Christmas comes early at Swindon Greyhounds

A night out at the dogs is always a fun event but, with the festivities and offers available over the Christmas period at Swindon Greyhounds, there is even more reason to take a trip to Abbey Stadium. The Christmas Six Pack Package, available on Wednesdays and Saturdays until December 23, is priced at £15 per person and, as the name suggests, requires a minimum of six people to attend. Each member of the party will receive a racecard plus a couple of drinks and a ‘hot festive bap and chips’ – what more could anyone want! Add to that a free £1 bet and it looks like a winning situation for those who get involved, as long as you check out some greyhound tips before making the trip to Blunsdon. The Paddock Bar will be open as usual for all racegoers with hot and cold buffets available at reasonable prices, and it is perfect for large groups as a private venue. If you have between 20 and 34 people – maybe a late Christmas works party – why not come along and enjoy the privilege of a private bar while enjoying an excellent view right by the finishing line. Having a few winners is always a bonus but, win or lose, it is a superb atmosphere and one that punters keep coming back to time after time. Fans who flock to Swindon Greyhounds will be treated to one of the biggest tracks in the country and that can lead to even more exciting races. On narrow tracks, it is tough for dogs to get by if they are not at the front and often it is the animal who leads at the first bend who goes on to claim the spoils. That is not so at the Abbey as it is an impressive 463 metres in circumference, meaning there is plenty of space for overtaking while the length of the track means punters get more value for money with longer races. Having been refurbished, the stadium is now even better than before and it is not just at Christmas that fans can take advantage of special offers. There are deals on throughout the year, including at Halloween when it was possible to win free entry plus a racecard with just a ‘like’ on their Facebook page. Greyhound racing has taken a bit of a hit in the UK, with several key stadiums closing down and London in particularly badly affected and now devoid of dog racing. Animal welfare groups have also targeted the sport worldwide but the numbers seen at some venues suggests that it still has a place at the heart of British culture. Swindon is doing its bit with the way that new customers are being introduced to the sport, and spells such as the Christmas period are vital to put bums on seats and keep the revenue flowing. For those of you who have never experienced a night of greyhound racing, then why not give it a go? Races come thick and fast while refreshments are plentiful and you might even walk away with a bit of extra cash in your pocket.