DOGS LIFE'S LOOKING UP

Jonathan Hobbs sees bright future in changing world of greyhound racing

- By Jonathan Hobbs

IF a week is a long time in politics, a month in greyhound racing is a lifetime.

But given the opportunity to put pen to paper for Racing Ahead for the first time - actually, pen to paper, does anyone ever do that anymore, birthday and sympathy cards aside? - it's a case of looking back a month, which seems a long time ago, and looking forward.

As these words are tapped in, I'm looking forward to getting to Dunstall Park - or Wolverhampton Racecourse, if you prefer.

Greyhound racing's newest venue - yes, there has actually been a new track built - is about to stage its first ever Category One final with the Premier Greyhound Racing Oaks down for decision. You will know the winner by now, but hopefully the night was a raging success.

Dunstall Park is certainly different to what we've been used to - ish!

As a fully fledged replacement for Perry Barr, which was effectively reclaimed by the local council as part of regeneration plans for that particular area of Birmingham, Dunstall Park has given the Arena Racing Company - Arc, if you prefer - a like-for-like replacement in terms of maintaining its fixture levels.

Plans were drawn up and Jason Begg and his team have done a magnificent job - and the team from Perry Barr, led by general manager Chris Black, and racing manager Martin Seal have helped made the switch for trainers - and owners, too - as seamless as possible.

Viewing-wise, anyone who's been to Towcester or Dundalk will understand the pros and cons, but as I always say it's never as bad as you think. You don't need binoculars!

And there are, thankfully, still many greyhound tracks where you can get up close and personal.

And while never encouraged for fear of distracting the runners, you can hang over the fence and almost touch the greyhounds, but keep your distance, please!