DOG BOOM

Evening Star, Issue 19661, 14 September 1927, Page 10

DOG BOOM

RUBRIC WARNED. Tho city editor of the ‘Daily Majl ’ warns the*public against credulously investing in mushroom dog-racing companies. Ho says; “ Notorious sharepushers aro associated with one such company.” He also points out that the sport is still in its infancy, and lacks national control. “Though tho capital of existing companies is £335,900, the figures do not givo an idea of the money involved,” says the writer. For example, the company controlling tiie White City possesses _ a nominal capital of £25,000, yet (he income must be at least £100,001) per annum. “Certain company promoters arc anxious to take advantage of tho ‘ get-rich-quick ’ ambitions of a section of tbo public, but investors need to beware of companies which dangle the Wbite City as a bait and propose to establish tracks here, there, and everywhere. Swindlers in all categories arc planning to reap a harvest.” Thirty-two dog-racing companies were registered in England during 1927, with capital of £335,900, and twelve since July 1.

Between a. thousand and two thousand bookmakers operate at the White City alone, including the leading members of Tattcrsall’s, who are prepared to accept bets of any amount. Wagers of £SOO at 2 to 1 against ait freely laid, whereas in horse-racing the same bookmakers would have made the odds 4to 1 on. The reason is that the public hacks a larger portion of dogs than horses, and the trials arc open to the public.

So-called “ inside information ” is practically non-existent, and the bookmakers are almost sure to show a pro fit at every meeting.

Though greyhound coursing authorities deplore the increasing popularity of track-racing, as inimical to true sport, breeders are finding an exceptionally lucrative market, says the ‘Evening News.’ A year ago, when track-racing started, a man who nad bred seventy “saplings” drastically weeded out until, perhaps, only seven remained for coursing purposes. Tho selected dogs fetched hundreds of pounds, and the cast-offs averaged, possibly, £2O. Rut it has been found that cast-offs might beat selected dogs on the track. As an example, one of the most frequent winners on the track, Charlie Cranston, fetched £lO as a puppy. -Similar cast-offs arc now worth from' £IOO to £l5O.