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Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere Comes Rusty is a familiar sound to anyone that loves dog racing at The Palm Beach Kennel Club. Rusty is a mechanical rabbit that is sent around the track for the dogs to chase. It is the “Ready, Set, Go at a dog racing track as they open the gates to 30 seconds of excitement. Rusty is so famous, there have even been movies made about this “rascally rabbit.” But the furry bunny that has never been caught is about to take his final lap around the track at the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
The Glory Days of Dog Racing Excitement at The Palm Beach Kennel Club
Greyhounds have been racing at The Palm Beach Kennel Club since 1932. The track was a popular tourist destination in Palm Beach County in the sixties, seventies, and eighties. In its glory days, the track drew thousands. Famous movie stars, sports figures, and politicians have attended at times. In fact, Martin Scorsese filmed parts of his epic The Irishman (2019) here at the track. The movie is about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa and stars box office heavyweights like Robert Deniro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci. The setting of the film took place in the seventies. You can watch it on Netflix. This is all part of the history of The Palm Beach Kennel Club as they take their final lap at the end of December.
Dog Racing has seen a steady decline over the years. Para mutual wagering on dogs is about to end for fans at the Palm Beach Kennel Club, the greyhounds, and for Rusty, who will take his final lap before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
I attended a matinee race and was surprised to see the stands near empty. There were just a few folks there longing for the past that reminds them of “Old Florida.”
One Last Chance to See Dog Racing at The Palm Beach Kennel Club
I have attended dog tracks in the past in Jacksonville and Sarasota. For the sake of nostalgia, I wanted to visit one last time. I studied the matinee program carefully. I saw dogs with names like “Buzz Lightyear” and “Amazing Gus.” And how can you go wrong with a name like “Cash Cowboy”?
My confidence was building. I tried to stay cool. How do I bet again? I felt like a dog without a bone. (I know, sorry!) Did I remember the betting protocol? Fortunately, there are explanations in the programs to help. I also got some friendly reminders from the tellers at the betting window. Meanwhile, the dog handlers were walking the dogs to the starting gate for the big race. I had to get my bets in.
The Push to End Dog Racing
All dog tracks in Florida must stop live racing on December 31st because of a voter amendment that passed back in 2018. Due to concerns about the welfare of greyhounds, a campaign stressed what greyhound advocates described as harsh treatment of the dogs causing injuries and even death. Groups also pointed out that some dogs were given drugs. Arguments still occur when the topic of animal treatment arises.
What happens to the Greyhounds?
The Palm Beach Kennel Club works with Greyhound Adoption Agencies that look for loving homes. The dogs have to be walked three or four times a day, they have to be fed twice a day, they have to be watered, and they have to be loved. Retired Greyhounds make great pets that are gentle, friendly, affectionate, and are easy to care for. If you are interested in adopting one of these dogs, I have included some links for you to explore.
Simulcast Wagering & Poker
The Kennel Club has stayed ahead of the game by adding a popular poker room and live streaming services that allow players to bet on dog and horse races across the country. The club provides the best in simulcast wagering. Whether you enjoy betting on thoroughbreds, greyhounds, harness racing, or jai alai, there are lots of ways to win and over 500 screens to view all the action.
Play in one of Florida’s largest Poker Rooms featuring no-limit poker for the expert and easy to learn, play and win Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em just right for the beginner.
One Last Hurrah!
The Palm Beach Kennel Club will celebrate New Years’ with a celebration planned for December 31st. It will be a day to celebrate all the wonderful greyhound racing highlights from the past 88 years. This will mark the last day of greyhound racing in Florida as they cross the finish line. It will be the end of an era.
OK, I know I’m missing something, but what is it? Oh yes. It is the $50 I lost at the track. You should probably know that my luck was not with me for my last trip to the track. I have always said to the eyebrow raisers that it is just a fun day at the races. I could have spent that $50 anywhere. Maybe I should have gotten that fish pedicure instead.
If you want to experience live dog racing, the dogs run at 1 p.m. every day and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. You have until the end of December to experience a night at the track.
Plan your visit.The Palm Beach Kennel Club is located at:
1111 North Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, 33409
If you love animals, another place to visit in Palm Beach County is the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary or the Palm Beach Zoo. You can view my posts on these if you click the links.
