Greyhounds will run 360 races in La Marque between December 27, 2017 and February 24, 2018. Visit www.gulfgreyhound.com for information.
Since 1992, City of La Marque landmark Gulf Greyhound Park has been the world’s largest greyhound racing operation and, after a two-year hiatus, live racing will resume on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, with a series of 36 dates.
“Everyone is excited about the return of live racing and we have a lot of special things planned, said General Manager Sally Briggs. “There will be six food trucks for every performance, along with food and drink specials inside. We are planning special events for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President’s Day. We are dedicated to creating a true experience for our guests.”
The return of live racing meant a round of renovations and upgrades for Gulf Greyhound Park. According to Briggs, park owners made major investment into the grounds, including interior upgrades, 240 tons of sand that will ensure the very best racing conditions, pole sign repairs and major overhaul at the kennels.
According to La Marque Mayor Bobby Hocking, the return of live racing is good for the city because it attracts tourism and creates jobs. City of La Marque leadership will attend the first race on December 27 to commemorate and congratulate Gulf Greyhound Park.
“I appreciate Sally Briggs’ steadfast efforts in keeping the track thriving until live racing returned,” said Mayor Hocking. “The Park is home to wonderful events throughout the year and for that, we are thankful. We are blessed to have Sally’s leadership in our community.”
Along with live racing and simulcasting, Gulf Greyhound Park is home to several of Galveston County’s signature events including Magical Winter Lights, Bigass Crawfish Bash and Texas Classic Rockin Food Truck Rally. The Park also holds special events, such as Kentucky Derby Day. Private suites and ample parking make the Park a prime location for trade shows, class reunions, holiday parties and private celebrations.
Schedule
- Live races will be held from December 27, 2017, to February 24, 2018.
- Admission will be $2 and parking is free
- Races held December 27, 28 and 30 will start at noon
- Matinee races will be held Sundays and Wednesdays
- Evening races on Thursdays and Saturdays start at 6:00 p.m.
- For a complete schedule, visit www.gulfgreyhound.com
Race Lingo
- Race days are called performances
- Each performance includes 10 races
- Race start time is called post time
- Gates open one hour before post time
- Simulcasting allows gamblers place bets on dog and horse races at other tracks
- Gulf Greyhound Park will continue simulcasting when live racing isn’t occurring
Greyhound Adoption
- Gulf Greyhound Park has an established greyhound adoption program
- Interested families can fill out an application online
- Kennels decide when a greyhound should be retired and it is added to the adoption list
- According to Briggs, retired racers do have some special requirements but they are big couch potatoes and great pets.
Kennel Questions
- Six kennels brought dogs to race for this series
- Each kennel holds about 65 greyhounds
- Most greyhound kennels are from Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia and Florida
- To race in Texas, the racing commission requires 40 percent of the dogs be born in Texas
- Dogs take at least two days off between races
Local Jobs
- Live racing created about 45 high paying temporary jobs in La Marque
- Gulf Greyhound Park is still hiring lead outs, bartenders, tellers, receptionists and housekeeping who are courteous and committed to customer service
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About the City of La Marque: The City of La Marque is strategically situated in Galveston County, 15 miles south of Houston and four miles north of Galveston Island. La Marque is the second-fastest-growing city in the County with an estimated population of 16,000, an area of 14.25 square miles and boasting 14.3 miles of I-45 frontage—more than any other city in Galveston County. Citizens enjoy easy, breezy coastal living, abundant housing options and the security of a hurricane protection levee system. La Marque is a sportsman’s paradise and offers access to world-class medical, travel and entertainment options. Citizens and visitors enjoy Bayou Fest, an early fall concert series and BBQ Cook Off offering free family fun; Magical Winter Lights, a 52-day holiday lantern festival; and Crawfish Bash, an annual crawfish cook off that earned a Guinness World Record in 2017. For business, La Marque offers prime I-45 frontage, creative incentives, an abundance of commercial property, a budding downtown revitalization and build-to-suit opportunities. La Marque is the Gateway to the Gulf and the Hub of the Mainland. Discover the possibilities at www.cityoflamarque.org.