A night at the dogs

Going to the dog racing is a long-standing British tradition, but while tracks across the country seem to be disappearing, the Wimbledon Stadium is still waving a proud flag.

It is a common misconception that greyhound racing has lost touch with young people and that the only people who attend the dogs are lonesome old men with a little change to spare.

Walking into the Wimbledon dog tracks turns this stereotype on its head. The stadium is filled with an energetic youthfulness that even took a large group of German school children by surprise.

Dog racing at Wimbledon Stadium from Journalism students on Vimeo.

Stefan Winckler, 16, from Germany, said: “At first I thought my teachers were joking when they told us that we were going to the dogs, but now that we are here I have to admit that I am enjoying myself and I think my class mates are too.”

He continued: “I was stunned to see that so many people in their 20s and 30s are here and that they are all wearing suits, because I always thought that dog racing is very smelly and dirty.”

Surprised

The big money races on Tuesday night were races six to 11, but it was race six that caused the most uproar.

Droopys Wren was leading the pack from the second the dogs were let loose from the stalls, but Baby Stardust was fast approaching and levelling with Wren at the last bend, overtaking Boherash Hanna from the outside and taking it to a photo finish.

But Droopys Wren hung on, fought off all contenders and won by a whisker.

Bernice Frame, a Race Steward at Wimbledon, said: “When I first started working here I was surprised at how many people show up at every race day.

Fridays I have to say, though, is the most exciting, watching all those people getting into the gambling zone is very fascinating to watch. Sometimes even better than the actual races.”

By Ijeoma Igbokwe

F1 season back on track

The new F1 season is lurking around the corner and with less than two weeks to the opening race in Australia on the 29th of March, all teams should be feeling the pre-season stress.

The FIA (motor racing’s governing body) has made a few changes to the rules and regulations which may well influence the outcome of the championship.

From 2009 the driver who wins the most races will be crowned F1 champion at the end of the season, as opposed to the driver who has the most points. If two drivers have the same number of victories the one with the most points will be awarded with the crown.

It was also announced that the new season will see the return of the infamous slick tyres and that the pit lane will remain open for drivers to re-fuel their cars during safety car periods.

The viewing public seems to welcome the moves made by the FIA.

Miriam Jones, 26, from London, said: “I think that the new rules will bring a fresh breeze to F1 and that things will be shaking up as the drivers now have to race for victory.”

Michael Giant, 23, from Essex, added: “I always felt that the driver who wins the most Grand Prixs should be made the overall winner. I hope that the changes will see a decrease in strategy and an increase in race driving, because the drivers are forced to give it their all, competing from race to race.”

BBC to the rescue

This season will also mark the return of F1 to the BBC after a 12 year absence. The corporation has promised to deliver wide-ranging live and interactive season coverage that guarantees no misses.

Roger Mosey, Head of BBC Sport, said: “We are very excited to have Formula One back at the BBC. And with David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan and Martin Brundle in the mix we will do our best to cater to the fans’ needs.”

Asked who he predicts to be the top three this season, Mosey said: “To be honest I don’t know enough about Formula One to make such a prediction and as BBC Head of Sport I like to remain impartial.”

By Ijeoma Igbokwe