Shawfield are the latest track to get into contact with support for the permit scheme.

The Glasgow track lost many decent trainers when the NGRC decided that they would no longer licence trainers without kennels.

Racing manager Daniel Rankin said: “There was never a problem with permit racing and we would be delighted if it was reintroduced. These small guys are the life blood of this game. I am not sure where the concerns about inconsistent dogs come from, you are just as likely to get that from professional trainers as the small guys and their dogs are generally immaculate and well looked after.

“The timing of this is particularly important with Ardmadale closing and a lot of good greyhound men having nowhere to race. Speaking on behalf of the Shawfield management, we will certainly be supporting the return of permit racing.”

 

Meanwhile the flood of signatures for the petition has slowed to a trickle – we are just 16 short of reaching the 200 mark but any additional publicity we can generate via RPGTV on Sunday can surely get us over the line. Remember to email to [email protected].

Whatever happens the petition will be closed down on Monday morning, exactly one week since it was launched. We have achieved what we set out to do. The reintroduction of permit racing is being discussed with all track promoters, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Further I have been asked to resubmit an updated proposal to the GBGB’s rules committee with the guarantee that it will feature on the agenda when the committee next meets at the beginning of November.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part including all the other websites who have been prepared to publicise something that can hopefully benefit the whole sport.

Crack this and we might want to tackle some of the other issues that are holding back the greyhound industry . . .

Floyd Amphlett