STORY:
Millennium Party Goes to the Dogs

Richest dog race in the world may celebrate millennium early to save money

Irish dog racing fans have been paying for three years for the opportunity to ring in the new millennium at the racetrack. Each have each dished out 1,000 Irish pounds (US $1,350) but it appears that’s not enough money. According to the Irish Independent, race track owners want to have the race a night early so they can afford it. That’s right, they want to celebrate the new millennium on the wrong night so they can afford the party.

Noel Hynes the managing director of Shelbourne Park Dog track in Ireland says the price of doing business on the eve of the new millennium is more expensive than he could have ever planned. Hynes says the track is way over budget and the only way to hold the "richest greyhound race ever" is to hold the race a day early. That means the New Year’s Eve party will actually be held on the eve of New Year’s Eve, or December 30.

More than three years ago, a group at the park won the approval of track management for a gala event on December 31, 1999 or New Year’s Eve. In return for the $1,000 subscription, they were told they would be sponsoring the richest greyhound race in the world with $50,000 Irish pounds (US $67,518) to the winner. Race goers were also told they would receive two tickets to a banquet and would be treated to a fantastic fireworks display and a raffle.

With all those promises more than 200 "Millennium Club" members have been paying for the event since April of 1996. Club members agreed to a payment plan and have been dishing out 5 Irish pounds every single week, by every member. Each member by December 31 will have paid 1,000 pounds.

But now just a few months from the event, in a letter Hynes told subscribers that the "wage costs of staging the event on the night are approximately 10 times normal". Because of this, Hynes is hoping the "Millennium Club" will agree to ring in the year 2000 a night early. Hynes says if the race goes on as planned most of the money will go to the staff and catering costs.

Hynes says 106,000 Irish pounds will be used for catering if they hold the event on the New Year’s Eve. This would leave only 47,000 pounds each for the race’s purse and the raffle. If club members hold the event a night early the catering costs go down to 40,000 pounds leaving 80,000 pounds for the purse and 80,000 pounds for catering and fireworks.

Hynes is asking the member’s to vote on the issue by October 19. "Millennium Club" members will have to decide if they want the "richest greyhound race" in history or do they want to make history by ringing in the New Millennium a night early.

DATE: 10/13/99

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