Four-legged wonders racing around a track. No, it's not the horses.

We sent Rory Dollard to the dogs...

		by BBC South Yorkshire contributor Rory Dollard

If you’ve ever been a betting man (or woman) then Owlerton is the place for you.

It's located just opposite Hillsborough and in all honesty a night at the dogs offers something the current Sheffield Wednesday team cannot – namely that you will always see a winner.

A young hopeful prepares for riches

When I visited the latest Tuesday night meeting I was hooked within minutes.

For a £3 entrance fee you get an absurdly detailed race card featuring every possible statistic of each dog and, more importantly, a licence to live out your dreams.

That’s right. When I confidently slammed my money on the Tote desk I really was the greatest gambler that ever lived. Perhaps I gave the game away with my meagre stake of 50p but the thrill of the chase can always compensate for such minor details.

Will you be a lucky punter?

Such is the nature of the human condition, of course, that one cannot help but devise a ‘system’.

It never occurred to me that people have been studying the form for months and that it might be possible that there may be the smallest of faults in my new foolproof scheme.

This though did finally dawn on me after I had to consign each of ‘Bet on the second heaviest dog in each race,’ ‘Bet on the dog in the outside trap’ and ‘Bet on the dog that the man in front of me bets on’ to the dustbin in consecutive races.

Delusions of grandeur aside though it was a great atmosphere (plenty of W.G Grace lookalikes, a lot of pipe smoke and an announcer with the kind of voice that was made for the job) and I even managed to back a couple of winners.

There's always next time...

This is a great and, if you can restrain yourself, inexpensive night out.

There’s something in the air down there. After all, what else could explain the thoroughly undignified celebrations of your correspondent upon winning the princely sum of £1.56?

When? Most Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call the stadium for further information on 0114 234 3074.

Where? Owlerton Stadium, Hillsborough

How much? Entry is £3 which includes a race card. Alternatively, at the time of writing, for parties of 10 or more there is a £10 deal which includes: Admission to the Six Pack Enclosure Race card Pint of beer or glass of wine Chicken and chips £1 Tote jackpot bet Entry to a prize draw

Getting there Catch the 53 from Sheffield city centre heading to Ecclesfield

Suits No age restrictions - but children can't go into some bars

Got a favourite activity or pastime that costs less than a tenner? Tell us about it!