Tracks look to reopen in April
GREYHOUND tracks have pencilled in April 14 for a return to racing, subject to government advice
Until the tougher restrictions on Monday, greyhound racing had been “the only show in town” and able to continue behind closed doors.
This allowed the industry to pay staff and trainers who, in turn, could look after the greyhounds.
However, following Boris Johnson’s decision, Mark Bird, managing director of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), ordered a suspension of racing – and soon after revealed a package of financial measures to help trainers.
This has been followed by a series of announcements from all UK track promoters offering to pay for each greyhound on their kennel strength for three weeks, when the situation will be reviewed and extended if necessary.
Bird said: “Promoters have been solid in their support for their trainers and the greyhounds.
“The welfare and care of animals is our highest priority and no registered GBGB greyhound will be left out.
“We have stressed to government that halting racing will have a direct economic impact.
“But there is financial assistance available to ensure our greyhounds are looked after. The politicians I’ve spoken to are aware of the steps we took whilst we were behind doors and I’ve reiterated the need to get back to racing as soon as it is safe,” added Bird.
The suspension came just after Sheffield and Monmore were able to complete their GBGB Category One events last weekend.
Monmore staged the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby Final, won by Ernie Gaskin’s Newinn Jacko, while Kevin Hutton’s Headford Ranger (below) plundered the RPGTV Steel City Cup Final to complete a brilliant unbeaten run.
Both are likely Derby entries – although the sport’s main event has now been delayed. It had been due to start on Friday week but could now be staged closer to the more traditional slot in June or July.
THERE is still a high-class list of nominations up for the RPGTV/GWA Greyhound of the Month for March.
Voting opens at 8pm tonight via @rpgreyhounds on Twitter and fans can vote for the following:
Cearnsport Springbok winner Burgess Doc (Lee Field), Coral Golden Sprint champion Goldies Hoddle (Patrick Janssens), RPGTV Steel City Cup hero Headford Ranger (Kevin Hutton) and Ladbrokes Puppy Derby winner Newinn Jacko (Ernie Gaskin).