GBGB is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Track Liaison Officer. Mark Peacock will take up the newly created role on 6th September and will work closely with every GBGB track to ensure greyhounds are racing on the safest possible surfaces. He will work alongside STRI (formerly the Sports Turf Research Institute) as they provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of track preparation and maintenance. 

Mark Peacock

A highly experienced turf and grounds manager, Mark joins GBGB from Godolphin Horseracing Stable where he is currently Gallops Manager responsible for the safe and smooth running of the Team’s extensive training gallops. He holds a distinction in Racecourse Management from the Institute of Groundsmanship and is experienced in preparing and maintaining a range of racing surfaces.

Prior to joining Godolphin, Mark was the Assistant Head Groundsman at Huntingdon Racecourse where he was responsible for ensuring the racecourse was prepared to Jockey Club standards. This included the planned and preventative maintenance of the track and equipment as well as a yearly overhaul of the track to ensure it was properly prepared for the racing season.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark Peacock said:  “I am very much looking forward to joining GBGB and getting to know teams across the licensed tracks. Having worked in horseracing for over 20 years, I know how important it is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our athletes at all times. Without the very highest safety measures, we cannot have sports involving animals and I am committed to upholding and building on the excellent safety standards which already exist across licensed greyhound racing.”

GBGB Managing Director, Mark Bird, said:   “We were fortunate to attract a number of very strong applications for this new role both from within and outside greyhound racing. Mark’s experience and expertise in animal welfare and track preparation, however, meant he was ideally placed to take on this role and we are delighted to welcome him to the GBGB team.

“Mark will play a key role as we work to reduce track injuries further. We have made good progress in recent years but I am confident that through Mark’s advice and guidance, we can make significant progress in this area and bring about long-term sustainable improvements.”