Greyhound Racing

[hotdot]

Hi All

My husband and I (I sound like the queen) fancy a night Greyhound racing. Our nearest is Shawfield in Scotland. Any body got any info on this stadium as we have never been Greyhound racing before. We would like to make this a good night and perhaps have a meal, so any tips on the best restaurant and any betting tips would be appreciated. Would like to go on Friday 17th April would this be a good night with a big crowd. We would be staying in central Glasgow so would taxi be the best mode of transport.

Thank you
D Brock

[paraffin]

Hi, hotdot:

Sorry for delay in answering. I saw your post when it first appeared but held off simply because although I've been to Shawfield Stadium in years gone by I haven't recently.

So I was hoping that perhaps there may be someone on these posts a bit more up to date, if you follow me, who might pop up and give you some advice. Appears not to be the case, so I'll try to help.
Shawfield is Scotland's premier greyhound track and there should be a good crowd, plenty of bookies, Tote facilities, restaurants+bars available.
Don't know what the current entry fee is, can't be more than a tenner? Staying in the city centre would make sense to catch a cab there - only a matter of a few miles.(Don't let cabbie drive you round in circles!!)
Make sure you get there in good time - the first race shouldn't be earlier than 7.30pm. If you get a local paper, Daily Record, it will have the greyhound cards in the sports section.
You'll be able to buy a programme on the way in and it will have all the relevant details, e.g. race times, and of course names of the dogs, trainers etc etc.
Getting there in good time, i.e. about an hour before the first race, gives you a chance, for example, to find out where the facilities I've mentioned are (you may fancy a snack/meal/drink etc?).
As far as betting tips go, unless you're a serious punter, decide in advance how much you can afford to lose! That might sound daft, but unless you do that, you can find yourself "chasing your losses". I'd advise you to set your budget for each race you wish to bet on, and don't change it - win or lose! You can either bet with the bookies or with the Tote (there are alternatives but these two are the most common).
Beware getting knocked over in the rush if you bet with the bookies, though - it does happen!
Oh, and finally, also beware pickpockets!!! Good luck!