Henlow are hoping to delay the closure time of their opens by two hours as they tackle a winter runner shortage writes Floyd Amphlett.
The traditional problem of trainers leaving their dogs on their beds in the winter, a shortage of trainers, and the opening of Towcester has put the racing strength under extreme pressure.
Racing manager Paul Mellor said: “Providing we get agreement from the GBGB, we would like to close our opens at 2pm in future.
“We know that Towcester are getting lots of entries and not all of them get a run. But because our entries close at the same time, noon, trainers don’t have the option to switch. In addition, we are probably missing around 50 runners who are simply being rested during the bad weather”
The delayed closure idea is backed by promoter Kevin Boothby who said: “As an owner I know how frustrating it can be to enter dogs for races and not get a run. Hopefully there will be a few less disappointed people.”
Boothby was philosophical about the impending loss of trainer Katie O’Flaherty, who joins Crayford in March.
He said: “Katie is young and bright and goes with our best wishes. If these young trainers don’t get the chance to progress, they will leave the industry.
“We acknowledge where Henlow is in the grand scheme. We don’t have a BAGS contract and although we are on RPGTV, the money doesn’t begin to compare. But we do our best.
“At the moment the racing strength is down to 130 and it is a bit frustrating.
“We have full cards for the TV coverage with very few people at the track, but for our first Saturday we have a full restaurant and only seven races.
“Looking further ahead, we plan to stage a category one, or two, event every month throughout the year, so there is plenty to look forward to.”
