AU: Angle Park racing increasing in popularity

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From www.heraldsun.com.au

Angle Park racing increasing in popularity

* Alicia Melville-Smith, Weekly Times Messenger
* Weekly Times Messenger
* July 11, 2012 11:50AM

Description: boozeroo greyhound

DOG OF A DAY: Greyhound racing in SA has increased its share of the local
betting market from 10 per cent to 16.5 per cent over the past decade.
Source: AdelaideNow

THE POPULARITY of greyhound racing at Angle Park is growing, with a large
number of younger punters throwing their support behind the dogs.

THE POPULARITY of greyhound racing at Angle Park is growing, with a large
number of younger punters throwing their support behind the dogs.

Greyhound Racing SA chief executive Matt Corby said the code had increased
its share of the betting market, which includes horse, greyhound and harness
racing, to 16.5 per cent last year.

This was up from about 10 per cent 10 years ago.

He attributed the increase to a growing interest in the sport from people
aged 18-34.

"Older punters have already picked their sport and don't want to change," Mr
Corby said.

"But greyhounds seem to appeal to a younger audience.

"I think it is the simplicity of the sport. It's quick and for people trying
to pick a winner, it's easier than horse racing."

Mr Corby said his organisation was targeting the younger market through
partnership with the SA Amateur Football League.

"Those clubs are heavily populated by 18-to-34-year-olds and we bring a lot
of them out to the races on a Thursday night," he said.

"We are also redeveloping our website and increasing our use of social
media, like Facebook and Twitter, to engage with a younger audience."

More than 1600 races were held at the Angle Park course last year.

Mr Corby said a lot of betting happened off-course but race meets were still
popular. "We still get about 500 people at a Thursday night race meeting
which is the most popular night," he said.

Casual punter Jordan Thompson, 19, said he and his mates got together once a
week.

"It's not like the horses where races can be long and strenuous," Mr
Thompson said. "It's quicker and fun to bet on over a few drinks with a
couple of mates."

He believed the fast-paced nature of the sport made it attractive to younger
punters. "The races are fast and more exciting than horse racing. And it is
a lot easier to pick a winner because there are less dogs," he said.

Meets are held on Monday and Thursday evenings and Wednesday mornings.