While the dogs continue to race, the track managements are facing some tough decisions in relation to staff.
With no public through the gate, catering, restaurant, security, and tote staff are among those being laid off for an unknown period.
Droopys pups on the gallop in Portlaw – pic Yvonne Harrington
Of course it is one thing knowing that your restaurant supplies have a two week shelf life, how about those people having to think much much further ahead?
I am thinking particularly of the breeders and who better for an opinion than Michael Dunphy, who with brother Sean, breed the world famous ‘Droopys’ greyhounds. I have known the Dunphy family since Ballyvalican was better known for its pigs than its greyhounds. So how are they coping?
Michael said: “It is all a bit sudden so it is hard to tell what the effect will be. To be honest, we had been on a really great run until that RTE programme. That definitely slowed things up but it came back well enough.
“At the moment, if we had a real top dog, I think he would sell just as quick. What the long term effect will be, you wouldn’t know. But at this time of year, a lot of our better broods are due in season and we aren’t looking to cut back on breeding at this stage.”
An additional problem facing the lads is the likelihood that all greyhound sales will be suspended. Kilkenny’s sale on Saturday has already been called off. But by necessity, there is a need to continually move on young dogs to make space in the kennels for the younger generation.
On that basis, I have suggested an alternative option to the brothers. If they would like to solo their young dogs in official IGB trials at Waterford, I would be happy to feature the dogs and their reserve prices on this website.
GBGB are reminding tracks of the necessity for social distancing in pre race procedures amid reports of crowded paddocks at kenneling and weigh-ins. There are also issues in relation to close proximity parading and placement of greyhounds in traps.
Meanwhile stewards have been briefed to take a more ‘supportive’ rather than ‘regulatory’ stance in their kennel visits to ensure, in particular, that all greyhounds have adequate feed and bedding.
The Board have also confirmed that they have earmarked budgets designated for rehoming and kennel improvement in case of dire hardship needs should tracks be forced to cease racing
Shawfield, which comes under Scottish jurisdiction and had previously rejected the call to race behind closed doors, has suspended racing today.
This afternoon I am due to visit Towcester as they await what should be their final visit from GBGB, fingers crossed, before they are licensed.
Promoter Kevin Boothby is confident that the check list has all been met and the floodlights will be fired up for the first time this evening. I will update later, but if all goes to plan, you can expect the track to be in operation as early as next week.
