As jcsperson noted, this situation is unique...perhaps even unprecidented, and given the inherant issues that may arise from it at greysandmoregreys pionted out, we feel that it's something that's worthy of trying.

My own reason's for "pre-adopting" were simple...I was following the progress of a half-sister of Sequoia who races down in Jacksonville, FL...She's doig really, really well...blew away the field in her last Grade A race... Well, anyways, the breeder I'm doing this with runs a kennel at the same track. We'd "talked" via PM's over on GT and she could sense my excitement over this hound. She also kept me grounded in that she made it known to me that this hound was more than likely going to be racing for quite a while and then ultimately going back to the farm in OK to be a brood momma. I knew these were two distinct possibilties and so I wasn't crushed when I finally got word, that that was indeed what was planned for her.

Now, I think Cathie must've had this idea cookin for some time. Cuz, soon a she told me about LPF's future, she reminded me that she has a little white pup that's going to grow up and look just like her...The following is how we've arrived at the idea of
"Pre-Adoption":

Coach actually got the ball rolling on this idea when I started posting pictures and stories about some of my puppies this summer. When he posted about pre-adopting Ice Princess on Greytalk, a lot of GT members decided they wanted to do the same thing! Some I think because they love the idea of watching puppies develop and train to be racers, but don’t want the responsibility or expense of actually raising the puppy themselves.

Others are intrigued by the idea of not adopting or “chipping” right away, but following a specific dog’s growth and career with the anticipation of adopting that dog upon its retirement from racing and/or breeding. Pursuant to our kennel contract with track management in Jacksonville, all adoptions must be processed by Greyhounds as Pets of Northeast Florida, which is a track sponsored program. Therefore, whoever has first right of refusal for a particular dog will be contacted when their career is over. Barring unforeseen circumstances, that person will complete an adoption application to be reviewed and approved by GAP. Upon approval, and payment of the adoption fee (which is currently $200), arrangements will be made for medical treatment (spay/neuter, teeth cleaning, parasite check, etc.), and then we will coordinate how to deliver the dog to its new home. It may be by Greyhound Underground Railroad (GUR) or by a dog hauler. I have found homes for my dogs out of state before with no problem. We hope this will be something people can consider when they are ready. Our group will check vet references at a minimum, and if you already own a greyhound, they might check with your local group. That is their function and I don’t intrude on their territory! They help me adopt out too many dogs!
We're obviously still in the early stages of this idea, but, it does look like somethign that has some potential.