THE GBGB's pilot project to evaluate microchipping as a permanent method of greyhound identification has entered its second stage with chipping due to commence at a second GBGB-licensed track.So far, 491 greyhounds at Crayford Stadium have been implanted with a microchip that has generally performed well, with only a very small number of cases of migration reported. With the vast majority of the Kent track’s racing strength now chipped, and the supporting hardware currently in the final stages of development, the second phase of the trial is about to start at Monmore Stadium.Welfare Manager Peter Laurie explained:"We are still at the trial stage but Government is already proposing that all racing greyhounds be chipped under their Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations due to come into force in 2010.'The results so far from Crayford have been pleasing and now the supporting hardware is in place, trainers and stadium staff that have seen it in operation are excited by what the technology offers. The chips have all been implanted by a trained Paddock Steward and the process is very quick and pain-free to the greyhounds. Importantly, there do not appear to be any adverse affects of microchipping on greyhound welfare or race performance. In fact, quite a few greyhounds representing a variety of trainers have won first time out after being chipped!"