Racecourse promoter Kevin Boothby has decided to seek election for the vacant role as a GBGB practitioner director representing owners.
The Lincolnshire based businessman, who plans to re-open Oxford for greyhound racing in April, and already operates Towcester, Henlow and Suffolk Downs, does not believe that his application is a conflict of interest.
He said: “It is very important that everyone should understand that voting for me would not be a vote for another promoter. I would suggest that there are already too many of them on the board.
“I have owned greyhounds for over 30 years, long before I became involved with owning tracks and I believe I am, by volume, the biggest greyhound owner in Britain.
“Talk is cheap, but I think my actions in running the three tracks will have demonstrated how I feel about greyhounds and the people who own and train them and there is no doubt that owners are being undervalued within the industry, which is why Paul Carpenter stepped away.
“For a long period I had my doubts that anything could be done to turn things around, particularly given the stranglehold that ARC and Entain have on the Race Course Promoters Association, but the introduction of three new independent directors, has changed my mind. I was particularly impressed with Professor Madeleine Campbell’s attitude when I met her recently.
“I realise that the role will involve a level of commitment that I am prepared to give. In business, I like to surround myself with able people and I would be keen to have a full back-up if I am going to do this properly. I already have a few ideas and people in mind who I will call on for assistance.
“I am not aware that of any reason as to why I shouldn’t be considered though given some of the decision making of the Board in the past, nothing would really surprise me.”
The nomination deadline passed on Friday. A nomination committee is due to be announced on March 2, voting cards will be sent to all registered GBGB owners by March 14 with the voting deadline set for April 1. The count will be held on April 5.
