Sean Parker’s planned switch from Doncaster to Sheffield is off. The Hensall based handler will remain at the Stainforth circuit.
Mum Elaine said: “I’ll be quite honest, the whole idea has given us a lot of sleepless nights. The decision has nothing to do with Sheffield, Andy in the racing office is a cracking lad and did everything he could. But when we sat down and went through a few things, we realised we are better off where we are.
“We won’t be financially as well off at Doncaster, but this is about more than money. It is a 25 minutes journey compared to an hour and ten for Sheffield and it was causing some concern among the staff. It isn’t just race days, its trialling too and we have some new pups who have got to be graded on.
“We were at Sheffield for a very long time and were used to it, but we’ve grown to be very happy at Doncaster and have got used to tipping away at our own speed. The prospect of backwards and forwards several times a week just didn’t appeal.
“We have some brilliant staff. Good ones are nearly impossible to replace, and with winter approaching, I didn’t want to risk losing them. Most of them have been with us for over 20 years.
“There were other factors too. The Sheffield money is better but we would have to increase the kennel strength to get the top money. That would probably cost the guts of a thousand pounds per dog for anything half decent- then there is registrations and bond money too – and the big contract doesn’t look so inviting after all.
“I would also have to say that in the last few months, the racing office have really cracked on and I honestly don’t think you will find a better racing surface than Doncaster anywhere in the country.
“It has been a tough decision, but now we have made it, we know it is the right one.”
