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They're off, at least we think they are!
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 10th Dec 2002.
DRINKERS enjoyed a taste of life in the slow lane, as snail racing took a Swindon pub by storm.
O'Neill's Irish bar in Fleet Street hosted snail races in which customers backed their favourite snail in a bid to win pints of Guinness.
Steve Feegrade, 39, from Old Town, was there to make his first foray into the unconventional sport.
He said: "Everyone is rushing around doing their Christmas shopping, so this makes a fun, calming change. I have eaten snails before, but this is my first time watching them."
And Andrzej Walega, 27, from Swindon, was on a winning streak.
He said: "I gave it a try and my snail came in first. Although it may not become an Olympic sport, snail racing is very different and entertaining. The free pints make it even better."
After a hard day's racing, the snails were saved from the dinner table and released into the wild.
Richard Crickmar, manager of O'Neill's, said: "Christmas is a hectic time, so we decided to chill out, taking inspiration from the snail's pace. Our customers certainly appreciated the opportunity to slow down with a peaceful pint and enjoy this brilliant spectator sport."
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