[ThomasR]

I'm hoping somebody could fill me in a little on greyhound racing. I know the general idea, although unfortunately due to me moving I won't be attending a day at the greyhound track near where I previously lived with work colleagues.

What is it like? What kind of bets are placed, money wise and so forth?

People tell me it's a great evening/day out though.

[autumn]

Hi, I just joined this forum from Texas and read your post. We also have greyhound racing here in Corpus Christi and I believe the season runs from May to October. Of course, there are simulcast programs in the interim. I personally have never been to the dog races; however, I understand that they are the same as far as betting as horse racing. In other words, the win, place, show, the quiniella for the lst and 2nd winners, the trifecta for the lst, 2nd, and 3rd and then the superfecta...I'll have to look that one up. We do have horse racing here in San Antonio at Retama Park, closed for now, but I've been there on occasion. Someone told me that greyhound racing is very exciting.

[ThomasR]

I think it's a little more fast paced and a little more rugged than horse racing. I've only seen the greyhound variety on tv, but from what I see theres a lot of hussle and bustle and a lot of excitement with the races.

Some horse racing events, particularly the big ones, can be a little dry and upper class.

[autumn]

I can agree with you on the possibility of more excitement at a greyhound race than at a horse race, with the exception, of course, of the Kentucky Derby, etc. You are correct in that horse racing usually attracts the upper class, more money, more society, and probably less interesting to the average person. Of course, using greyhounds for racing has been a touchy subject in the past due to the inhumane treatment of some greyhounds. I personally have some concern about their exploitation. Perhaps, I see horse racing as acceptable, but not dogs (a personal opinion).

[jhasper]

how true is that the loser greyhound are often killed.I saw it on tv(national geographic).Although they mention that this takes place in Europe.What about here in america do they really kill greyhound after the race?

[autumn]

I'm not sure if greyhounds are treated badly here in the U.S. We have very strong Animal Defense Leagues and ASPCA chapters, so hopefully not. I personally contribute to feeding and caring for mistreated and abandoned pets, just something I feel is worthwhile..a personal choice, of course.

[DeepBlue]

I'm not sure - in the UK there are quite a lot of animal welfare groups so that sort of things isn't common to my knowledge. However, in Europe, it is very different. Just look at some of the sports that take place and you'll see not all countries are quite so animal minded. It's disgusting in my opinion, but these people have had the "sports" for decades if not centuries to I doubt they are going to change anytime soon.

[autumn]

I was glad to read this, since I am an animal lover, dogs in particular. Of course, as you say, bull fights, dog fights, and other inhumane sports do take place and have for centuries. At least we no longer have the gladiators, as such...(slightly off-topic here)

"The Greyhound Protection League (GPL) is a national, non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to protecting greyhounds from the exploitation and abuses inherent in the greyhound racing industry. We believe that through education and continued media exposure, the public perception of greyhound racing will be altered from that of a harmless spectator activity to its brutal reality - a blood sport responsible for immense animal suffering and the routine killing of thousands of young, healthy dogs each year.

Our efforts have already shown that once the greyhound racing industry no longer enjoys the support of the casual investor and the attendance of the general public, hardcore gamblers will not generate enough revenue to keep it in business. Continued pressure from the humane community, coupled with the growing public interest in casino gambling, will undoubtedly bring about the demise of dog racing."

[DeepBlue]

Yeah, it's still fairly popular over this side of the water, but with multiple casinos around the corner the same could happen here, in that people start to migrate over to the table games and slots rather than having a flutter on the dogs or even the horses. I know I'd rather be inside chancing my arm rather than outside on a wet and windy spring morning with a copy of the Racing Post in hand

[autumn]

Indeed, far better to gamble indoors, with a comfortable chair and people to watch (always amusing)! Besides, I personally have never understood horse racing, betting, etc. The few times I've been I just bet on the ones with the cutest names or the prettiest color. I just cheered for all of them, definitely not a horse racing expert!

[DeepBlue]

Hehe I'm not great with the whole odds thing, and nor have I any ideas with who to put my money on. It looks like you've got my insight than I have! Then again, you did mention cutest names and prettiest colour...

The dog racing was a great night out according to some friends who went with work, plenty to do that wasn't just based around the racing but as I said, I missed out moving and all.