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| Location | Monticello, Florida |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 27°52′00″N 82°37′36″W / 27.8667°N 82.6267°W |
| Owned by | Stevens Anthony Andris |
| Date opened | January 3, 1958 |
| Date closed | 2014 |
| Race type | Greyhound |
Jefferson County Kennel Club (JCKC) was a racino located north of Monticello, Florida, United States. It was the only venue for greyhound racing in north Florida between Jacksonville and Pensacola. Florida voters passed a constitutional referendum in November 2018 that banned greyhound racing at tracks by the end of 2020.[1] However, many Florida tracks remained open for simulcasting and poker rooms.
History
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During the period that is raced greyhounds, Derby Lane offered races in two distances – 550 yards (5/16 of a mile) and 660 yards (3/8 of a mile). The track is 21 feet wide, features a straightaway of 243 feet and the length of the stretch is 458 feet. The track's surface contains regulated and maintained white sand. [1] (accessed November 2012, select Derby Lane from Submit list).
A fountain and small manmade lake can be found in the middle of the infield. A small island of 5 palm trees on sand is in the middle of the lake, connected by a narrow bridge the short distance back to the mainly grassy infield.
There is a path which weaves through the middle of the infield, but it is not used very often, most often it is the photoshoot location for winners of major stakes races. Behind the winners circle there is a small warehouse type of building used for toteboard, lure, and gate electronic operations.
The dogs chased a standard inside rail lure known as an Alldritt lure, named for its inventor, Roy H. Alldritt. It ran on electricity. Originally named the Wonder Lure, it revolutionized oval track greyhound racing in 1937 - it was both reliable and kept the dogs interested in chasing it. [2].
The lure at JCKC was called Rusty by the race callers.[3] The announcer position on the track was held by two people, however only one worked the day's races. Jim Peake was the main track announcer from 1995 until the track's closure for live races and performed most of the announcing duties. Evening performances were held every day except for Sunday, and doubleheader (afternoon or matinee and evening performances) races were held on Wednesday and Saturday. TV monitors displayed information, weights and post positions, races, results, replays, and photos. The winner's circle was only used for major and stakes races, and weights and post positions were announced and filmed on track. The paddock was only used for dressing and weighing the dogs.
The track
editThe track consisted of three viewing levels. Each offered concessions, with the top two serviced by the Turf Club Restaurant with a poker room at the top. The track had a liquor license. The paddock was to the right of the track and could be viewed by a short walk from the finish line.
The track was one of the first greyhound racing tracks in Florida, and (according to the SP Times and track relations officials) was one of the few still making money in Florida. Due to competition around the area which includes casino boats, casinos, and horse tracks, Derby Lane has lost some qualities gradually such as a gift shop (lost 2009) a bar (lost 2008) and several other cost-cutting measures have been taken around the track. Turnout, though declining, was boosted by the closing of the second nearest dog track: Tampa Bay Greyhound Track. However, Florida Amendment 13 passed by the voters of that state in 2018, meant the end of greyhound racing in the state. After 95 years, Derby Lane held its last card of races as a series of matinee races on December 27, 2020.
Alternate gaming options
editThe track offered simulcast and pari-mutuel wagering on major dog and horse racing, when the participating tracks/events live performance schedule was applicable. Their Poker Room offered several standard card games including Texas hold 'em. The track was classified as a racino which excluded slot machines and Vegas-style games (blackjack, roulette, craps and keno).
Gallery
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Race track entrance at night -
Grandstand -
View of the track from the end of the first turn -
Greyhounds burst from the starting box -
Greyhounds race down the front stretch -
Track being groomed between races -
A view of the infield at the start of a race -
Greyhounds chase the lure toward the first turn -
Greyhounds stretch toward the finish line
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Greyhound Racing Banned in Florida". Greyhound Star.
- ^ Reams, Susie. "JCKC - a 50-year empire now sitting empty". ecbpublishing.com. ECB Publishing. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ a b Hall, Eugene. "A tribute to an old friend at the JCKC". Tallahassee.com. Tallahassee Democrat. Retrieved 15 May 2024.