A CALL TO THE BARR
Dog racing is first out of the traps
PERRY BARR will stage the UK’s first official live sporting action postlockdown when the ‘Arc Thanks to NHS and Key Workers Stakes’ takes place at 10.21am today.
The Birmingham venue is one of 12 greyhound tracks to stage behindclosed-doors meetings today after two weeks of trials where strict social distancing and hygiene measures have been followed.
GBGB managing director Mark Bird said: “We have been clear from the start of the lockdown that a swift return to racing is in the best interests of our greyhounds.
“We are thrilled to be racing again and to be flying the flag for our sport as the first to return. This has been a tumultuous time and, as a sport, we have had to weather it together. Today, however, is a cause for celebration.
“I would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to get us into this next phase of our COVID19 Operational Policy.
“I know everyone will be delighted to see our greyhounds back on the track and doing what they love most.”
Martin Fennings, general manager at Arcowned Perry Barr, said: “It has been a long and tough 10 weeks for everyone.
“Today, albeit behind closed doors, will finally see our greyhounds returning to racing and enjoying doing what they do best.
“Arc provided the last sporting event prelockdown with the last UK greyhound race at Nottingham Stadium on March 23 and we are proud to be the leading sport back with the first greyhound race in the UK at our stadium today.
“The excellent teams across all our stadia have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of those working behind closed doors.”
The 12 tracks racing today are Central Park, Doncaster, Harlow, Henlow, Kinsley, Monmore, Nottingham, Perry Barr, Romford, Swindon, Sheffield and Yarmouth.