The thrill of Greyhound Racing

I have been to the Greyhound Races a few times now, and I must say it is a great evening out. All the Irish tracks now have comfortable surrounds with bars and restuarants,and live racing on screen if it is too cold to venture out to the track.We are spoiled for choice now with tracks in Longford,Mullingar,Galway, Dublin, Clonmel to name a few. These tracks attract large crowds for an evening of great entertainment. Greyhounds are gentle and affecionate when raised at home but their racing prowess has eclispsed their suitability as pets. it is only when they retire they are suitable to be homed as a pet. A lot of the animal shelters have greyhounds available for adoption,and their is no shortage of people willing to take them.They will provide years of affection. Racing greyhounds have to be in the peak of condition and are regularly excercised by their kennell attendant who walk a number of them at a time. Training starts at about 15 months old, and a healthy dog can be ready to race in about three months.Both the walker and dog are equally fit.A good racing dog can cover a quarter of a mile in 22 seconds, that is really fast.Perhaps the most famous greyhound was Mick the Miller a dog that clocked up 19 consecutive victories at one point, winning the English Greyhound Derby in 1929 and 1930. Greyhound racing is exciting and one of the oldest canine sports. If you get a chance "Going to the Dogs" is not a bad idea. Hope you like my painting of Greyhounds, and you can contact me on Facebook at Aine Art,Killashee.

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