Photos capture anticipation of dog racing in Vung Tau
VOV.VN - The modern sport of greyhound racing emerged from the ancient hunting practice of pursuing game with dogs.
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In 18th century Britain, this evolved into an organized sport among the nobility called coursing, wherein two hunting dogs raced against each other to catch a hare. |
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However, the modern sport didn’t catch on until 1926, when American businessman Charles Munn joined with several English backers to form the Greyhound Racing Association. |
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The sport quickly became popular with greyhounds racing around an oval course chasing an electric hare. |
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In 2001 the sport began to catch on in Vietnam with the opening of the Lam Son dog track in the province of Vung Tau. |
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Races run every Friday and Saturday night, from 7:00-10:00pm. |
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Here, spectators clutch betting stubs, watching with thrills and nerves as the canines make their circuits. |
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The greyhounds can run at speed clocking 60 kilometres per hour. |
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Each night there are 10 races. |
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Dogs are numbered from one to eight and have funny names such as like Hong Nhi, Nhu Thao, Manh Cuong, Ni and Nam Dai. |
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Betting starts at US$.45 (VND10,000). |
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