A perfect example of why I don't bet on dogs

TI Foyles at 14.0 , odds on fav 2nd

if the 6 had stayed out I think 4 would've won it.

1 & 3. The fave had every chance.

Another disappointing Derby final. All in a heap at the line.

The early paced dogs did not hit the lids as expected and plenty of crowding at the last bend.

Is Towcester the right place for the sport's biggest competition given how inconsistently dogs seem to run there - and also given the track is so far from the stands? No, it plainly is not.

Thank goodness I packed up betting on dogs 20 years ago, but still sad to see how far the sport has fallen.

This is a report from a genuine lover of the sport who attended last night. It seems I may have it all wrong about the place as well. I'll attend and see for myself but this sounds far better than what I was expecting to hear. I hope the OP doesn't mind me copying this over but on the grounds I was expecting to read the complete opposite of what is written below maybe the place and the comp and those doing the promoting deserve a chance. We shall see.


"well my honest opinion is: it was the best nights racing i have been to in years.....first off...the track promoters spent the time and money to ensure the venue was adequately staffed...stewards, parking attendants and security in number at both entrances....one for hospitality and one for grandstand....so getting in and parked was easy...by the way a free shuttle service was provided between the track and Milton Keynes Central Train Station and Northampton (Victoria Street Coach Station) during the day and the evening up until midnight running every 30 minutes...entrance was through a tented area where tickets were checked along with bags etc...plenty of staff....no issues....the track view is far superior than i expected....it really is....on the layered terraces it was very easy to watch the races unaided with a massive screen for replays or to watch live if you chose....the venue was packed....usual blend of racegoers but surprisingly not that many children running around like the old 5 packers....there was at least five bars so getting a drink was straight forward with not much queuing....food was readily available from various outlets in an area where there were 50 or so tables and benches so plenty of room for sitting to eat....again all very clean......toilets were clean and there was adequate facilities....there were around 10 bookmakers in three separate areas and all looked busy....there was not much in price difference for the shorter priced dogs but obviously the rags were two or three times better on betfair....value....the ticket price included parking, programme and admittance but this was promoted as a festival with gates opening at 10.00 and all funfair rides were included in the ticket price which was £10 for under 18's....at £45 it could be construed as steep but they have spent money on the event...staff levels were impressive with no signs of incompetency where someone in a yellow tabard doesnt understand their purpose...the race card was very well put together and gave a tip up to 5 stars at the bottom of each race and gave 9 out of 14 winners not counting the dorando as it went with the NR....the racing was different class and very enjoyable....after the plate there was communal sweet caroline singing which was a laugh....the final...1 1/2 sh sh sh 1/2 over the field was fantastic....plunge as we know does not parade because he is nervous so every care was taken....he remained in the middle where his photograph was taken by steve nash the quietly taken to an area where connections could congratulate him then off...all very professional and proper....then it seemed like the whole track got behind Romeo Steel who went from 4/5/to 1/2 to the joy of the punters....so my verdict is....you should go.....not for graded but the derby has found a home with a promoter who wants to find the old glory and i cant see how we cant join into that making that dream a reality....."

I used to love Towcester Race Course.
I have zero interest in dogs now

the grass is 50 yds away from track,never mind another 100 yds away, seen it last night must be one of worst viewing spots in sport,even old Wembley dog track was 50 yds closer than tow viewing

Thank you for sharing your supreme intelligence with us mere mortals.

i.ve never read so much pish about betting on greyhounds, 13 out of 15 1st or 2nd favs won on sat night, on par with the golf, tennis, or horses, don't think so, wtf do some guys want, cheers.

Only the configuration of the track puts me off going, whenever I  have been I liked to get close up with the dogs in the paddock etc.
No interest in watching from miles away.

... All correct Irons, and dont forget Bookmakers buying up tracks, that was a fair bit to do with its decline imo.

Meanwhile,Harry Findlay is surprised swhen Bookmakers laughed at his fairer prices for punters at Coventry which failed to get off the floor

Went to all the London tracks in the 70s and had dogs at Catford ,Ramsgate (very briefly)  Walthamstow , Maidstone , Portsmouth and Hove . Absolutely loved my dog racing though I did have spare dosh in those days. For once I really enjoyed watching Saturday's programme , albeit replays of a few . The Star Sports betting blog was interesting too . Do I go now , nope , but I did swim my agility dogs at Yarmouth Trainer Ray Cross (dec) yard for 10 years and their ex head lad is still my gardener !