Euro 2016 football, followed by the Olympics have hit attendances, ‘the living wage’ has cost an additional £90,000, but Sheffield boss John Gilburn is doing his best to maintain profitability.
He said: “It has been challenging with attendance down around 5% on last year but overall profit is just about on par with last year and we are hoping for a decent Christmas.”
At least the greyhound crisis is being addressed with the appointment of Ann Lagan and Patrick Betts. Gilburn commented: “I was delighted with the calibre of applicant, and it is possible we have gone a little OTT, but it will hold us in good stead for the future.”
Meanwhile sales agent Brian Harrison reports he has 51 runners in the catalogue for the track’s next greyhound sale on Sunday October 16.
He said: “There are seven ‘Droopys’ runners with breeder Michael Dunphy bringing them over himself. Among them is a bitch that they think could make a future marathon star. I am delighted with the overall entry. Most of the entries are pups between 15-17 months old and include unraced youngsters and others with decent form including a 29.20 winner at Kilkenny.”
The catalogue will be published on this website seven days prior to the sale.
