Tampa greyhounds run no more, doo dah, doo dah

I like to think that 7 years of protesting helped. Probably didn't, but still.

It's funny, last night as I was tending to the two littlest ones here with the local news on in the background. When the story came on, my mouth just dropped open. This morning I had to read it for myself...

Tampa Greyhound to suspend racing, keep poker

The track GM cites low attendance for what one trainer calls "a major, major bombshell."

By DON JENSEN, Times Correspondent
Published August 11, 2007

TAMPA - This is one diamond anniversary that isn't for everyone.

Tampa Greyhound Track, in its 75th season, is ending live racing Aug. 18, only 49 days after beginning its first year-round meet.

It will continue to have simulcast wagering on greyhounds, thoroughbreds, standardbreds and jai alai, and the poker room will remain open. Operators of the 12 kennels were notified at a meeting Thursday facilitated by racing secretary Theresa Hughes.

The future of live racing beyond December remains unclear.

In a prepared statement, general manager Mike Hater said, "Since opening our card room on July 1, it has become clear that poker is where we need to focus our efforts. Low attendance for greyhound racing and the popularity and growth of poker made this an obvious business decision due to recent legislative changes."

More:
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/11/Sports/Tampa_Greyhound_to_su.shtml

:woohoo:

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :D

...when I visited my brother down in St. Pete recently, we drove right past there, where I promptly gave it my infamous double-voodoo-hex!... :evilgrin:

Can't get that melody out of my head now. Thanks.