Going to the Dogs
Alan Dein meets some of the people whose livelihoods depend on greyhound racing, and considers the future for the sport after the close of Walthamstow dog track.
Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today.
When Walthamstow dog track closed its doors for the last time in August 2008, it was the end of an era. Alan Dein was the only reporter allowed to join the crowds as the hare led the dogs round the circuit for the last time; the loudspeakers played Thanks for the Memory and the tears flowed freely.
But what now for the future of British greyhound racing, without the iconic Stow? For bookie Joe Bennett and young trainer Paul Rich the dogs are a way of life and a family tradition, in spite of the fact that in England greyhound racing's glory days are long past. Alan follows them as they face an uncertain future. While Joe is philosophical and knows that the sport has always had its ups and downs, Paul, who has devoted to his dogs and has only just taken over the family business, is more pessimistic. Now he is racing in Kent, at Sittingbourne's track on a dreary industrial estate in the wrong end of town - a far cry from the glories of the Stow.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Mon 27 Oct 2008 11:00大象传媒 Radio 4
- Mon 3 Aug 2009 23:30大象传媒 Radio 4
Podcast
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Lives in a Landscape
Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today