There has in the past, been Pedigree Whippets that excelled in all three jobs; showing, coursing and racing. It's still possible to have a pup from either lines and have it do well in the others. I think the Breed Standard IS important, as when, such as in Non- Ped Racing, the standard is ignored, you get tremendously fast dogs, but they are basicaly bred down Greyhounds; and with the BWRA 55 lb limit, sometimes there is no difference and they may as well be called Unregistered Greyhounds !
Now, before anyone takes me to task, LOL, I'm a great admirer and supporter of BOTH Types, Ped and N