What started off as a day off with a family afternoon outing to the greyhound racing at Towcester Racecourse ultimately ended up being more of a working one, as I was asked to step in for the official photographer who had been re-roled, finding himself in the commentary box with a microphone thrust into his hand!
Whilst I’ve been a regular visitor to Towcester for the horse racing over the years, this was the first time I’d (incredibly) ever been dog racing!
As with the horse racing fixtures at Towcester, the course commendably opens its gates for free to the public, and with such a perfect day weather-wise, it seemed the ideal way to spend the afternoon of a day that had begun with a very pleasant wander, and then lunch, down by the canal.
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The 12-race card got underway just before 1430 and ended under the floodlights around 1730, albeit by that time the crowd had thinned dramatically.
It was a real learning experience for me with pre and post-race activities happening in different locations to where they do for the horse racing, but I was genuinely impressed with how friendly everyone was – particularly the trainers and dog handlers who were only too happy to give my girlfriend’s 5-year old daughter the chance to stroke the greyhounds and to ask questions, which she absolutely loved.
Another nice touch came after the sixth race when all of the children that wanted to were allowed into the winner’s enclosure for the presentation of the framed certificate to the winning connections.
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With all of the proceedings beamed live on the big screen (and beyond?), and MC Roger Hart giving each of the children the opportunity to have a chat, it was a great, light-hearted way to get them all involved – a great afternoon out for the family!
The greyhounds race every Friday and Saturday night and on Sunday afternoons. Entry is FREE to all meetings.
If you were present at Towcester Racecourse on Sunday and would like to purchase any of the photos, simply click on one of the thumbnails below to begin. Please note that the gallery has been split in two to minimise server load. Part 2 can be accessed here.
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I mainly provide event photography services in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, Oxfordshire & Warwickshire, in towns such as Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Oundle, Corby, Peterborough, Leicester, Huntingdon, Rushden, Towcester, Rugby, Daventry & Oakham. I am, however, only too happy to travel beyond those locations to capture the magic of your special occasion.
