The origin of the greyhound is deeply rooted in ancient history. Murals and paintings of the dogs strikingly similar to today's greyhound existed over 4,000 years ago. In the late 1800s, the greyhound was imported to the United States and racing events soon followed. Greyhound racing, as we know it today, began around 1912 when Owen Patrick Smith invented the mechanical lure, making racing around a circular track possible. History has proven that the greyhound is an animal born to run. Originally a hunting dog because of its speed, a greyhound will chase anything that moves.

While speaking with a “horse people” one day, we were told of the old racetrack. Horseback riders have been maintaining the racetrack as a horse trail, so they tend to guard its location from others. There is not a lot of information available on this place. Part of the old Naval preserve (now Otis Pike preserve), the track was operated in the late 1950’s by dog racing enthusiasts. The area was referred to as “Peconic River State Park” but at this time we do not know the actual racetracks name. The track was simply laid out in a cleared area within the preserve. With a concrete office building that served many purposes, wooden grandstand, wire kennels and a lure maintenance shed. On Friday evening, the contestants would arrive howling in anticipation of the morning run. Saturday and Sunday would bring many exciting races to be enjoyed by owners, spectators and dogs alike.
BGLI continues its search for information on this site. If you have any knowledge of this place please contact the BGLI webmaster.

PLEASE SUPPORT RESCUE
http://www.greyhoundrescuerehab.org/
http://www.ligreyhound.org/
http://www.gratefulgreys.org/
http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/
http://www.littleshelter.com/