I believe that we are collectively making huge strides in the right direction in our sport and I have been pleased to witness this first-hand time during my time on the Board. My three years as Trainers’ Director have quickly come to an end and I am hoping you can support me as I continue to ensure that the voices of trainers across our sport are heard.
Peter Harnden
Since the launch of the Greyhound Commitment and the publication of the annual injury and retirement data back in 2018 there has been a real shift by GBGB to become more open and transparent. As Trainers’ Director, opening up the channel of communication between trainers and the GBGB had been one of my top priorities and I hope that I helped involve this. In return, I’ve also tried to better communicate back what is taking place at GBGB. I am pleased with what I’ve achieved, but there is, of course, more that I would like to do if I am re-elected.
I spend a great deal of my time on the phone to trainers and owners, trying to help where I can with their issues but, unfortunately, I cannot speak to all those trainers out there who are facing a problem with their dogs or their kennel. To help me hear from more trainers across the country, one of the main actions I would like to introduce if re-elected is to set up a ‘local trainer rep’ at each stadium. This would be an individual who I would work closely with to try and capture the concerns of trainers across all our tracks. It would hopefully mean that trainers can more easily channel their concerns onto me and I, in turn, will try and address them and ensure they are being brought to board meetings.
Of course, it is one thing to get heard and another to actually bring about change. One of the main issues that owners and trainers speak to me about is the current rules around disqualification and it was the first thing I was asked to do by trainers when I came into the role. From day one, I have been working to get this addressed and I hope to be able to update trainers soon on the new workings of the disqualifications procedure.
I believe I speak for all trainers when I say that I do not want to drag down by those whose kennel standards are not up to scratch. We all want the best for our dogs and I truly believe that if you are not capable of providing this, then there is simply no place for you in our sport. I have championed the new kennel inspection standards and once the new Code of Practice is launched, I would like to work with trainers to help them use it. The vast majority of trainers out there are already meeting the standards day-in-day-out, but for those who are nearly there I want to support them to make the improvements needed but there is no longer any excuse for trainers not to provide the very best care to their greyhounds.
Over the past year or so, I have also enjoyed being a part of the steering group for the Apprenticeship programme. It is great to see a group of enthusiastic people getting this tailored training and experiences. This week I was really pleased to see twenty-five-year-old Nathan Hunt, who is currently enrolled on the Apprenticeship, take up his Professional Trainers licence. It is exactly this enthusiastic, welfare-driven young blood that our sport needs and I wish him the very best in his new role. I hope that, over the next few years, we see more young people come through this programme to roles throughout our sport.
As trainers, we only have one voice on the Board and I am proud and honoured to currently be that voice. I would love to see a more equal voice for all parts of the industry but, as it stands, it is vital that trainers – who are the lifeblood of our sport – are being heard loud and clear. I would be privileged to continue in this role and represent you all.
