at least one of the sidewall assemblies and preferably both of the sidewall assemblies are preferably pivotally mounted to each of the race bows. Preferably, the lower end of at least one of the sidewall assemblies is mounted to the bottom or lower member of each of the race bows at both ends of the at least one sidewall assembly.

[0029] In a preferred form, the lowermost or bottom longitudinal member of at least one side assembly will extend through an opening provided in a mounting plate or member which is attached to the bottom transverse member of each race photo. Normally, the mounting plate or member is provided inside the vertical members of each race bow. This will cause the sidewalls to angle outwardly away from one another as they extend upwardly toward the plane of the vertical members of the race bows which will locate the upper portion of the at least one sidewall assembly substantially parallel to the vertical members of the race bows. From an end elevation view, the sidewall assemblies form a generally funnel shape toward the bottom of the race.

[0030] Each of the sidewall assemblies will be provided with at least one latch assembly. Generally, a pair of latches assemblies is provided, one latch assembly at or adjacent to an upper end of the vertical member at both ends of each of the sidewalls. In other words, each side wall assembly has a pair of latches, one at either end at or adjacent to an upper end of the vertical member located at the end of each of the sidewalls.

[0031] The latch assembly may be of any type. A preferred type is a simple barrel bolt as these will tend to be the most robust and reliable in the typically adverse conditions in which a 7 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 race may be provided. More complex assemblies such as spring biased barrel bolts or other types of latches may be provided but will typically be less preferred.

[0032] The latch assembly will typically extend substantially parallel to the sidewall past the end of the sidewall in order to engage with the latch plate or latch member provided on the respective race bow. Normally, the latch assembly will be provided on an outer side of each of the sidewalls in order to allow an operator to easily access the latch assembly from outside the animal race.

[0033] A portion of the latch, normally a portion of the preferred latch bolt will be engageable in or through one of the openings in the latch plate or in the latch member. Use of the latch assemblies provided on the sidewall assemblies will typically allow the positioning and orientation of the sidewalls as required by user to both adjust the width of the race to assist with maintaining animals in single file as they walk through the race and also to allow release of the sidewall assembly if required, such as may occur in an emergency, to allow animals out of the race laterally or to allow operators to access within the race.

[0034] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0035] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0037] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of an improved animal race according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is an end view of the animal race illustrated in Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 3 is an end view of the animal race illustrated in Figure 2 with the sidewall assemblies in the collapsed or emergency exit position. 8

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 [0040] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an improved animal race 10 is provided.

[0041] The improved animal race 10 illustrated in the Figures include a pair of race bows 11, 12, a longitudinally extending head member 13 to space the pair of race bows 11,12 apart and two sidewall assemblies 14, 15, one side wall assembly on either lateral side of the race 10 and extending substantially between the spaced apart race bows 11, 12. In the preferred embodiment, both of the sidewall assemblies 14, 15 are pivotally attached relative to a lower portion of the race 10 and have a pair of barrel bolt latch assemblies 16, 17 to hold the respective sidewall assembly 14, 15 relative to the race bows 11, 12 and release the sidewall assemblyl4, 15 as required.

[0042] As illustrated, one race bow 11, 12 is provided at either end of the race 10. The illustrated race bows 11, 12 are generally rectangular, formed from a number of members attached together, defining an opening through which the animals can walk in order to enter the race 10 and leave the race.

[0043] Each race bow 11,12 has a pair of substantially vertical side members 18 and a substantially perpendicularly extending top member 19 and bottom member 20. Each of the substantially vertical side members 18 is provided with two pairs of connection lugs 21 in order to connect race panels to the race 10.

[0044] The members forming each race bow 11,12 will typically be metal, are normally elongate and a preferred cross-section is rectangular for structural integrity and to allow attachment of other portions of the race 10 relative thereto. The substantially perpendicular top member 19 and bottom member 20 are approximately the same length as each other. In a particularly preferred configuration, one of the substantially vertical side members 18 is attached to the outer ends of each of the top 19 and bottom members 20 to define a substantially rectangular race bow with a central opening.

[0045] The upper end of each race bow 11, 12 is also preferably provided with a portion to receive a latch bolt or similar with the latch bolt itself normally provided on the sidewall assemblies 14, 15.

[0046] Preferably, the top member 19 is provided as a latch plate extending substantially across the width of the race bow 11,12 and downwardly from the top of the respective race 9 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 bows. As best illustrated in Figure 2, the top member 19 is a U-shaped member, with a pair of spaced apart, parallel sidewalls 22 and a connecting wall 23 attached such that the connecting wall 23 is on the inside of each of the race bows 11, 12. Preferably, a top member 19 is fixed to each of the race bows 11, 12, typically permanently, using welding for example.

[0047] The longitudinally extending head member 13 is mounted to each of the top members 19. Normally, the head member 13 is mounted to the top members 19 substantially centrally across the width of the top members 19. In a most preferred form, the head member 13 is provided with a perpendicularly extending flange 24 at either end which can then be located against the top members 19 and a number of bolts can be positioned through the flange 24 and the top members 19 to attach the head member 13 relative to each of the top members 19.

[0048] The top members 19 will typically have a number of latch openings 25 therein. As illustrated, three latch openings 25 are provided adjacent each lateral end of the top members 19 with the openings 25 spaced inwardly toward the midline of the race 10. This will typically allow the latchl6, 17 provided on each of the sidewall assemblies 14, 15 to engage with the top members 19 in order to adjust the width of the race 10 by moving the position of the sidewall assemblies 14, 15. Normally, the openings 25 on the top members 19 are provided inside the substantially vertical members 18 of each of the race bows 11, 12, generally adjacent to the lower edge of the top members 19 as best illustrated in Figure 2.

[0049] Each race bow 11,12 also includes a pair of laterally extending latch members 26, one extending outside each race bow on either lateral side of respective vertical members 18 of each race bow. The laterally extending latch members 26 are located directly adjacent to the openings 25 in the top members 19. Each of the latch members 26 includes one opening 27 in order to define a full width position for the sidewall assemblies 14, 15.

[0050] In normal use, the latch assemblies 16, 17 provided on the sidewall assemblies 14, 15 normally engage with the opening 27 in the laterally extending latch members 26 to define the full width position for the race, which is illustrated in Figure 2. Each of the laterally extending latch members 26 illustrated is a rectangular plate having a single opening approximately centrally, extending through the latch member 26.

[0051] The head member 13 acts to space the upper end of the race bows 11,12 from one another but, according to the preferred embodiment, also mounts an anti-backing assembly 28 to prevent an animal reversing in the race 10. Preferably, the anti-backing assembly 28 allows for ίο 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 animals to pass the assembly 28 as they go up the race 10 without having to remove the assembly 28 from the race 10, simply deflecting the assembly 28 upward until the animal passes.

[0052] The illustrated anti-backing assembly 28 is pivotally mounted at a first end to the head member 13. The second end of the anti-backing assembly 28 depends downwardly into the race 10 from the head member 13. The second end of the anti-backing assembly 28 will normally be held at an angle to the head member 13 using an elongate chain 29. The second end of the anti-backing assembly 28 can therefore be forced upwardly as an animal passes by and is biased, normally by gravity, such that the second end of the anti-backing assembly 28 is drawn back down. If an animal attempts to reverse through the race, the second end of the anti-backing assembly 28 will abut a rear portion of the animal, preventing them from reversing through the race.

[0053] The anti-backing assembly 28 is generally rectangular having a pair of elongate side members 30, an upper end member 31 located at or near the first end (obscured in Figure 1 by the latch bolt)and a lower end member 32 located at or near the second end. One or more transversely extending members 33 may be provided extending between the pair of elongate side members 30 to increase the strength of the anti-backing assembly 28. It is further preferred that the upper end member 31 be substantially circular and be received and mounting loops or similar attached to the head member 13 in order to allow the anti-backing assembly 28 to pivot as the animals pass beneath the anti-backing assembly 28. Normally, the first end of the anti-backing assembly 28 will be provided at or toward one end of the animal race and preferably, at or adjacent to the entry end of the animal race 10.

[0054] Each side wall assembly 14, 15 of the animal race is generally planar, however, an upper portion of each side wall assembly is at an angle to a lower portion of each side wall assembly. Each side wall assembly is typically manufactured from an upper end member 34 and a lower end member 35 at either end and a number of longitudinally extending members 36 extending between each of the end members to define a frame for each of the sidewall assemblies.

[0055] Each side wall assembly has at least four end members, an upper end member 34 and a lower end member 35 at each end, with the upper end member 34 and the lower end member 35 being attached together linearly but at an obtuse angle relative to one another as best shown in Figure 3. Three longitudinal members 36 extend between the respective upper members 34 of each end and three longitudinal members 36 extend between the respective lower members 35 of each end. 11 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 [0056] A sheet or plate 37 is mounted relative to the lower portion of each sidewall assembly and preferably relative to the three lower longitudinal members 36 of each of the side wall assemblies. The sheet or plate 37 extends from one end of a sidewall assembly to the opposite end of the sidewall assembly and will minimise the chance that the animals will catch their legs on the sidewall assemblies and also minimise the chance that an animal may injure an operator standing outside the race.

[0057] The improved animal race of the present invention provides a number of advantages including allowing emergency egress of animals from the animal race by unlatching at least one of the sidewall assemblies allowing the sidewall assembly to hinge downwardly to lie on the ground surface. Further, the provision of the pivoting sidewall assemblies allows a user to adjust the width of the race in order to maintain the animals in single file as they pass through the animal race.

[0058] As mentioned above, a lower portion of each side wall assembly is typically provided at an angle relative to the upper portion of each side wall assembly. Normally, when the race is in its full width condition as illustrated in Figure 2, the upper portion of each of the sidewall assemblies is substantially vertical and aligned with the substantially vertical members 18 of each of the race bows 11, 12. The lower portion of each of the sidewall assemblies will angle inwardly as they extend toward the bottom of the race.

[0059] The lower ends of at least one of the sidewall assemblies and preferably both of the sidewall assemblies are pivotally mounted to each of the race bows 11, 12. Preferably, the lower end of at least one of the sidewall assemblies is mounted to the bottom member 20 of each of the race bows 11, 12 at both ends of the each sidewall assembly.

[0060] In a preferred form, the bottom longitudinal member of each sidewall assembly extends through an opening provided in a mounting plate 38 which is attached to the bottom member 20 of each race bow. Normally, the mounting plate 38 is provided inside the vertical members 18 of each race bow. This will cause the sidewalls to angle outwardly away from one another as they extend upwardly toward the plane of the vertical members 18 of the race bows which will locate the upper portion of each sidewall assembly substantially parallel to the vertical members 18 of the race bows. From an end elevation view, the sidewall assemblies form a generally funnel shape toward the bottom of the race.

[0061] As mentioned above, a pair of latches 16, 17 is provided, one latch assembly at or adjacent to an upper end of the upper member 34 at both ends of each of the sidewalls. In other 12 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 words, each side wall assembly has a pair of latches 16, 17, one at either end at or adjacent to an upper end of the upper member 34 located at the end of each of the sidewalls.

[0062] The latch assembly may be of any type. A preferred type is a simple barrel bolt as these will tend to be the most robust and reliable in the typically adverse conditions in which a race may be provided.

[0063] The latch assembly will typically extend substantially parallel to the sidewall past the end of the sidewall in order to engage with the top member 19 or latch member 26 provided on the respective race bow. Normally, the latches 16, 17 are provided on an outer side of each of the sidewalls in order to allow an operator to easily access the latch assembly from outside the animal race.

[0064] A portion of the latch, normally a portion of the latch bolt will be engageable in or through one of the openings in the top member 19 or in the latch member 26. Use of the latch assemblies provided on the sidewall assemblies will typically allow the positioning and orientation of the sidewalls as required by user to both adjust the width of the race to assist with maintaining animals in single file as they walk through the race and also to allow release of the sidewall assembly if required, such as may occur in an emergency, to allow animals out of the race laterally or to allow operators to access within the race. This latter condition is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0065] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0066] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0067] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any 13 2016101820 17 Oct 2016 of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An improved animal race including at least a pair of race bows, at least one longitudinally extending head member to space the pair of race bows apart and at least two sidewall assemblies, one side wall assembly on either lateral side of the race and extending substantially between the spaced apart race bows, at least one of the sidewall assemblies pivotally attached relative to a lower portion of the race and having at least one latch assembly to hold the at least one sidewall assembly relative to each of the race bows and release the at least one sidewall assembly as required.

2. An improved animal race as claimed in claim 1 wherein a pair of latch assemblies is provided on each sidewall assembly, each latch assembly includes a latch bolt and at least one latch opening is provided on or in an upper portion of each race bow.

3. An improved animal race as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein each race bow includes a pair of laterally extending latch members, one extending outside the race bow on either lateral side of the race bow, each with a latch opening in order to define a full width position for the sidewall assemblies.

4. An improved animal race as claimed in claim 2 wherein a plurality of latch openings are provided spaced inwardly relative to the upper portion of each race bow.

5. An improved animal race as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one longitudinally extending head member mounts an anti-backing assembly to prevent an animal reversing in the race.