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ST. PETERSBURG - Derby Lane's evening races began Monday amid dark clouds. Soon after, the rain came as the greyhounds paraded to their posts past a grandstand full of umbrellas.
The dreary weather was a fitting end to the track's 78th season, a year in which it had to weather many storms.
In March Derby Lane closed for two weeks after an outbreak of kennel cough spread to more than 300 greyhounds and an upper respiratory illness killed two others.
The shutdown was the second for medical reasons in the track's history. In 1999 Derby Lane was closed for two weeks after six dogs died from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a pneumonia-like illness that spread to tracks around the country.
Derby Lane, one of the largest tax-paying parimutuels in the state, reported a loss of about $200,000 per week in state revenues. The track tried to make up for the 21 performances that were lost by adding Friday matinee races, but it was not enough.
Ontrack wagering was $120-million, down 18 percent from last year ($140-million). There also was a 16 percent drop in attendance.
"There was a war going on and the economy was down, but the illness was what really kicked us," said Richard Winning, vice president and assistant general manager at Derby Lane. "It happened right at our peak season, and the dogs weren't at full strength until the end of April.
"Sure, we added Friday matinee races, but that was more for the offsite facilities. It was just a tough year."
Despite many dark days, not all was gloomy. In January Derby Lane became the first North American track to simulcast races daily from Dublin, Ireland. Other highlights included Greymeadow Kennel winning the Kennel Standings trophy for the first time and Lonesome Cry out of Charter Kennel recording the most wins of the year (21).
During the next six months, the track will simulcast daily thoroughbred racing, jai alai, harness racing and greyhound racing from other tracks.
Winning said the track will discuss whether to continue with Friday matinee races next season. Another potential boost could come from T.L.'s Cardroom.
A bill that allows larger poker pots in card rooms at greyhound tracks and jai alai frontons has passed the Florida Legislature but must be signed by Gov. Jeb Bush.
"Instead of a $10 pot limit, there will be a $2 bet limit with no more than three raises," Winning said. "We hope this goes through. It could pick things up. The pot could go up anywhere from $20 to $40."
If the bill is signed, Tampa Greyhound, which opens its 73rd season today, would be the first to implement it.
The track's featured stake race tonight is the Tampa Inaugural Stakes. The Future Champions Preview is Wednesday.
Tampa Greyhound will have live racing at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Matinees are 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.