Ireland's Dundalk Race Track to Mix Dog and Horse Racing

Another possible path to save the struggling parimutuel industry might be found December 5th, when horses and greyhounds will run in the same meet at Ireland's Dundalk Stadium.

Dundalk is Ireland's first combined greyhound and horse facility, and, although horse have been running at the town since 1889 and dogs since 1930, only now is mixed racing arriving.

Dundalk Race Company PLC and Dundealgan Greyhound Racing Company Limited merged in 1999, vowing to restore the track and amenities to a first-class level. Dogs began racing again in 2003, and horses returned this year.

The goal to offer combined racing was expected to still be more than a year away, but a recent rescheduling of a horse event to the December date allowed the idea to become reality sooner than anticipated. Track officials believed this and other future mixed events will expose aficionados of each style to the joys of the other.

Parimutuel tracks across the United States have turned to slots as a possible saving grace, but there is increased competition in the slot business from Indian and other casinos. As has been noted on this site, any measures that might rescue the historic traditions of animal racing need to be considered.

November 21, 2007
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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