Wimbledon goes to the dogs!

Karunya Keshav; Mar 20, 2009

Dog race at Wimbledon. Photo by: Pim Hendriksen

Wimbledon isn’t all about centre court, and strawberries and cream. Thrice a week, Wimbledon Stadium goes to the dogs, literally.

Situated two minutes away from the more illustrious All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon Stadium is the home of greyhound racing in London.

Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening, the track hosts a number of races, at 15 minute intervals.

While you wait for the dogs to chase the mechanical lure, you grab another beer, place a bet and pour over the racing sheets to find a runner to back.

Elderly men in cloth caps and tweed coats, couples whose secret to 45 years of marital bliss is a shared passion for dog racing, some spiffy suits and loosened ties, and even university students are in attendance.

For many, a ‘night at the dogs’ is a fun and affordable social experience. With the added excitement that comes when you win a bit of money!

“There’s something about the dogs that’s quintessential, good ol’ British, like a warm pint on a rainy Wednesday in January,” says David Matthews, journalist and former race dog owner.

Backing a winner

The dogs may be seen as a poor relative of horse-racing, but they’re a great introduction to the British betting tradition.

It’s easy to spot the really serious punters. They’re the ones who’ve been sitting in the same spot every week for over 40 years. They peer at the bookies through binoculars, while making illegible notes on their race sheets.

When the dogs are being paraded before every race, and with two minutes before the start, they scoot to the special high stake counters by the track to place their bet.

So short of flipping a coin, how can you back a winner?

“It wouldn’t be much good following the tips in the race guide,” says Joe Brown, a punter here for the last 30 years. “You’d go broke if you did!”

“It’s all about the early speed. The one who is known to have a good start is always a good bet,” he advises. He should know – he won five races on the trot before half the night was over!

The minimum amount you can wager on the dogs is £2. The maximum amount you can lose totally depends on how much you’re reckless enough to bet.

mindZgap decided to take a chance on the dogs. We won 25p.

Following the closure of the legendary Walthomstow dog track in East London, in August last year, Wimbledon remains the only home of greyhound racing in London.

Entry costs £5.50. Special entry, food and drink, and betting offers are available for groups.